Before Use: We recommend you wash your items at least once before use.
Bamboo nappies may need 3-4 washes before reaching maximum absorbency. They will shrink a little after washing, usually up to an inch both long and wide.
Bamboo wipes and nappy covers do not require specific pre-washing, although washing once before wear ensures removal of any possible manufacturing residue.
Pre-washing can be done on a cold or warm cycle, without detergent.
After Use: Remove soiling into the toilet. Store wet nappies in a dry pail on their own until washing day. There is no need to soak, and DO NOT BLEACH as this may shorten the lifespan of your nappies.
Covers, if not soiled, may be wiped clean and air-dried between changes, to allow for less covers in rotation. If soiled, rinse cover under tap and keep with regular laundry until ready to wash. When stored with wet nappies, the fabric and elastic used in nappy covers can deteriorate quicker than if stored with regular laundry.
Washing: Run nappies through a cold rinse in the machine before washing. Wash on a normal, cold-warm cycle, with like colours.
All items can be washed with other laundry items - this can help save water if you don't have enough nappies to make a full load. We recommend washing your nappies no less than every 2-3 days, to get the maximum wear out of the fabric.
We advise using enzyme-free detergent, at around half the normal amount of detergent you would normally use. Do not use fabric softeners on nappies or covers, as this coats the fabric, affecting their performance.
Note: Many people wash without detergents, and dry in the sun to remove stains and sterilise. Detergents of any kind will eventually cause a build up on nappies - if you find the absorbency is affected by build up, you may want to try doing a 'strip wash' to remove the residue. Click here to read how to do a strip wash.
Drying: Line or tumble dry nappies. Direct sunlight helps to remove stains and to sterilise, although this can make the fabric stiffer than normal. Drying in the shade or out of direct sunlight will help them feel softer. You may wish to alternate between the two methods, to get the best of both worlds.
Covers are best dried away from direct heat, preferably on a line in the shade or inside. They are made of a very quick drying fabric, so should not need to be tumble dried. Tumble drying is not recommended, as the fabric and elastic will deteriorate quicker.