Care of washable nappies and using a nappy bucket

Dry Storing – no need to soak!
Most parents don’t soak their nappies and dry store the soiled nappies in a lidded bucket. 
When the bucket is full, place nappies plus any wraps in the washing machine. Do a Pre-wash
cycle or separate rinse cycle first (experiment with adding powder if you are getting stains), this replaces soaking.   If stains are a problem try using a bio powder in the Pre-wash and a non-bio in the main wash, or use a stain remover.  Wash at 60° or 40°C, using a non-bio powder, no fabric  conditioner.  Most items can be tumble dried (popping a large dry bath towel in at the same time will speed up drying times).

 

Soaking
For younger babies or those with more liquid poo soaking will help draw out stains. Fill the nappy bin half full of water and add ONE of the following (all approx. amounts!)

5 drops of Tea tree oil
1 tbs. of distilled malt vinegar (the clear stuff!)
2 tbs. of bicarbonate of soda. (not recommended for Bamboo nappies)

When full, empty most of the water down the toilet and then place the nappies in your machine.  
Wash as above, omitting the prewash cycle.

TOP TIPS
Sun is a natural bleaching agent so line drying will help remove stains.

To make a nappy bucket smell nicer, add a couple of drops of lavender oil.

Nappisan is not recommended as it can eventually damage aplix on modern nappies.

In a hard water area terry and other cotton fabrics can become hard.  Tumble drying, even for
a short period (e.g. 15 mins) before line drying, will fluff nappies up.  Alternatively try adding some distilled malt vinegar to you wash.  Many mums swear by a few tablespoons full in the fabric conditioner tray, this will also help to neutralise any ammonia.

Washing powders containing bicarbonate of soda, or citric acid can damage bamboo nappies 
- we recommend Fairy.

DO NOT USE FABRIC CONDITIONER AS IT REDUCES ABSORBENCY!