Caring for your Nappies
Mention cloth nappies to older generations and they’ll describe soaking pails of smelly nappies, boiling them, folding towels, and accidents with safety pins. But the best reusable nappies these days can be as simple to put on as disposables – they’re shaped, elasticated, fastened with velcro or poppers, and come in a dazzling choice of prints. And they’re easier to care for too: there’s no soaking or boiling; all you have to do is chuck them in the washing machine. Truly, we are living in a golden age of reusable nappies.
For detailed wash routine and washing help and advice we recommend www.clothnappynerds.com who also provide advice and guidance for how to sanitise pre-loved cloth nappies and nappies with ammonia build-up. However, please note that pre-loved nappies are not covered by our warranty and any bleach use on our nappies where they are new to you would void the warranty which is why we support their washing advice so that you will not need to use bleach on your nappies when you have a good washing routine.
• All Nappies and wraps including inserts/ boosters (anything used as a nappy) must have an initial pre-wash followed by a full wash.
• For a "pre-wash" we recommend a heated 40 or 60 degree short 45 min - 1 hour wash with half a dose of detergent. For nappies that are on baby for 5 hours or more, such as overnight, we recommend this is a 60 degree wash and this includes both the absorbent part and water resistant part or wrap. We recommend using the highest spin speed available when using a front loader washing machine.
• For the "Full Wash" also known as the main wash we recommend you wash on a 40 degree (maximum 60 degree) cycle with full dose of detergent. A full dose is in accordance with the dosage instructions for your detergent and will vary depending on drum size and water hardness, always refer to the "heavily soiled" dosage for nappies. We recommend if you are only doing your full wash every 3 or 4 days or if you are using non-bio detergent that you always wash at 60 degrees. We recommend that you make sure your washing machine is loosely full for your main wash (closed fist at the top) and use your longest cotton cycle (not eco). We recommend using the highest spin speed available when using a front loader washing machine.
• Use liquid or powder detergent, do not use ecover or similar detergents with low surfactants and high levels of soap.
• Tumble on low if needed but do not tumble anything with PUL (waterproof layer)
• Keep away from direct heat sources such as radiators
• Avoid nappy creams except those approved for cloth.
• Fabric softener should never be used.
• Using bleach will void the warranty.
For our wash routine questionnaire click here.
Bells Bumz Simple Wash Routine
