Laundry for Families

How to Wash Baby Clothes and Cloth Nappies

A simple routine for new clothes, everyday baby washing and reusable nappies, without overthinking it.

Northcote & inner north Melbourne

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Babies go through a remarkable amount of washing. The good news is that baby laundry doesn't need special rituals; it needs a sensible routine. Always check the care label first; the label wins.

New clothes: wash before first wear

Washing new clothes and linen before use removes finishing chemicals and dust from manufacturing and storage. Use a gentle, fragrance-free detergent if your baby has sensitive skin.

Everyday baby clothes

Use a fragrance-free detergent at the normal dose; more detergent doesn't mean cleaner, and leftover residue can irritate skin.
Choose an extra rinse if your machine has one.
Skip fabric softener on anything that touches skin often.
Do up press studs and zips so they don't snag.

Cloth nappies: a routine that works

This routine follows a Victorian council's reusable nappy washing guide:

Before storing: tip solids into the toilet, rinse, scrub any stains and squeeze out excess liquid.
Store dry: keep used nappies in an uncovered dry pail (no soaking bucket).
Prewash daily: about 40°C for 30–45 minutes with half a dose of detergent.
Main wash every 2–3 days: 40–60°C for a long cycle (90–120 minutes) with a full dose. Load the machine about three-quarters full when wet; add baby clothes to bulk it out if needed.
Avoid: fabric softener and bleach.
Dry: hang shells on an airer out of direct sun; inserts can go on low heat in the dryer or on the line.

Always check your nappy brand's own instructions, especially for temperature.

Common baby stains

Milk and formula: rinse in cold water as soon as you can; hot water can set protein stains. Our protein stain guide uses the same principle.
Poo stains: rinse cold, then sunlight helps fade marks on cotton (not on nappy shells).
Food: see our tomato sauce and fabric care guides.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a special baby detergent?

Not necessarily. A gentle, fragrance-free detergent at the normal dose works for most babies. Extra detergent can leave residue that irritates skin.

What temperature should I wash cloth nappies at?

A common routine is a 40°C prewash, then a long main wash at 40–60°C. Always check your nappy brand's instructions.

Should I soak cloth nappies?

Many current guides recommend dry pailing instead of soaking. Store used nappies in an uncovered dry pail until the prewash.

Short on time with a newborn? We collect, wash, fold and return within 24–48 hours.

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Sources: City of Greater Geelong, Reusable nappy washing guide (geelongcity.vic.gov.au), checked October 2026. General information; follow care labels and manufacturer instructions.