How to Clean Cloth Nappies: Complete Australian Washing Guide 2025
Worried that washing cloth nappies will be complicated or time-consuming? Think again! Modern cloth nappy care has evolved dramatically, and with the right routine, washing becomes as simple as any other household task. This guide will show you exactly how to wash cloth nappies so they are clean, fresh, and long-lasting.
The Modern Reality: Goodbye Soaking Buckets!
If you’re picturing buckets of soiled nappies soaking in harsh chemicals, we have fantastic news. Those days are long gone! Modern cloth nappies are designed for machine washing with standard detergents, and science-backed washing methods have made the process simpler and more effective than ever.
The key to success? A five-step wash routine that thoroughly cleans nappies while protecting their absorbency and lifespan. Let’s dive in.
Understanding the Four Cleaning Factors
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Before we get into the specifics, it helps to understand what actually gets your nappies clean:
Time — Longer wash cycles clean more thoroughly
Temperature — Warm to hot water (40-60°C) works best
Chemistry — Quality detergent in the right amount
Mechanical Action — Proper drum loading for agitation
When these four factors work together, you get reliably clean nappies every time.
Want to dive deeper into laundry science? Check out Clean Cloth Nappies for expert-backed washing advice developed by qualified chemists.
The Complete Wash Routine: 5 Simple Steps
STEP
1
Remove Solids
What to do: Drop or scrape solid waste into the toilet and flush. This can be done at the end of the day if you’re wrestling a wriggly baby or toddler.
If there is no poo – skip straight to step 2 (ooh that rhymes! See – washing nappies is fun!)
Important note: Once your baby starts eating solids, poo should be removed before washing. Exclusively breastfed baby poo is water-soluble and doesn’t need to be removed.
Helpful tools:
- Nappy spray guns (like the Little Squirt)
- Silicone poop scrapers
- Disposable liners (bin these—don’t flush, even if labeled “flushable”)
- Reusable fleece liners
🛒 Recommended Poop Removal Tools
Make poop removal easier with these Australian-friendly tools:
Attaches to your toilet for effortless rinsing of solid waste - game changer for messy nappies!
Flexible food-grade silicone - dishwasher safe & won't damage nappies
💡 TIP: Any kitchen silicone spatula works! Choose one with a flexible head.
100% bamboo viscose, biodegradable - catches solids for easy disposal
⚠️ NOTE: Despite "flushable" claims, we recommend binning these to protect your plumbing. Simply shake solids into toilet, then bin the liner.
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STEP
2
Dry Pail
What it means: Store used nappies in an open, breathable container until wash time.
Best practice:
- Use an open basket or mesh laundry bag (no lids!)
- Allow air to circulate freely
- Store in a cool, well-ventilated area
- Keep pre-washed and soiled nappies separate if possible
Why dry pailing? This method prevents bacterial breeding that causes ammonia smells, protects PUL covers and elastics from degradation, and eliminates drowning hazards.
What NOT to do: Soak your nappies in water. This is outdated advice that can actually damage your nappies and create hygiene issues.
STEP
3
Prewash (First Wash)
Timing: Every 24-48 hours (many families do this daily)
Settings:
- Cycle: Short to medium cycle (30-60 minutes) or quick wash
- Temperature: 40-60°C (warm to hot)
- Detergent: Half the recommended dose for your machine
- Load size: Can be just nappies or add other heavily soiled items
The goal: Remove urine and any remaining soiling to prepare nappies for the main wash.
Important: This must be a standalone cycle that drains completely—NOT a pre-wash setting that reuses water in the main wash.
After the prewash: Transfer nappies to your dry pail basket to await the main wash.
🧺 Recommended Dry Pail Storage
Store soiled nappies safely and hygienically until wash day:
Breathable basket for airflow - prevents moisture buildup and odours between washes
Pop the whole bag in the wash - no touching soiled nappies, machine washable
💡 TIP: Buy 2-3 bags so you always have a clean one ready while others are in the wash.
Leak-proof PUL liner with drawstring - protects your basket and can be machine washed
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STEP
4
Main Wash
Timing: Every 2-3 days when you have enough nappies
Settings:
- Cycle: Long wash (2+ hours recommended) — usually “Cottons” or “Heavy Duty”
- Temperature: 40-60°C
- Detergent: FULL recommended dose for your load size
- Load size: Machine should be 2/3 to 3/4 full
Critical for success: The drum needs to be properly loaded to create the mechanical action that cleans. If you don’t have enough nappies, add:
- Children’s clothing
- Tea towels
- Hand towels
- Burp cloths
- Bibs
- Other small items (avoid dark colours to prevent dye transfer)
Avoid: Eco or quick wash settings—these use less water and shorter cycles, which won’t clean thoroughly.
