Caring for Cloth Nappies is Easy

Caring for Cloth Nappies is EasyThere are various washing routines, using different cleaning and sterilising agents so a great amount of control can be exercised over just how much environmental impact your routine has and how much it costs. Almost 90% of households have a washing machine, so most parents will be in a position to cope easily with cloth nappies.
Biodegradable, flushable paper liners make dealing with dirty nappies even easier. STORING NAPPIES Wet nappies and rinsed soiled ones can be placed in a dry lidded bucket while waiting to be washed. Alternatively use one of the soaking solutions below.

Fill your nappy bucket (approximately 9 litres)
1/2 - 3/4 full of water. If desired add:
2-3 tbs white distilled vinegar ;

OR
Add 1 tbs sodium bicarbonate

OR
Add 1 tbs domestic borax – you can order both in large packets from chemists

OR
Add 5 drops tea tree oil - from health food shops, chemists ;

OR
Add 1 tbs sanitizing powder - from chemists etc. or health food shops (for an environmental, nappy and baby friendly alternative)
Mix to dissolve, then add nappies throughout the day.

Change the solution regularly. ;
;** Please note: domestic borax and ordinary sanitizing powders should not be used on Velcro or waterproof fabrics Some of these soaking and washing methods may not be suitable for some nappies - if in doubt consult the distributor. We accept no responsibility for damage caused by the use or misuse of this.

WASHING
Domestic borax and sanitizing powders are germicides and may not require the nappies to be washed with detergent after soaking, just rinse them thoroughly.
Boiling washing is the traditional way of washing and sterilizing traditional nappies e.g. terries. Done regularly it may reduce the life of the nappy so is not generally recommended by manufacturers. A hot wash cycle at 60oC will adequately cleanse nappies.

DRYING
Sunshine will deodorize, sanitize and naturally bleach nappies OR line dry indoors. Most nappies can also be tumble dried.

USEFUL TIPS

• A small plastic bin (about 20 Litres) with secure lid may be more convenient than a conventional nappy bucket, just double the solution.
• Biological detergents as well as perfumes, optical whiteners and other ingredients in ordinary washing detergents may cause skin irritation.
• Adding ½ - ¾ cup of vinegar in the last rinse cycle will keep nappies soft. BEWARE: commercial fabric conditioner will reduce the absorbency of nappies.
• It is important to thoroughly rinse the nappies before drying - regardless of having been washed or just soaked. 0