How to Wash Reusable Nappies | JoJo Maman Bébé

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How to Wash Reusable Nappies *Spoiler Alert* It’s Easy

To celebrate the launch of TotsBots reusable nappies at JoJo, the Little Extras blog is bringing you plenty of useful information and tips to get you started on your cloth nappy journey. Reusable nappies, also known as cloth diapers, offer a number of benefits over disposable options. They are more environmentally friendly, as they can be washed and reused multiple times, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills. They also tend to be less expensive in the long run, as they do not need to be constantly replaced like disposable diapers so they last longer than the disposable ones. Additionally, many parents report that reusable nappies are more comfortable for their babies and can help to reduce the chances of diaper rash.

Contrary to popular belief based on the original cloth nappies, you do not need to soak your TotsBots reusable nappies before washing them. Many people may be put off using cloth nappies because the original designs were a bit of a hand full. Having to pin and wrap them multiple times a day, soak them, wash them and then hang them to dry couldn’t have been easy but it’s much simpler these days! In fact, according to a recent TotsBots survey, 90% of parents found it much easier than expected to use their nappies.

DO's

Follow the wash instructions on the care label (also above).

Pre-wash your nappies a few times before you use them. TotsBots recommend washing their nappies 10 times for them to reach full absorbency. If you can’t wait, they can still be used after a couple of washes but bear in mind they may not be as absorbent.

Fold back the hook & loop laundry tabs before you put them in the machine to avoid damage. It’s easier to do this straight after the change, before you put them in your dirty nappy bucket.

Use a nappy liner. This will not only protect your baby’s bottom by keeping it dry, but will protect your nappy too.

Use a mesh laundry bag. As already mentioned, this makes getting all the nappies into the machine a doddle and will save you from having to touch them!

Use non-bio powder. There is an enzyme present in some bio detergents which is corrosive to the bamboo fibre and cotton that TotsBots nappies are made from. Plus, non-bio is better for your baby’s skin.

Dry your nappies on the line as much as you can. Sunlight will help keep stains at bay and UV radiation can also help kill bacteria! You can tumble dry the nappies on a cool setting if you must, but line drying will help save you money and the environment.

DONT's

We’ve said this a couple of times now but it’s worth repeating – don’t use fabric softeners or liquid detergent as these leave a residue which will decrease the absorbency and water resistance of your nappies.

You don’t need to soak your nappies but if you have a bad stinker on your hands and feel the need to, don’t use harsh stain removers or soak them for any longer than 12 hours. You just can use water or a mild solution of TotsBots own powder, Potion, which has been specially formulated for use with their nappies.

In addition to the above, avoid bleach – this is a harsh stain remover and will shorten the lifespan of your nappies.

Don’t be tempted to use pastes of wash powders and apply directly to stains, this is too concentrated and will again shorten the lifespan of your nappies.

Do not boil or use the ‘baby’ wash cycle on your machine. Please follow the washing instructions carefully. We know it can be tempting to put them on a hotter wash when they’re so stinky but 60 degrees will suffice. If you are worried about bacteria, leaving your nappies in direct sunlight will kill it off, even in winter!

More products to avoid when washing – Bicarbonate of Soda and vinegar can dissolve cotton and bamboo fibres, drastically affecting the performance of TotsBots nappies.

Always use a liner if you must use barrier creams like Sudocrem and other oil based products. These can also affect the fibres of the nappy and reduce absorbency.

When drying nappies, don’t place them directly on radiators or similar. The heat can damage the PUL and elastic, affecting the functionality of your nappies.

There you have it, our in-depth guide on how to wash reusable nappies as well as a list of do’s and don’t’s that’ll inform you of all you need to know regarding reusable nappies.

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