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Real nappy washing instructions & nappy care
FAQs and advice on how to wash real nappies. Do I need to pre-wash? How to use Nappi Nippas etc. If you need more detail please contact us.
Do I need to pre-wash my nappies?
What do I do with soiled nappies?
How do I store dirty nappies?
How do I wash my nappies?
How do I clean my waterproof covers?
How do I dry my nappies?
How do I ensure the nappies don’t leak?
What do I do about smelly nappies?
Want to get rid of your old nappies?
How do I use my Real Nappies for London Voucher?
Do I need to pre-wash my nappies?
All new reusable nappies should be washed before use to increase their absorbency. A nappy will reach its maximum absorbency after about 6 washes, but it is worth washing 2-3 times as a minimum before first use. Wonderoos and bumGenius nappies only need to be pre-washed once or twice before use. You do not need to allow the nappy to dry between washes. (Please bear in mind that nappies cannot be returned once they have been washed).
Wash deep coloured nappies and white nappies separately for the first 1-2 washes to avoid colour run.
It is advisable to wash waterproof wraps before their first use to be sure that they are thoroughly clean.
What do I do with soiled nappies?
If you are using biodegradable flushable liners you simply remove the liner and the poo, as one, and flush them down the toilet. If there is any poo remaining on the nappy itself, this can either be scraped off or sluiced in the toilet. Please note that not all biodegradable liners are flushable; as a precaution, even flushable liners should only be flushed one at a time.
Note that most flushable liners, if just wet, can be rinsed through, dried and used again.
Wet-only liners can be composted.
If you are using a washable nappy liner, hold the liner over the toilet and the majority of the poo will simply fall off into the toilet. More stubborn soiling can be removed by sluicing the liner in the toilet. Due to the watery consistency of newborn baby poo (especially with breastfed babies) the liners can be washed without removing the poo first - the poo will wash out during the wash cycle.
Washable nappy liners should be placed in the nappy bucket with the nappies.
Liners, both washable and flushable, can be wetted and used as wipes. Washable fleece wipes are a great cheap and green alternative to commercial baby wipes.
How do I store dirty nappies?
Washable nappies are stored in a lidded nappy bucket. They can either be soaked or stored dry (‘dry-pailing’); this is a wholly personal decision – try both and see which you prefer. Dry pailing is generally the most popular, and easiest, option.
If ‘dry-pailing’, once you’ve removed the majority of the poo, then simply put your nappies straight into your nappy bucket. A few drops of tea-tree oil or lavender oil in the bottom of the bucket, or on a piece of fabric inside the bucket, will keep it smelling fresh. When dry-pailing, a mesh bag will help when transferring the nappies to the washing machine.
If soaking, half-fill the nappy bucket with water and add a few drops of tea-tree oil (a natural antiseptic and disinfectant ); be aware, however, that some babies can be sensitive to the oil. Alternatively you could add 2-3tbsp of white vinegar, or 1 tbsp of bicarbonate of soda. Please note that some nappy manufacturers discourage the use of one or more of these owing to reactions with their materials. For example Tots Bots discourages soaking at all, as bicarbonate of soda can corrode the cotton in their nappies and tea tree oil affects the colour in their coloured nappies.
Commercial nappy sanitisers (such as Napisan) are not recommended, as they tend to be biological and can therefore lead to skin irritations and can affect the elastic used in nappies.
How do I wash my nappies?
When you are ready to wash (generally when the nappy bucket is full or after a maximum of 3 days), place the nappies in the washing machine. If ’dry pailing’, a mesh bag contained within the bucket will make transferring the nappies easier - but make sure that the bag is left open so that the nappies can be released into the wash! If you’ve soaked your nappies it’s often a good idea to place a towel on the floor by the door of the washing machine to catch any drips as you transfer the nappies.
Wash at 60º using non-biological washing powder. You will only need a very small amount of washing powder (a third of the recommended amount) as it is the high temperature of the wash that sanitises the nappies rather than the detergent. Using too much detergent will simply make your reusable nappies stiff and the build up of residues may lead to nappy rash. If you can see soap suds in the machine during the final rinse, then you have used too much powder.
You should avoid fabric conditioner when washing real nappies, as this can affect the absorbency of the nappies and may lead to skin irritations. A little white vinegar (1-2 tbsp) in the conditioner compartment during the last rinse can help keep the nappies soft and prevent odours.