💡 Pro tip: Need help choosing the right detergent? Check out the Clean Cloth Nappies Detergent Index for Australian detergent recommendations.
STEP
5
Dry Thoroughly
Best method: Line drying in fresh air
Benefits of line drying:
- Natural sanitising from sunlight
- Helps fade stains
- Extends nappy lifespan
- Energy-efficient
Using a dryer:
- Low heat ONLY for PUL covers and shells
- Medium heat acceptable for inserts
- High heat can cause delamination
Important drying tips:
- Hang nappies by the center crotch on the line (not by one side)
- Ensure everything is COMPLETELY dry before storing
- PUL items should be dried in shade or on low heat
- Add 4-6 extra nappies to your stash if you live in a humid or cool climate with slow drying times
A few other helpful tips
- Need a little help getting that poo to budge? Well, some clever people have been mulling over that exact problem and have come up with some handy tools to help. You could use a nappy spray gun such as the Little Squirt Nappy Sprayer, a silicone poop nappy scraper, or any regular kitchen utensil (you might just want to earmark a dedicated one, just saying!)
- If using eco detergents, you may need to double the recommended amount above, as they aren’t as effective at cleaning your nappies
- The prewash does need to be programmed separately from the main wash. Although some machines do offer a prewash cycle, this will use the same water for the main wash which you definitely don’t want to do since the prewash cycle is designed to get rid of soiling and urine!
- I found it helped to post a write-up of my wash routine on my laundry door both for myself in the hazy newborn days, as well as my partner and grandmothers who were on hand to help. Stay tuned for a downloadable wash routine template!
If you would like more details or troubleshooting support, I would highly recommend heading over to the Clean Cloth Nappies website. They have a wealth of info on their site, and for a small membership fee, you can access detailed information on wash cycles, lengths, and detergent dosing via their washing machine and detergent indexes.
Choosing the Right Detergent
Quality matters! Nappies are some of the dirtiest items you’ll wash, so they need proper cleaning power.
What works:
- Most commercial powder detergents
- Quality liquid detergents
- Bio or non-bio options (bio is more effective on organic matter)
- Popular Australian brands: Omo, Biozet, Radiant
Eco-friendly options:
- The Dirt Company (Clean Cloth Nappies approved)
- KinKin Naturals
- Eco Store (may need 60°C cycle)
What doesn’t work:
- Homemade detergents (not strong enough)
- Eco detergents without boosting the dose
- Soap nuts or soap-based cleaners
Dosing rules:
- Follow package instructions for your load size
- Use FULL doses in the main wash
- This might look like “too much” but nappies need it
- Eco-friendly detergents may need 1.5-2x the standard dose
What to avoid adding:
- Fabric softener (coats fibers and reduces absorbency)
- Vinegar (can damage elastics over time)
- Essential oils (can cause repelling)
Common Washing Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Washing less than every 3 days — Increases risk of ammonia buildup and stains setting
❌ Under-loading the drum — Without proper agitation, nappies won’t get clean
❌ Not using enough detergent — Nappies are heavily soiled and need proper cleaning power
❌ Using eco wash cycles — These use less water and shorter times
❌ Soaking nappies — Degrades elastics and creates bacterial breeding grounds
❌ Putting PUL items in high heat — Causes delamination and shortens lifespan
❌ Storing damp nappies — Leads to mildew and mold growth
Sample Washing Routine
Many Australian families find this rhythm works well:
Every morning:
- Run prewash with yesterday’s nappies and last night’s night nappy
- Place pre-washed nappies in dry pail
Every second evening:
- Load all pre-washed nappies plus small clothing items
- Run long main wash cycle
- Hang to dry the next morning
Total time investment: About 10 minutes per day.
Troubleshooting: When Things Go Wrong
Ammonia Smell
Causes:
- Washing less frequently than every 3 days
- Not using enough detergent
- Under-loading the drum
- Hard water issues
Solutions:
- Increase wash frequency
- Boost detergent amount
- Ensure drum is properly loaded
- Consider adding a water softener if you have hard water
- Run a strip wash (see below)
Persistent Stains
Causes:
- Not removing solids promptly
- Washing in water that’s too cool
- Insufficient detergent
Solutions:
- Sunlight is your best friend for natural bleaching
- Act quickly on fresh stains
- Ensure main wash temperature is 40-60°C
- Use proper detergent dosing
Strip Washing: The Reset Button
Sometimes nappies need a deep clean. This is called strip washing.
