Learn how to use and wash cloth nappies and diapers, with help from Clean Cloth Nappies
Clean Cloth Nappies® provides easy to follow information to help you learn how to use and wash cloth nappies and diapers. Use our simple washing basics to match your washing machine and find a detergent which suits your needs.
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New to cloth nappies? Start here
Unsure how modern cloth nappies work, or how many nappies to buy?
Cloth Nappy Types. Fabrics. Liners. Fit. How Many Do I Need?
New to cloth nappies and unsure where to start? The Clean Cloth Nappies guide is here to help.
New nappies
Wash new nappies once before use. They can be added to other laundry, ideally white or light coloured items to prevent picking up colour run.
How to wash cloth nappies and diapers
Run a daily prewash cycle on subsequent days and complete a main wash when there is enough nappies/laundry to fill a main load.
Cloth Nappy Detergents (AU/NZ)
The Clean Cloth Nappies Detergent Index (AU/NZ) is available exclusively to our website subscribers.
Creating a great wash routine is easy. Our method involves a short wash cycle (the pre wash) and a longer second wash (the main wash) when there is enough nappies/laundry to fill the machine. We have detailed washing machine cycles for common machines, and you can use the Washing Machine Index to find recommended wash cycles.
Front Loader Wash Routine
Front loaders use less water, have longer cycles than traditional top loaders and most heat their own water.
Traditional Top Loader wash routine
Top Loaders provide a faster wash using more water than a Front Loader, however they aren’t as effective in comparison.
High-Efficiency Top Loader Wash Routine
High-Efficiency Top Loaders use less water and have longer wash cycles compared to traditional Top Loaders.
How to dry Modern Cloth Nappies
Use the highest spin speed on your washing machine (1200-1400rpm) to remove maximum water during the wash cycle and require less drying time.
Washing Machine index
The Clean Cloth Nappies Washing Machine Index lists pre and main wash cycles to use for washing your modern cloth nappies.
We recommend products that are readily available, inexpensive and useful in a wide range of applications.
Chlorine Bleach
Chlorine bleach (standard household bleach) can remove minor stains, major stains, oxidise ammonia and sanitise against certain pathogens.
Oxygen Bleach vs Chlorine Bleach
Oxygen bleach is one of the active ingredients in laundry boosters (for example vanish). Chlorine bleach is standard household bleach.
Enzymes
Enzymes help remove stains, increase whiteness, eliminate fabric pills, and prevent resoiling.
Rash Creams
With adequate agitation (correct loading), a mainstream detergent and warm-hot water, all rash creams will wash out of nappies.
With adequate agitation and loading, enough of a quality detergent, some laundry booster/stain remover and warm-hot water (40-60°C), your laundry should come out of the machine stain free. When it doesn't, we are here to help.
Ammonia and cloth nappies
Ammonia in nappies causes redness, burns, discomfort and pain. It will also degrade nappy fabrics such as bamboo, hemp, cotton.
Why are my cloth nappies getting stains?
Stains can happen. We have reliable methods to remove stains and prevent them from happening.
Why are my cloth nappies leaking?
The most common causes of leaks in modern cloth nappies are incorrect fit and lack of absorption. We outline common causes and easy solutions to prevent cloth nappy leaks.
Degradation of Fabrics
Ammonia, bacteria (stains and smells), fungi (mould), sun exposure and the use of acids, bases and undiluted bleaches can damage nappies.
Sometimes for one reason or another, it’s just not that easy to wash your nappies well. They get stinky, get stains, mould spots, or your child develops a nappy rash, redness or gets sick. Maybe you’ve purchased them second hand, or you’ve used a less than great detergent, for these reason you need to sanitise.
How to sanitise modern cloth nappies
Chlorine bleach and 90/95°C sanitise cycles both oxidise ammonia. The Clean Cloth Nappies sanitise methods provide directions and calculate chlorine bleach quantities.
Chlorine Bleach Sanitise
Chlorine bleach oxidises and removes certain stains easily. The Clean Cloth Nappies™ Sanitise chlorine bleach table provides the correct quantities to use.
90/95°C Heat Sanitise Cycle
Most Front Loader washing machines have a 90/95°C sanitise cycle. This is an effective method for sanitising nappies and bouncing ammonia.
How to remove Mould
Chlorine bleach and 90/95°C degree front loader machine cycles remove mould. It is possible to remove mould spores and stains caused by mould
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