Care Instructions

Washing and Care Guide for your Cloth Nappies
Before use: Make sure you prewash your new nappies 1-3 times before use to remove any manufacturing residue. Wash in warm water for the first of these prewashes. It's not necessary to dry the nappies inbetween prewashes. Washing helps to increase the initial absorbency of the nappy and inserts (It is important to know that most nappies won't reach full absorbency until around 8-9 washes). 
Pailing: when a nappy is soiled, dispose of any solids in the toilet and remove any liners  (biodegradable liners can be flushed although it's better for our waste water systems if we keep them out of the tolit). Then place the nappy in a dry, lidded nappy bucket or wetbag. Wash within 48hours ideally to avoid the nappies becoming stained or the fabrics deteriorating. 

Pre Wash: Be sure to close wash tabs on your velcro nappies
 (this avoids them sticking and pulling at other nappies during the wash) and ideally remove inserts from pocket nappies and all-in-two nappies for easier washing and drying.
Washing:  We recommend putting the nappies through a pre-wash rinse cycle (no detergent or half amount) before your wash. Then wash on a normal (cold or warm water - up to 60C) cycle. Be sure to follow your nappy manufacturers guidelines in regard to water temperature and detergent types to use or you may void your warranty. We recommend washing your nappies with detergent specifically formulated for cloth nappies or some common brands in Australian supermarkets that will suit are Eco-Store, Biozet, or Trimat (check the brand you are looking at doesn't contain enzymes).
**Do not use any bleach, fabric softener or vinegar as these may all be detrimental to the nappy. ** You can however, use an antibacterial wash such as Canesten or Dettol, which are both available in the supermarket. Napisan/Vanish type products are fine to use in the wash but do not soak nappies. 
Drying: Line drying is not only good for the environment, but is great for your nappies. UV rays are generally enough to kill any germs and the sun is excellent at bleaching stains on your nappies. If weather is not permitting, nappies can be dried in the dryer on a low setting only – drying them on a high temperature may damage the nappy (be sure to follow the manufacturers guidance in regard to dryers) . In general nappy covers may be damaged, usualy the inserts are ok at a higher temperature. If you notice that your nappies feel a little stiff after being line dried (this is especially common with hemp/bamboo), placing them in the dryer for a few minutes will have them feeling beautiful and soft again in no time.
Strip Wash: If you find that your nappies are suddenly leaking, or starting to smell – even after a hot wash with full detergent – then it may be time to do a strip wash. This shouldn't need to be done often (or at all) if your wash routine is otherwise adequate.  To do a strip wash, simply put your nappies in the machine and wash them on a warm/hot cycle. Place a few drops of cheap, regular dishwashing liquid in with the nappies, and wash repeatedly until there are no more suds. 
Nappy Covers: In regards to Wool Covers, please note the manufacturers individual care instructions as wool covers are treated quite differently to other cloth nappies. PUL covers can be put in the wash with your nappies as per the above instructions. However, you may find your PUL cover is hardly wet or soiled after use and a quick wipe down or rinse under the tap and your cover is ready to use again.
Wetbags: As required, just throw them in the wash with your next load of nappies as above.

Quick Wash Guide from the Australian Nappy Association