When to strip wash:
- Persistent ammonia smell
- Reduced absorbency
- After buying secondhand nappies
- If you suspect detergent buildup
How to strip wash:
- Wash nappies without any additives (removes any residue)
- Run a long hot wash (60°C+) with no detergent
- Add extra rinse cycles until no suds appear
- Check that rinse water runs completely clear
- Dry thoroughly
Bleach sanitising (for persistent issues only):
- Use cold water and proper dilution ratios (follow manufacturer guidelines)
- Soak for 30 minutes maximum
- Rinse thoroughly multiple times
- Follow with a hot wash using full detergent dose
- Only use as a last resort—not a regular practice
Special Considerations
Hard Water Areas
If you live in an area with hard water, you may need to:
- Use slightly more detergent
- Add a water softener to your wash
- Wash at higher temperatures (60°C)
Humid or Cool Climates
- Add 4-6 extra nappies to your stash
- Consider faster-drying nappy types (pockets, flats)
- Use a dehumidifier near drying racks
- Ensure nappies are bone dry before storing
Part-Time Cloth Users
- Minimum 10-12 nappies needed
- Can combine with your regular washing
- Every cloth nappy makes a difference!
Manufacturer Guidelines: The Golden Rule
Always check your nappy brand’s specific washing instructions. While the guidelines above represent industry best practices, individual manufacturers may have specific requirements that affect your warranty.
Popular Australian brands:
- EcoNaps washing guidelines
- Bare & Boho washing guidelines
- Fluffy Ducks washing guidelines
- Designer Bums washing guidelines
When in doubt, follow your brand’s recommendations for:
- Maximum water temperature
- Approved detergents
- Drying methods
- What to avoid
Quick Reference Checklist
✓ Remove solids and dry pail
✓ Prewash every 1-2 days with half dose detergent at 40-60°C
✓ Main wash every 2-3 days with full dose detergent at 40-60°C
✓ Load drum 2/3 to 3/4 full for proper agitation
✓ Use long wash cycles (2+ hours for main wash)
✓ Dry completely before storing
✓ Avoid fabric softener, vinegar, and high heat on PUL
The Bottom Line
Washing cloth nappies is straightforward when you understand the basics: proper frequency, adequate detergent, correct loading, and thorough drying. Most families find their routine becomes second nature within a few weeks.
Remember, your wash routine doesn’t have to be perfect. A long hot wash with proper detergent fixes most issues. Start with these guidelines, adjust for your household needs, and don’t stress if you occasionally deviate from the plan.
Related Resources
📖 Comprehensive guides:
- Beginner’s Guide to Reusable Cloth Nappies
- How Many Cloth Nappies Do I Need?
- Best Cloth Nappy Brands in Australia
🛠️ Interactive tools:
🔬 Expert resources:
- Clean Cloth Nappies — Science-based washing advice
- The Nappy Project — Victorian Government resource
Last updated: October 2025 | Based on current industry best practices and research from Clean Cloth Nappies, Australian nappy manufacturers, and experienced cloth nappy communities.
Legal: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always follow your nappy manufacturer’s specific washing instructions to maintain warranty coverage. Individual results may vary based on water hardness, machine type, and detergent choice.
📦 Complete Cloth Nappy Setup
Everything you need for a smooth cloth nappy journey:
Sensitive, plant-based formula without fabric softeners or enzymes that damage PUL
Boost absorbency for night or heavy wetters - more absorbent than standard microfibre
Separate clean and dirty nappies when out - waterproof, washable, and no leaks
💡 TIP: Keep one in your nappy bag, one in the car, and one spare at home.
Monthly sanitising and stain removal - safe for cloth nappies, unlike chlorine bleach
⚠️ NOTE: Use oxygen bleach only (NOT chlorine bleach which damages PUL and elastic).
Won't rust or break - perfect for Australia's harsh sun and weather
Essential for line drying inserts and shells - faster drying with good airflow
Pre-treat stubborn stains before washing - Australian favourite for cloth nappies
Transfer clean nappies from line to storage - makes sorting and folding easier
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