Nappies
Washing reusable nappies is really simple but we recommend keeping our info sheet by your machine or bookmarked so it is easy to refer back to during your hire.
Storing Soiled Nappies:
On removing a soiled nappy from your child, flush any solids down the toilet, and if you are using disposable liners, then they need to go in the bin. Please do not flush any liners, even if they say flushable, as they do not break down like toilet paper and can cause problems in the plumbing and sewers.
In your kit you will find an extra large wet bag. This is where you should store the nappies when soiled and waiting to be washed. There is no need to soak the nappies. Please close any Velcro tabs on the soiled nappy before placing it in the wet bag, so they don’t snag other nappies. To clean the wet bag, simply put it into the machine along with the nappies (see below).
Washing Library Nappies:
Good News! You do not need to buy anything special to wash your nappies in! All you need is normal NON-BIO washing powder from any supermarket. Please DO NOT use other types of detergent, liquids or fabric conditioners as these can affect the absorbency of the nappies, or damage the fabric of the nappies.
The dosage of the powder will be down to water hardness and amount of nappies in your wash, in our area ¾ of a dose is usually sufficient for a daily load.
When you are ready to wash, follow these steps:
Up end the wet bag into your machine drum and give it a good shake so the nappies start to come out, then just leave the bag in with the nappies. You don’t usually need to shake every nappy out, as the machine will do that during the washing process.
Wash the nappies using a cold rinse cycle (no powder). This separates the nappies out, rinses away urine etc and helps prevent staining on the nappies.
Once that cycle is finished, add your powder and put the machine on a full 40 or 60 degree wash. A 40 wash is fine in most cases, but if baby is poorly or you feel that the nappies are not coming out clean, then use a 60 degree wash or increase your detergent dosage. Always use a full wash, not an intensive, quick or eco wash, as they will not fully clean the nappies. Please do not use a higher temperature as this can damage the fabric of the nappies.
If you think there are detergent bubbles left in your machine at the end of the cycle, you can add another rinse cycle to get rid of any leftover powder.
Drying Library Nappies:
Nappies should be air dried, either on a fold out airer inside or a washing line outside. Please DO NOT tumble dry nappies belonging to Early Connections or use directly on heated airers and radiators, as this can damage the waterproofing materials.
If you have any concerns please contact us prior to your loan ending, we’d much rather troubleshoot while you still have the kit.