Nappy Washing Instructions

Pre-wash:

Pre-wash all nappies and inserts before use to ensure maximum absorbency. We recommend doing so at least three times, allowing them to dry in between.

Dirty Nappies:

  • Keep all dirty nappies in a dry, lidded nappy bucket until you have accumulated enough for a load of washing. There is no need for nasty chemicals or soaking.
  • Wet nappies can either be placed straight in the bucket, or rinsed under a tap first. Rinsing will remove acidic wee, increasing the longevity of the nappy fabric.
  • Soiled nappies are very similar. Simply tip rolling poos straight into the loo or rinse off the poo using tap water, and saturate before placing in your lidded nappy bucket. If you are using an EcoNaps flushable bamboo liner, this can just be flushed away, before saturating the nappy, and placing in the bucket.
  • Wash dirty nappies every 1-2 days. Leaving them any longer will increase the chance of bacteria and mould growing.

Washing:

Washing is easy. For the best results from your nappies:

  • Remove all bamboo inserts from the nappy pockets before washing
  • Wash nappies and inserts on a cool cycle, using only use half the recommended laundry detergent (no hotter than 30 degrees).
    Do not use bleach, fabric softeners, whiteners or vinegar pre-rinse, particularly on soiled nappies. These chemicals can lead to nappy rash on your baby, and lessen the lifespan of your nappies.
  • Suede cloth is stain resistant. Treat any residing stains with sunshine, rather than chemicals.
  • Ensure dirty nappies do not sit longer than 2 days before washing.

Drying:

  • EcoNaps nappies and bamboo inserts are best line dried. If no outdoor area for drying is available, hang indoors on a drying rack, near a window exposed to sunlight.
  • UV rays from sunlight (not sunshine) will remove stains naturally, no nasty chemicals are required. Ensure nappy covers and inserts are hung separately to allow sufficient sunlight exposure.
  • EcoNaps nappies are designed to be fast drying. Bamboo inserts may take longer to dry. Ensure nappies and inserts are completely dry before reusing.
  • EcoNaps pocket nappies and inserts can be dried in a dryer on low heat setting.

PLEASE NOTE: Drying at hot temperatures may cause delamination of PUL and shorten the life of your nappies. Please follow all care recommendations to ensure nappy longevity.

Strip Wash:

Over time, you may notice that your nappies no longer smell fresh, even right after laundering. This usually means that they have build-up and need a good stripping. Build-up occurs when residue left by detergents, oils, nappy creams or other substances remain in the fibres.

To complete a strip wash:

  • Fill a laundry sink or bucket with warm water (not hot!).
  • Add to that water a small squeeze of your regular household dish-washing detergent (a natural brand is best).
  • Place all of your affected nappies into the bucket.
  • Leave the nappies in the soapy water overnight.
  • The following morning, drain the bucket and pop the nappies into your washing machine WITHOUT any washing detergent at all. Run it through a wash cycle, keeping an eye on the rinse cycle – if it is still sudsy, rinse again until the water runs clean.
  • Hang out to dry as normal.