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Nappy Washing Guide

There are no hard and fast rules here, so long as your nappies don't smell or leave your baby with irritation then you're doing okay! 

Example wash routine:

  1. Remove solids if weaning
  2. Store in a wet bag or bucket (no soaking) for 2-3 days
  3. On wash day empty dirties in to washing machine
  4. Run a short wash (30-60 minutes) adding up to half a dose of detergent if desired
  5. Run a long cottons wash (2-3 hours) with a full dose of powder detergent
  6. Line dry

Storage

If weaning, remove any solids from dirty nappies and wipes before storing in a bucket or wet bag. If your baby is on a milk only diet everything goes in to the washing machine and will wash out. It's easiest to also pull out any inserts at this stage too. We recommend storing dirty nappies for 2-3 days before washing. 

Wash temperature

You can wash on 40 or 60 degrees. 40 degrees for bio and 60 degrees for non-bio detergent is recommended. (Be aware than using bio detergents may invalidate some manufacturers warranty).

Spin speed

It's recommended to use a spin speed up to 1000rpm

Drying

Line dry wherever possible. Using a dehumidifier or pointing a desk fan at drying nappies will speed up drying times. You may tumble dry some items on a low heat setting if required, please check the care labels. 

Detergent

You can use bio or non-bio detergent, either way we recommend a powder detergent and no fabric softener (be aware that using bio detergents may invalidate some manufacturers warranty).

Measure the dose of detergent required by checking the box. You will need to adjust for drum size, water hardness (can be found online) and heavy soiling.

In depth washing instructions:

On wash day empty your bucket or bag in to the washing machine. Run a short wash to remove the worst of the soiling for 30-60 minutes. You want this to be separate from your main wash so that your machine doesn't reuse the dirty water. You may choose to use up to half a dose of detergent here. 

After this quick wash is your main wash. You're looking to have the machine 2/3 to 3/4 full when wet for proper agitation. If you need to you can bulk with baby clothes or small towels. Make sure to use a full dose of detergent (nappies are the dirtiest thing you'll wash), there is a guide on the box and you should be looking at water hardness, drum size and heavy soiling. If you have an extra water function please use it and be sure not to use any eco cycles. Look for a cycle that is 2-3 hours long (normally a cottons wash).

After washing line dry whenever possible and avoid hanging nappies by the elastics so that you don't stretch them over time. In cooler months you may wish to tumble dry, this is OK for most inserts or fitted nappies as long as you dry on cool but never put any PUL in the tumble dryer. If you are going to dry this way we would suggest checking the labels or manufacturers guidance for each item.

Avoid putting any items on direct heat such as radiators.

Please note that every brand has it's own washing guidance and this is a general guide. We recommend reading the manufacturer instructions so you don't void your warranty.

If you feel like you have any issues or want some more personalised help please feel free to contact us at hello@peanutandpoppet.com.

Simple reusable nappy wash routine - Peanut and Poppet UK

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