Cleaning Before Washing
Newborn stage
Pee nappies:
These can go straight into the laundry bin as is. You can rinse it off (and squeeze out) under the tap if you prefer.
Poop nappies:
Newborn poop is water soluble and can go straight into the machine as is. You do not need to be doing anything else until baby starts eating actual food. You can rinse it off under the tap if you prefer. A fleece or disposable liner can be used; however, given the texture of runny poop, it doesn't really catch or contain it. We recommend using a liner during the meconium stage (the first baby poo) that last a few days.
Going out the house
Fold the nappy up like an envelope in the nappy cover and store in a wetbag until you get home. Clean at home.
Solids stage onwards
Pee nappies:
These can go straight into the laundry bin as is. You can rinse it off (and squeeze out) under the tap if you prefer.
Poop nappies:
Disposable liner method:
Single use liners can be bought online or at places like Dischem. The liner catches the solids and is then disposed of in the bin or toilet. Be aware that flushable liners can block drains so opt for the bin.
Bidet spraying method:
We recommend installing a bidet sprayer. It`s affordable, easy and a total game changer when cleaning your cloth nappies. You do not need to spend a lot of money. Get one from Takealot, CTM or any bathroom shop.
How to attach a sprayer
Get a T joint (see image below) and an extra pipe (see image labelled 2) from a hardware store. This then can be easily hooked up to a toilet at the wall. No need for a plumber.
Dunk and swish method:
If you can`t install a sprayer, it`s ok. This method involves placing the soiled nappy halfway into the toilet bowl and swishing it vigorously, while flushing, to remove the bulk of the poop. Fleece liners are needed for this method to work. Poop falls off a liner quite easily. Babies go through a stickier stage of poop from when they start solids to a more normal solid type of poop. The sticky stage does pass. Use disposable liners through this stage if need be. Watch the video here.
Going out
Fold the nappy up like an envelope in the nappy cover and store in a wetbag until you get home. Clean at home.
Storing
Store in a plastic laundry basket with holes. Nappies need to breathe and not ever be closed up in a sealed bin. You can use a pail liner if you like. Keep in a well ventilated area. A bathroom is a good place or even outside on a deck or in a courtyard (get one with a flip lid). Weather is no issue for nappies.
If you smell an ammonia-like odor around the basket, something is amiss with the wash routine which is easily fixed. Consult this page for help.
Never soak nappies in water/chemicals/Sterri nappy/Milton/stain removers, anything ever. This will damage the nappies and make them smell.
Nappies can be stored for 3 days max. Mould is probably the biggest issue if stored longer and tricky to get rid of so try and avoid this.
The First Wash Before Use
Wash nappies, inserts and boosters once before using. No need to wash covers or fleece liners.
Use a short 1 hour cycle
No pre rinse needed
Cold or 30`C
Use half the amount of recommended detergent for this wash (the nappies are not dirty)
No fabric softener, ever
Detergent
We suggest using a recommended one on our list below. Baby detergents and 2 in 1`s are not suitable. Fabric softener covers the fibers of the fabric which inhibits absorption. Never use it.
The Nurturer detergent is our favourite. It may appear pricier however it goes much further than store bought ones. A 5kg tub will give you about 100 washes and last 6 months (when using a 5kg machine and washing every 2 days). It`s eco friendly, suitable for sensitive skin and hard water. A lovely family laundry powder for clothes too.
Front Loader Washing
Wash all newborn and daytime nappies (6kg+) according to the guidelines below. Night nappies worn all night from 6kg, require a little more TLC as they hold a lot of pee. See night nappy washing section below.
Never wash nappy covers above 30 degrees - this will damage them. Wash them with clothes if nappies are being washed at a higher temperature.
Wash Guide
Step 1
Add the dirty nappies (place nappy covers in a mesh laundry bag) to machine. Rinse cycle (15 - 20 minutes). No detergent. Oxygen bleach can be added to this rinse cycle for deep cleaning once a week but leave the covers out of the Oxygen bleach.
Step 2
A nappy load must be three quarters full otherwise nappies don`t get cleaned properly. Add smaller items such as baby clothes/clothes/small linen items after the rinse if you need to bulk up the load (bend down and you should fit your hand on top of the pile in the machine). Do not use bigger towels or linen.
Step 3
Add detergent. No softener. One main long wash. Usually the cotton / fuzzy cycle. Use the cold or 30`C cycle. The cycle time must be 1.5 - 2 hours. Not less.
Step 4
Line dry. Tumble drying nappies is fine but not nappy covers. Do not hang nappy covers in hot direct sun during summer. Semi shade is best.
Download the pdf guide here.
Top Loader Washing
Wash all newborn and daytime nappies (6kg+) according to the guidelines below. Night nappies worn all night from 6kg, require a little more TLC as they hold a lot of pee. See night nappy washing section below.
Never wash nappy covers above 30 degrees - this will damage them. Wash them with clothes if nappies are being washed at a higher temperature.
Wash Guide Below for Toploaders
Recommended Detergents
Most laundry detergents without softner, are safe for cloth nappies however don't all clean properly. Baby detergents and 2 in 1`s are not suitable and will clog the nappies. We strongly recommend using only those on the list below. Be sure to use the correct amount based on your machine size.
Pokkelokkie`s recommendation for the best cleaning is The NURTURER detergent (50g / 5kg machine) and their Oxygen bleach (50g / 5kg ), available online (do not opt for their nappy wash product). We have had the best results using this brand. The cleaning power is truly unbeatable. It may appear pricier however it goes much further than store bought ones. A 5kg tub will give you 100 washes (when using a 5kg machine and washing every two days). You can use the detergent for both nappies and clothes. It`s 100% natural and biodegradable, suitable for sensitive skin/eczema, and a lovely product for household use.
The O2 bleach is added to the rinse cycle once a week as a deep cleaning agent to prevent build up (leave the nappy covers out for this rinse).
Download the full guide here
Drying
Warning: freshly washed cloth nappies brings great joy!!!
Cloth Nappies can be line dried or tumble dried.
Dry nappy covers in the semi shade. Direct sunlight over time can cause damage to the waterproofing. Do not tumble dry. It will damage the waterproofing. A low setting is also not suitable.
Fold flats in half over the line.
A dry buddy works great.
To make nappies soft again, simply rub the nappies together. You can also hot iron the nappies every few weeks or the tumble drier works well if you have one.