General laundry advice

We are currently writing more specific cleaning instructions for toys and non-nappy items. As with nappy laundry, the universal cleaning factors apply. With the correct combination of time, temperature, agitation and the right products, stains and smells are a thing of the past.

Clean Cloth Nappies has made washing so much easier. I don’t have to worry about empyting the washing machine as soon as it’s finished, my clothes *never* smell no matter how long I leave them. As a busy mum of two sometimes things fall behind and it’s nice to know that the worst thing that can happen if I leave a basket of washing for a day before I dry it is a crinkle here or there.

When I learned effective and efficient wash techniques for nappies and applied them to my clothes I had stains that had been there for years disappear. It’s saved me money because when I pulled out my older kid’s clothes to use for the younger kid the vast majority were stain free and in great condition.

It even makes me a better, more present parent. When my kids make big messes in their clothes (like when my son ate spaghetti in a restaurant and completely covered himself in spaghetti sauce) I was able to laugh at how cute he was because I wasn’t stressed about whether I could get the stains out.

Bethany, Australia

Removing stains and smells

Many members are surprised how much detergent they need to use for their children’s clothing. Children are often dirt and grime magnets (we mean this in the best way). After having children your household laundry might require significantly more detergent than you used pre-children.

It is important to match the amount of detergent you use to the amount of soiling in the machine. Check for suds approximately one-third (1/3) of the way into the wash cycle. If there are not enough suds dilute some detergent and pour it down the detergent drawer.

If you have been underdosing detergent for a while you may find you need to use a significant amount of detergent for several washes to remove the buildup of dirt and grime.

Sometimes items will still be stained when the wash cycle finishes, even when using the best detergent. Detergent alone often isn’t enough and you must add other stain removal products and techniques. Laundry boosters and chlorine bleach are useful for removing stains. Bar soap is useful for removing physical soiling (such as residual poo, mud or food).

1. Evaluated based on packaging (use-to-plastic ratio)
2. Using laundry booster in soft water may cause excess suds

Wool and silk require products that have a neutral pH level and are free of proteolytic enzymes (proteases). Use an enzyme-free liquid laundry detergent, and spot treat with bar soap or stain remover gel (liquid Vanish). Avoid using powder detergent, powder laundry boosters or chlorine bleach on these items as the pH is too high.

Using the longest cycle on your machine, a warm-hot (40ºC-60ºC) wash and good quality detergent removes most organic stains and embedded soiling. For best results wash in the highest temperature the fabric will tolerate.

Some items won’t tolerate warm to hot washes, and instead, need agitation and spot treatment to get clean. Others require professional service and dry cleaning.

Removing grease and oil stains

Spot treat with a bar of soap, and then wash in the washing machine on a long (2.5-3.5 hour) cycle with enough detergent to see suds during the wash cycle.

Removing sunscreen

Long (2.5-3.5 hour) cycles with enough detergent to see suds during the wash cycle will remove sunscreen marks. The sunscreen might turn pink during the oxidation process. This pink colour disappears in subsequent washes.

Removing makeup stains

A long, hot front loader cycle with adequate detergent should remove makeup from towels and clothing.

If stains are not removed during the wash cycle use an appropriate solvent stain remover (available in the laundry aisle at the supermarket) and rewash.

Removing mould from clothing and textiles

Mould can be effectively and safely removed from textiles using chlorine bleach or high heat. Salvaging mouldy items prevents landfill and saves money.

We have a stripped down version of our chlorine bleach calculator that steps through how to remove mould from textiles. This includes in-wash treatments that you can do using your washing machine, and small-scale soaks that you can do in a bucket.

Cleaning prams and strollers

Prams and strollers can be expensive items, and unfortunately, they can get quite dirty, sometimes even covered in mould. Our instructions show how to clean prams and strollers and remove mould. Save money and save the item from landfill at the same time.

If your pram contains removable fabric covers or accessories you can sanitise them in your washing machine. Check your pram manual (or YouTube) for tips on how to remove covers.

Wash any removable fabric components in your washing machine using detergent and warm water. Hand wash any parts that can’t be removed, including fabric.

Do not fully submerge prams or strollers with metal chassis, doing so may cause the chassis to rust.

Car Seats

Contact the car seat manufacturer for advice on cleaning car seats.

Downloads

• Clean Cloth Nappies guide – cleaning factors (233.41 KB)