| I have taken this direct from the Real
Nappy Association – for my money you cannot beat
them for information and advice. (www.realnappy.com
)
CARING FOR NAPPIES IS EASY
There are various washing routines, using different
cleaning and sterilizing agents so a great amount of
control can be exercised over just how much environmental
impact your routine has and how much it costs. Almost
90% of households have a washing machine; so most parents
will be in a position to cope easily with cloth nappies.
Biodegradable, flushable paper liners make dealing
with dirty nappies even easier.
STORING NAPPIES
Wet nappies and rinsed soiled ones can be placed in
a dry lidded bucket while waiting to be washed. Alternatively
use one of the soaking solutions below.
Fill your nappy bucket (approximately 9 litre's)
1/2 - 3/4 full of water. If desired add:
2-3 tbs white distilled vinegar - order 2, 5 or 10 litre
bottles from local corner shop
OR
Add 1 tbs sodium bicarbonate
OR
Add 1 tbs domestic borax - order both in large packets
from independent chemists
OR
Add 5 drops tea tree oil - from health food shops, independent
chemists etc.
OR
Add 1 tbs sanitising powder - from chemists etc. or
health food shops (for an environmental, nappy and baby
friendly alternative)
Mix to dissolve, then add nappies throughout the day.
Change the solution regularly.
*Please note: domestic borax and ordinary sanitising
powders should not be used on Velcro or waterproof fabrics
Some of these soaking and washing methods may not be
suitable for some nappies - if in doubt consult the
distributor. We accept no responsibility for damage
caused by the use or misuse of this.
WASHING
Domestic borax and sanitising powders are germicides
and may not require the nappies to be washed with detergent
after soaking just rinse them thoroughly.
*Boiling washing is the traditional way of washing
and sterilising traditional nappies e.g. terries. Done
regularly it may reduce the life of the nappy so is
not generally recommended by manufacturers. A wash cycle
at 30-45oC will adequately cleanse
nappies.
DRYING
Sunshine will deodorise, sanitise and naturally bleach
nappies OR line dry indoors. Most nappies can also be
tumble dried, but check the manufacturers care label.
USEFUL TIPS
A small plastic bin (about 20 Litre's) with secure
lid may be more convenient than a conventional nappy
bucket, just double the solution.
Biological detergents as well as perfumes; optical
whiteners and other ingredients in ordinary washing
detergents may cause skin irritation.
Adding ½ - ¾ cup of vinegar in the last
rinse cycle will keep nappies soft. BEWARE: commercial
fabric conditioner will reduce the absorbency of nappies.
It is important to thoroughly rinse the nappies before
drying - regardless of having been washed or just soaked.
* We do not recommend boiling your nappies or covers
* Contrary to some newspaper articles we
do NOT recommend washing nappies at 60c,
this will damage the waterproofing or elastic. Should
your nappies become soiled we recommend a quick soak
in Eco-cover laundry bleach, or Soda Crystals, then
wash through at 45c
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