Eco-Friendly Baby Care: Mastering Reusable Nappy Cleaning

Why Cleaning Reusable Nappies Properly Matters

Switching to reusable nappies is one of the most impactful decisions a parent can make, for the planet and their pocket. These washable alternatives to disposables reduce landfill waste, save money, and often prove gentler on baby’s sensitive skin.

But let’s be honest, the idea of cleaning them can feel daunting at first. The good news? With the right techniques and a few carefully chosen products, you can keep your nappies clean, soft, and fresh without harsh chemicals or complicated routines.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to clean reusable nappies effectively using Bio-D’s natural, Allergy UK-approved range, including Nappy Fresh, Fragrance Free Washing Powder, and Fragrance Free Laundry Liquid.

Understanding Cloth Nappy Fabrics

Reusable nappies come in different styles and materials and cleaning them properly starts with knowing what you’re working with.

• Cotton: Durable, absorbent, and easy to clean.
• Bamboo: Soft and breathable, but may take longer to dry.
• Microfibre: Fast-drying but prone to detergent buildup.
• Hemp: Very absorbent and eco-friendly but can stiffen if not rinsed well.

Most modern cloth nappies are a combination of natural and synthetic materials,  so always check the care label for manufacturer instructions.

Your Step-by-Step Cleaning Routine

1. Pre-Wash: Rinse Away the Mess

Start with a cold rinse or short cycle (without detergent) to remove waste and prevent stains from setting.

• Do this daily, or every other day to avoid smells or ammonia build-up.
• For soiled nappies, tip any solids into the loo first, then store nappies in a dry pail or wet bag until wash day.

Tip: Don’t soak your nappies in water, modern cloth nappies are designed for dry storage, which helps prevent bacteria and mould.

2. Main Wash: Deep Clean Without Harsh Chemicals

For your main wash, use a 60°C long cycle to remove bacteria, stains, and smells. This temperature is ideal for a hygienic clean without damaging fabrics.

Use a non-bio, fragrance free detergent like:

• Bio-D Fragrance Free Laundry Liquid – Plant-based, gentle on skin, and effective at lower temperatures.
• Bio-D Washing Powder – Great for heavier loads and hard water areas, with excellent stain-removal power.

Both are Allergy UK approved, making them safe for even the most sensitive baby skin.

For extra hygiene, add Bio-D Nappy Fresh — a Fragrance Free, oxygen-based antibacterial laundry bleach that eliminates germs naturally. It’s chlorine-free, biodegradable, and gentle on nappies and the planet.

How to use Nappy Fresh:

• Add 1 tablespoon to your main wash cycle.
• Suitable for whites and coloured nappies.

3. Drying: Air Is Your Best Friend

Line drying in fresh air is best, it naturally sanitises and leaves nappies smelling crisp. Sunlight is also a natural stain remover and brightener.

If drying indoors:

• Use a heated airer or drying rack near ventilation.
• Tumble dry only when necessary and stick to a low heat setting.

Avoid fabric softeners or dryer sheets, they coat fabric fibres and reduce absorbency.

How to Remove Stains Naturally

Even with the best care, some stains will happen. Here’s how to tackle them the eco-friendly way:

• Sunlight: Nature’s bleach! Hang stained nappies outside, and the sun will do the rest.
• Laundry & Stain Remover Bar: For stubborn stains, rub this small but mighty bar onto the mark before washing.
• Bio-D Nappy Fresh: Gently lifts stains while sanitising in the wash.

Sanitising Without Harsh Chemicals

Bleach and harsh disinfectants can break down fabric and irritate your baby’s skin. Instead, choose oxygen-based sanitisers like Bio-D Nappy Fresh to eliminate bacteria safely.

Avoid vinegar and bicarbonate of soda in your regular routine, as they can affect your nappy’s absorbency and elasticity over time.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Smells After Washing? Try using a longer cycle or increase the amount of Nappy Fresh. Also check your washing machine for build-up.
• Detergent Build-Up? Nappies may feel stiff or less absorbent. Strip wash using just water or a tiny amount of detergent with an extra rinse cycle.
• Leaks? Could be due to overuse of detergent, build-up, or needing a fit check. Review your wash routine and nappy fit.

Between Washes: Storage Matters

• Dry Pail Method: Store used nappies in a lidded bucket or wet bag with good airflow.
• No Soaking: It’s old-school and unnecessary with today’s high-quality materials.
• Keep cool and dry: Avoid heat or damp storage areas to prevent mildew.

Maintenance Schedule & Rotation

Creating a simple routine helps extend your nappies’ lifespan and keeps your laundry stress-free:

Task	Frequency
Pre-wash	Daily or every other day
Main wash	Every 2–3 days
Line dry	As often as possible
Deep clean/strip wash	Every 1–2 months (or as needed)
Check for wear	Monthly

Rotate your nappies so they wear evenly and keep a few spares handy for heavy days or travel.

Clean Nappies, Cleaner Planet

Knowing how to clean reusable nappies isn’t just about hygiene — it’s about building a sustainable, healthy routine for your baby and your family. With Bio-D’s gentle but effective laundry solutions, you can clean confidently, reduce waste, and protect sensitive skin all at once.

Make the switch to safe, sustainable baby care today

Shop our full Allergy UK-approved, Fragrance Free laundry range at www.biod.co.uk and discover how natural products can make eco-friendly parenting easier than ever.