Baby Cloth Nappy Care
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Step Three - Washing Your Nappies (new nappies purchased must be washed before use)
NOTE - DO NOT use washing detergents that contain ENZYMES, FABRIC BRIGHTENERS & FABRIC SOFTENERS. DO NOT use FABRIC SOFTENERS. DO NOT use VINEGAR or BAKING SODA in your nappy wash as it can effect the elastic in the nappies. Please be aware that some "environmentally friendly" detergents may not have sufficient cleaning agents to clean & disinfect your nappies thoroughly which can cause odors to set in (try Aware or Planet Ark washing detergent). Machine wash on normal cycle with only half the detergent you would normally use. Washing in hot or warm water is recommended. You should either pre rinse at the start of the wash & or do an additional rinse at the end of the wash to make sure all detergent is out of the nappies. If you don't have alot of nappies to wash you can pop them in the washing machine & run a rinse & spin cycle & then add you other items & wash as normal. DO NOT SOAK YOUR NAPPIES IN ANY FORM OF BLEACH, ENZYME CLEANERS OR BRIGHTENERS.
Step Four - Washing Wool Cover/Soakers Etc
Wool products only need to be washed every few weeks as they can be air dried between nappy changes. They only need to be washed before the two weeks if they become soiled from poo. Most wool products are protected with lanolin which neutralizes odors. Hand wash with wool wash in warm water. wring out moisture by wrapping in a towel. Hang to dry (outside in the Sun is the best). Every few months (or when the dry wool cover smells) it is recommended after washing that you put the lanolin back into the cover. Mix some hot water with some pure lanolin (about the size of a pea), then add cold water to bring the temperature to warm. Submerge wool cover and soak for about 20 minutes or more. 20 minutes will be suffice but if you wish to soak longer that is fine too. Remove cover DO NOT RINSE, wring out moisture by wrapping in a towel. Hang out to dry. Tip Lansinoh (used by breastfeeding mothers on their nipples) is pure lanolin & can be used to put the lanolin back into the wool. It is available at most chemists. Remember not to over rub any wool products.
Step Five - Drying Your Nappies (continued on next page)
Sunshine is the perfect way to dry cloth nappies out on the clothes line. Sunlight has fantastic qualities - perfect for getting out stains, kills bacteria, is free & keeps mother nature happy.