Making your nappies last longer

 

Fluffies Cloth Nappies are thicker, more absorbent and softer than any other cloth nappy.  But even so, how long they last will depend on the care you take in washing them.  Here are some helpful hints on how to get full value for money, based on the special day-to-day experience of our consulting mother care sisters.

SOAKING

We do not recommend soaking in chlorine bleach, since nowadays there are specialised nappy treatments that will help your nappies last longer.

Soaking for the appropriate time in a nappy treatment effectively sanitises and cleans without the need for further washing.  For best results, thoroughly dissolve the powder prior to soaking and ensure that your nappies are completely immersed.

Then all that is required is to rinse thoroughly and dry.  You may use your washing machine for rinsing and spin drying.

WASHING

You may choose to clean your nappies in the washing machine using your normal laundry detergent.  Bear in mind, however that standard laundry detergents are not anti-bacterial and cannot be relied on to sanitise your nappies thoroughly.

However, certain precautions will help you achieve better than average results.  Don't overload your washing machine.  This will reduce the cleaning efficiency of both your washing machine and the detergent.  For the sake of a good clean wash it's better to put through another load.  Watch to see that your nappies are not tangling or clogging.  It is also important that you care not to over wash.

RINSING

Nappies must be rinsed thoroughly.  All traces of chemicals must be removed before drying. 

The use of fabric softeners is not recommended as they may reduce the woven in strength of the cloth, affect absorbency, discolor the nappies and leave them 'oily' to touch.

DRYING

Never over expose your nappies to strong sunlight.  Constant exposure to a hot, roasting sun will soon start to rot the cotton.  As with any fabric, drying in high winds may cause damage.  Nappies may also be tumble dried for a softer feel.