Bumpy Buns - Washing Cloth Nappies

How Do You Wash Cloth Nappies?

Each manufacturer gives reccomendations on washing their own cloth nappies.
However there are basically 2 methods that people use:

Method 1 - Dry Pailing
1. At each nappy change, discard solid waste into the toilet. Then put the nappy
into a dry bucket or dry pedal bin.
2. Every 2nd or 3rd day (depending on your nappy supply) put the nappies in the
washing machine and put them through a pre-wash or rinse cycle. Follow this
with a normal wash using ½ the amount of powder that would be used for a
similar sized load. (Some people find that they don't need the pre-wash.)
3. Hang them in the sun to dry. The sun is used as a bleach taking out any
remaining marks in the nappy and killing any bacteria.
Note It is recommended not to leave nappies in a dry pail for more than 2 days as
the elastic may be affected by the urine.

Method 2 - Soaking
1. Each morning half fill a nappy bucket with warm water and sanitizing powder.
2. At each nappy change, discard solid waste into the toilet. Then put the nappy
into the bucket.
3. The following morning put the nappies through a RINSE CYCLE ONLY.
4. Hang them in the sun to dry.

Most cloth nappies can be dry pailed or soaked and most cloth nappies can be put
in a clothes dryer on low. You may choose to use different methods of washing at
different times. Note that soaking nappies may eventually affect elastic
performance. Also, you should not soak or use vinegar on products containing
PUL.

How Do You Discard Solid Waste?

Solid waste belongs in the toilet regardless of what type of nappy system you
choose (even disposables!). The 3 easiest ways of discarding solid waste into the
toilet in an environmentally friendly manner are:

1. Flushable, Disposable Nappy Liners
These are placed inside the nappy closest to the babies skin. They allow moisture
to pass through to the absorbent layers of the nappy and they 'catch' the solid
waste. When the liner gets soiled, simply drop the liner into the toilet. (Note: Not
all disposable nappy liners can be put into the toilet.)

2. Cloth Nappy Liners
These are placed inside the nappy closest to the babies skin. They are usually
made from microfleece or polar fleece. Solid waste just rolls right off the fleece.

3. The Little Squirt
The Little Squirt is a simple hose that attaches to your existing toilet water supply
tap (no plumber needed) allowing you to squirt the nappy's contents straight into
the toilet bowl with no mess, no fuss. The trigger is fitted with a tamper proof
system so toddler's can't get up to mischief!

Placement of the Change Table Can Help

It's common practice to put a baby change table in the nursery however it may be
more hygienic and more convenient to put your table in a wet area such as the
toilet, laundry or bathroom, depending on how much room each one offers.

It is possible to purchase a wall change table if your space is limited. As well as
your creams, wipes and nappies, it is ideal to have your bucket or pedal bin
within reach of the change table. It is also helpful to have a second bucket or
pedal bin next to the toilet for use after you've removed solid waste.