There are a number of ways to wash cloth nappies.
Personally, I use the quickest and cheapest way:
- Empty solids into toilet or rinse out runny breastfed poops.
- Close velcro tabs.
- Soak soiled nappies in a bucket of cold water (with lid out of reach of babies).
- Add 2-3 drops Lavendar or Tea Tree Essential Oil to soaker solution (anti-bacterial and anti-fungal). Keeps smells away. First make sure that child is not allergic to either of these. (Alternatively - and my preference- is to store soiled nappies in a bucket without any water.
- Drain soaker solution , put up to 24 nappies in machine at one time and do one short cold rinse (prevents stains setting).
- Add pure soap flakes (according to manufacturers instructions). I buy Pure Soap bars and grate my own so I just shake some out onto the nappies, about ½ to 1 cup. Make sure you get fragrance, dye and phosphate free soap. Normal washing detergent can also be used.
- Add ½ cup white vinegar either now, or if your machine stops between cycles before the final rinse. Vinegar acts like a fabric softener and neutralizes uric acid and removes detergent residue.
- Full wash cycle on HOT.
- Line dry or tumble dry on warm.
- (Optional: Hook up a hose from your machine so that the grey water can go into your garden.)
Don't use chlorine bleaches - they destroy natural fibres.
Don't use fabric softeners - they reduce absorbancy.
Alternatives:
Washing Fleece covers.
Fleece covers are highly water resistant. For best results soak in hot water with a very small amount of washing powder, rinse and spin in washing machine (or handwash separetely). Line or tumble dry on warm. Fleece covers can be washed with a load of nappies, but they may attract fluff. Fabric softeners can be used occasionally. If covers leak, change washing soap or detergent that you are using (water condition may affect soap/powder residue left on covers). Please note: when compressed fleece covers may get a slightly 'sweaty' feel which is water vapour.
