Most people never need to deep clean their cloth nappies. If the nappies are being saved for the next baby, it is enough to rinse them without any detergent, let them dry completely and store them somewhere airy. If you want a fresh start when you have bought second-hand, or when you take the nappies out for your next baby, you can deep clean them then, when they are about to be used again. It is not something you have to do.
From Emelie: Our nappies went from our second child to our third and then on to another family. The most important thing before storing them is to rinse them out properly. The rest is good to know, not something you have to do. With us, it should be easy to make a good choice.
Cloth nappies are not a disposable item
When I tell people that a cloth nappy usually lasts for two to three children, many are surprised. They imagined the fabric would wear out during one nappy period. Our own Time Ahead nappies were used by our two youngest children and then went on to another family.
The first thing to wear out may be the elastic, just like in other children's clothes. When the nappies are going to rest for a long time, it is the waterproof layer, the TPU lamination, that needs a little care, and that is what the section below is about. Our complete guide to cloth nappies has more on everyday care.
Before storage: rinse, dry, store airily
This applies when the nappies will rest for a long time, a year or more. If you use disposables for a while in between, nothing special is needed, the nappies cope with that just fine.
Rinse. Run a rinse of all the nappies without any detergent, and look into the machine while it spins. If you see no foam, they are rinsed out. Detergent left in the waterproof fabric can dry it out over time.
Dry completely. Both inserts and covers should be completely dry before you pack them.
Store airily. A fabric bag, a pillowcase or a cardboard box works well. Avoid airtight bags, they trap moisture. Choose a cool, dry place.
If you want to deep clean, do it while the nappies are in use. Before storage there is no need to add something that dries out the fabric.
When your next baby arrives, wash the nappies as usual and they are ready.
A fresh start: second-hand or your next baby
This is not something you have to do. But if you have bought second-hand, or are taking the nappies out for your next baby, a deep clean can be a nice fresh start. This is how I do it:
- Soak in stain remover powder. I use Ocean Oxi Fläck & Blek because it is fragrance-free, but Vanish powder works too. Dosage and temperature as stated on the pack. One hour is enough for the nappies, the inserts can soak longer, up to a day. If the water turns dirty and you want to do another round, it is enough to include the inserts, that is where dirt tends to stay after a nappy period.
- Wash in the machine at 60 degrees, as usual.
- Choose an extra rinse.
- You can let the sun bleach stains on the inserts for a while.
I never bleach in the everyday wash. Bleach dries out the fabric and polyester does not cope well with it, but a controlled soak now and then works well.
Tips on what to look for when buying can be found with Jenny, who shares tips on buying second-hand cloth nappies.
When the nappy smells or absorbs less
It is not common, but after a lot of nappy cream or many short wash programmes the fabric can get a coating, mostly in the inserts, so that the fibres take up less liquid. The deep clean above then restores the nappies. The same goes if they smell despite washing.
If the cover or the pocket nappy leaks straight through, there may be a coating of grease in the waterproof layer, most often after a lot of nappy cream. The coating draws in liquid so that it leaks. Wash the inside by hand with a little ordinary washing-up liquid, which dissolves the grease, rinse thoroughly and then put the nappy in the machine. The washing-up liquid is only used on the spot, never in the washing machine.
When the nappy period is over
A well cared for nappy has value even when your nappy period is over. How much you get back depends on condition. We have followed the second-hand market for many years and as a rule see around a quarter of the new price, and up to half if the nappies are in very good condition. If they go on to a sibling instead, the saving is greater, the same nappies are used by more children. More on that in the benefits of preloved cloth nappies.
Frequently asked questions
How long do cloth nappies last?
Our own Time Ahead nappies lasted for our two youngest children and then went on to another family. The first thing to wear out may be the elastic, just like in other children's clothes.
How do you deep clean cloth nappies?
Soak in stain remover powder as stated on the pack, the nappies for one hour and the inserts longer. Then wash in the machine and choose an extra rinse.
Can you use bleach on cloth nappies?
Not in the everyday wash. Bleach dries out the fabric and polyester does not cope well with it. For a deep clean I soak the nappies for one hour and the inserts longer, then I wash as usual.
Do you need to deep clean cloth nappies?
No, most people never need to. If you want a fresh start when you have bought second-hand or are taking the nappies out for your next baby, you can do it then.
How do you store cloth nappies for the next baby?
Rinse them without detergent until no foam shows, let them dry completely and store them somewhere airy, cool and dry. If you want to deep clean, which is not needed, do it when the nappies are in use again.
Ready for the next baby
Nappies that rest the right way are ready when it is time again. If you want to top up or start from scratch, our cloth nappies are here, and a starter kit gives you a calm start.
By Emelie, founder of Time Ahead Sweden, mum of three and curious about how we as parents can make thoughtful choices in everyday life.