One of the biggest concerns parents have about cloth nappies is the washing.
But once you understand the process, most families find that washing cloth nappies is surprisingly simple.
With the right routine, it quickly becomes just another load of laundry.
The Basic Cloth Nappy Washing Routine
Cloth nappies are usually washed in two stages:
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A short prewash
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A long main wash
This routine keeps nappies clean, hygienic, and smelling fresh.
Step 1: After the Nappy Change
Once your baby has been changed:
For wet nappies
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Place directly into your dry pail.
For soiled nappies
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Remove solids into the toilet.
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Place the nappy in your dry pail.
Many families use a large plastic or wire basket (dry pail) as their nappy storage between washes. We recommend a dry pail that has holes to promote airflow.
Step 2: Prewash (Daily or Every Second Day)
The prewash removes most of the urine and waste so nappies can be properly cleaned in the main wash.
A typical prewash includes:
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Warm wash
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Short cycle
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Half dose of detergent
You can wash the day’s nappies together in this cycle.
Step 3: Main Wash
The main wash is the deep clean.
This load should include:
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Prewashed nappies
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Other small laundry items if needed (baby clothes, cloth wipes etc.)
The main wash should be:
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Long cycle
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Warm or hot wash
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Full dose of detergent
This allows nappies to be thoroughly cleaned and rinsed.
Step 4: Drying
Most cloth nappies can be:
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Line dried (best for longevity)
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Tumble dried on low heat
Helpful Washing Tips
Wash Every 1–2 Days
This prevents smells and keeps nappies fresh.
Use Enough Detergent
Modern cloth nappies need adequate detergent to properly remove waste and bacteria.
Don’t Overload the Machine
Nappies need space to move so they can wash properly.
Is Washing Cloth Nappies Difficult?
If you can wash clothes, you can wash nappies!
Many parents are surprised that the routine quickly becomes second nature.
In reality, cloth nappies usually add just a few extra loads of laundry per week, which most families find very manageable.
And the benefits are worth it:
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Less waste going to landfill
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Significant cost savings
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Reusable products that last for years
Getting Started with Cloth Nappies
Starting cloth nappies doesn’t need to be overwhelming.
With a simple stash and a straightforward washing routine, many families find cloth nappies fit easily into everyday life.
At Darlings Downunder, we’re passionate about helping families make reusable parenting simple and achievable.
You can explore our range of:
to build a cloth nappy system that works for your family.