Cleaning cloth nappies is easy—no soaking, scrubbing, or special detergents required. Follow our simple 4-step washing guide to achieve perfectly clean cloth nappies every time.

Washing Dirty Cloth Nappies in Four Simple Steps

Step 1: Remove solids

Drop poo in the loo and store the used cloth nappy in a dry pail. 

Step 2: Pre-wash cycle

Run a pre-wash cycle 40 degrees (no hotter) with mild detergent every 1-2 days. Do not add bleach. This pre-wash removes the majority of soiling and gets your nappies ready for the main-wash. Store nappy in a dry pail until the main wash.

Step 3: Main-wash cycle

Run a long main-wash cycle at 40 degrees with mild detergent every 2-3 days. Do not add bleach, fabric softener, whiteners, oxidised-bleach, or boosters.

Step 4: Hang to dry

Air dry nappies until completely dry in the shade. Hang the crotch of the nappies over the line so the weight of the nappy is evenly distributed. Never hang wet nappies by one side only as this will slacken the elastic. Make sure nappy shells and inserts are completely dry before storing.

Wash Routine Example

Everyone will develop their own washing routine to suit their lifestyle, here’s an example washing routine to show you how simple it can be.

Every morning: Run a pre-wash cycle containing yesterday's used nappies and last night’s night nappy. Place pre-washed nappies into a dry pail once finished.

Every second night: Run a main-wash cycle containing all pre-washed nappies from the dry pail. Make this a long wash at 40 degrees. Hang to dry the following morning.

Free Download: Cloth Nappy Washing Guide

Make cleaning cloth nappies simple for anyone in your household. Print this free guide and keep it in your laundry room for an effortless washing experience.
Get our free downloadable cloth nappy washing template 

Prepping Your New Cloth Nappies

Why is it important to prep your new cloth nappies? Like any absorbent fabrics (think bath towels or tea towels) the fibres need to be softened and ‘worn in’ to help them reach their maximum absorbency. If you want to, you can repeat the prep steps above 2-3 times on the inserts to really maximise absorption. 

How to prepare your new EcoNaps cloth nappies before first-time use:

Step 1: Soak your inserts overnight in warm water. 

Step 2: Wash both inserts & covers with mild detergent. 

Step 3: Completely dry inserts and covers as mentioned above. 

Step 4: Your new nappies are now ready to use!

What NOT to Include in Your Wash Routine?

• Do not use bleach
• Do not use fabric softener
• Do not use whiteners, chlorine bleach, oxygen-based bleaching agent, dyes, perfumes, or essential oils.
• Do not use detergent containing additives (whiteners, chlorine bleach, oxygen-based bleaching agent, fabric softeners, dyes, perfumes, essential oils) or natural soap
• Do not tumble dry on medium-high
• Do not wash in temperatures exceeding 40ºC
• Do not soak

See our Warranty Page to see what is covered and what is not. Adhering to our EcoNaps washing guidelines, which were specifically crafted to suit our eco-nappies and the materials they are made from, will ensure the longevity of your nappy.