You can place other washing in with the nappies to avoid operating the machine on a half load. Include sheets, babygros etc in the wash.
If your real nappies have aplix (velcro), it is important to fold the tabs back on themselves, otherwise the nappies will stick to each other and to other garments in the wash.
Always wash according to manufacturer washing instructions.
How do I clean my waterproof wraps / covers?
Waterproof covers do not have to be washed after every use. Unless a nappy has become very wet, or the wrap has become soiled, it should only need changing after every 2-3 uses. Most wraps can be washed in the machine at a maximum of 60°C, although wherever possible it is best to wash by hand as continued machine washing will accelerate deterioration of the fabric.
It is best to avoid soaking the wraps.
Wraps dry quickly and are best dried naturally. To avoid damaging the waterproof coating, avoid hanging them directly on radiators and do not wring them.
See manufacturers instructions.
How do I dry my nappies?
Reusable nappies can be dried either on the line, in a tumble drier, over an airer or in the airing cupboard.
The cheapest and most environmentally friendly option is to dry nappies on the line. This will maximise the life of your reusable nappies, while the sunshine will deodorise, sanitise and naturally bleach them. Even when dried on the line, it is good to give terry nappies a quick blast in the tumble drier (if you have one) as this will help soften the nappies.
Putting a clean dry towel in the tumble drier with your nappies will reduce the amount of time it takes to dry them, as it will absorb some of the condensation.
Dry on a low-medium heat. Try to avoid drying bamboo nappies on a high heat as it can alter the texture of the fabric and may prevent the effective use of Nappi Nippas.
Always ensure that nappies are thoroughly dry before being stored away.
Always tumble dry according to manufacturer instructions.
How do I ensure the nappies don’t leak?
The most important thing is to ensure that the nappy fits well. Make sure that the nappy and liner are thoroughly tucked into the wrap otherwise the dampness from the nappy will wick out onto clothes. The outer wrap should be snug but should not be so tight that it leaves red marks on the tummy or legs. If you do find any redness you either need to adjust the wrap or move up to the next size.
How do I use the Nappi Nippa?
Nappi Nippas are the equivalent of the old nappy pin, but are a lot easier, and safer, to use. You’ll see on the back of the nippa that it has a series of little ’claws’; these will simply hook into the fabric of the nappy.
To put Nappi Nippas on, you simply hold the nappy in place with one hand, hook one claw into the fabric on one side, hold the tension and pull across to allow the second claw to hook into place on the other side. Then pull the lower claw and hook into place. Once in position, pull back gently on each ring to check that each of the fastenings are secure. A correctly positioned nippa will form a ’Y’ shape as seen in the photo.
What do I do about smelly nappies?
Smelly nappies are only rarely an issue, but if your nappies suffer from it you’ll know about it! The sharp ammonia smell is, in the main, as a consequence of teething. When teething, wee tends to change and can result in the build up of ammonia in the nappies. It’s likely to only be a temporary thing but it can last a few weeks and can come back during future teething periods, so here’s what you can do about it:
- give the nappies a cool wash before giving them their main wash. High temperatures can seal the smells in, so it’s a good idea to wash them on a cool setting first.
- cut right back on washing powder. A build-up of detergent can lead to a build-up of smells, so limit the detergent to about 1 tablespoon per wash - no more.
- About 2-3 tablespoons of white vinegar in the conditioner tray may help (but we’re not convinced on this one!)
- Get them out on the washing line as much as you can.
For most people, the smelly nappy issue will disappear within a couple of weeks.
What do I do with my old unwanted nappies?
Lizzie’s Real Nappies supports Rescue Mersy Trust, a baby rescue centre in Kitale, Kenya. The centre provides care, love and support for up to 20 babies who have been abandonned or orphaned. The Trust aims to provide long term loving homes for the babies. If you have nappies which you no longer need and wish to donate to the centre contact them - they are always very grateful! You simply send your nappies to an address in Cornwall from where they are transported to Kenya.
If you’re trying to sell your nappies try www.usednappies.co.uk
If you’re happy to give them away to another local family try Freecycle.
Return to TopLinks for further information:
Reusable nappy advice - we can give you detailed advice.
Finding the right brands of nappy for YOU - a quick guide.
Real Nappy trial packs and starter kits
