Questions about cloth

This is the page to find answers to common question about washing nappies, starting your stash, smells, stains and leaks.

There are so many brands and styles where do I start?

If you are in the Perth metropolitan area we can conduct a home demonstration and let you touch and see the various types of nappies we sell. Other companies also provide this service in the Eastern States and around the world. We also sell a number of bulk packs that let you test a variety of nappies.

Generally prefolds or fitted and covers are a good choice for a newborn although everyone has their own preferences. It is advisable not to buy too many of the one type to start with as babies are all different shapes and sizes and what fits one might not fit another perfectly. The best advice is to try a couple of different nappies before you commit to buying an entire stash of them.

I'd love to try cloth nappies but my baby is now 1 year old. Is it too late?

It is never too late to start with cloth nappies. Even having 1 cloth nappy will prevent one disposable from reaching landfill every time you use it. You can use your cloth nappies for future children or sell them on when you are finished with them if they are in good condition.

How many nappies will I need?

This will depend on how often you are washing your nappies. If you are washing every 2-3 days you will need about 21 nappies.

Washing Instructions

To wash a cloth nappy you must empty as much of the solid waste as you can (a little squirt or flushable liner can help). Then put it into a dry nappy bucket. When you are ready to wash simply put it into your washing machine with half the amount of washing poweder that you normally use. Soaking your nappies or using fabric softners can decrease the life of your nappies.

The best place to dry your nappy is in the sun. The sun will bleach out any stains so a washing line or clothes airer is beneficial. Clothes dryers can harm the PUL and elastic in nappies and isn't recommended for many brands. It is best to read the instructions for the brand of nappy you are purchasing.

It is possible to void the warranty on your nappies if you use napisan, bleach, vinegar or fabric softeners on your nappies. It is best to use phosphate free washing detergents and only use a tiny amount ( 1/4 to 1/2 of what you usually use)

Hanging nappies on the line

Hanging nappies out can stretch the elastic if they are a heavier AIO type. It is best to hang them out flat so the weight is distributed evenly. (Photo will be coming soon)

Help! My nappies are staring to smell. What do I do?

This could be due to a build up of detergent so try a strip wash. (Instructions below)

Help! My nappies are leaking. What do I do?

Nappies might leak for a few different reasons. If they are brand new they might not have been prewashed for long enough. Brands vary on their preferred amount of pre washes but it's usually between 3-7washes to get the maximum absorbency from bamboo.

1. Check the fit. Are they being done up tight enough? Is there gaping at the leg which would let the liquid through?

2.Try a strip wash. After using your nappies for a while they might get a build up of detergent on them which will affect the absorbency.

3. Are they absorbent enough for your child? Try adding a booster to see if that makes a difference as your child might be a heavy wetter.

How do I do a strip wash?

A strip wash is done to increase absorbency in your nappies. Simply put your nappies in the washing machine and add a small amount of dishwashing detergent (2 small drops). Then keep washing until all the suds have disappeared. It might take a couple of rinse cycles to get it all out.

Strip Washes should only be done as needed (every few months). It will be detrimental to your nappies if done too often.

My baby has a nappy rash. What can I do?

Creams that help nappy rash will build up on your cloth nappies and will stop them being absorbent. You can use nappy creams if you are using a liner on your nappy and the cream is not actually touching the nappy anywhere. If your child has a nappy rash the best things are to change the nappy more regularly and consider using silk liners as they have natural antibacterial properties. If the nappy rash continues consider the materials that are used in the brand of nappy you are using as your child might be sensitive to a particular material.

More questions will be added to this shortly. If you have a question you would like answered please contact us and we will answer it for you.