As the days grow longer and warmer, many of us feel the urge to refresh and reorganise in preparation for the new season. Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home—it’s also the perfect time to give your cloth nappies some extra care. A little maintenance can keep your nappies in top condition, ensuring they last longer and perform better. Whether you’re a seasoned cloth nappy user or new to the journey, here’s a step-by-step guide to spring cleaning your cloth nappies and getting ahead for the season.
1. Declutter and Assess Your Stash
Start by sorting through your entire nappy collection. Check each nappy for:
- Stains: Identify any inserts or covers that need extra attention.
- Wear and Tear: Look for frayed elastics, thinning fabrics, or delaminated waterproof covers (PUL).
- Size Adjustments: If your baby has grown, some nappies may no longer fit and can be passed on or stored for future use.
Decluttering gives you a clear picture of what you have and helps you prioritize which nappies need the most care.
2. Deep Clean (Strip Wash)
Over time, nappies can build up detergent residue, minerals from hard water, or ammonia from urine. A deep clean or strip wash can rejuvenate them and restore their absorbency. Here’s how to do it:
- Wash Nappies as Usual: Start with a normal nappy wash to remove any surface dirt.
- Soak in Detergent: Use a strip wash detergent or gentle laundry detergent. Fill a bathtub or large basin with warm water and soak the nappies for a few hours.
- Rinse Thoroughly: After soaking, rinse multiple times to ensure all detergent is washed out. Residue can affect absorbency and irritate your baby’s skin.
Stripping should only be done occasionally, so use this opportunity to refresh your stash for the season.
3. Treat Stains Naturally
Winter may have made it harder to sun-dry nappies, leaving stubborn stains behind. Spring sunshine is a natural stain remover:
- After washing, hang stained nappies outside in direct sunlight. Even on cool days, sunlight works wonders on organic stains.
- For particularly tough stains, try applying a small amount of lemon juice before sunning. Be sure to rinse thoroughly afterward.
4. Refresh Elastics and Velcro
The elastic and fasteners on cloth nappies can wear out over time. Check for:
- Loose or Stretched Elastics: These can affect the nappy’s fit and performance. Some nappies allow you to replace the elastic yourself, or you can send them to a repair service.
- Worn Velcro or Snaps: Clean Velcro tabs with a small brush to remove lint and check that snaps are still secure.
Keeping these components in good condition ensures your nappies stay snug and leak-free.
5. Organise Your Stash
Now that your nappies are clean and refreshed, it’s time to organise them for easy access. Consider:
- Storage Baskets or Drawers: Keep nappies neatly folded and arranged by size or style.
- Prepare Inserts: Pre-stuff pocket nappies with inserts to save time during nappy changes.
- Rotate Stock: Ensure all nappies are used evenly to prevent over-washing or wear on your favourites.
6. Check Your Accessories
Don’t forget to spring clean your cloth nappy accessories!
- Wet Bags and Pail Liners: Wash and air-dry thoroughly.
- Reusable Wipes: Inspect for stains or wear and wash them with your nappies.
- Nappy Sprayer: If you use one, give it a good clean to ensure it’s functioning well.
7. Stock Up for Spring
As you clean, you might notice a need for replacements or additions to your stash. Spring is a great time to take advantage of seasonal sales and stock up on essentials like:
- Extra inserts for added absorbency.
- Larger nappies if your baby is outgrowing their current size.
- New prints or styles to freshen up your collection.
8. Prepare for Outdoor Adventures
With spring comes more time spent outdoors. Ensure your cloth nappy system is ready for outings:
- Travel Wet Bags: Check that your wet bags are waterproof and odour-proof for days out.
- Portable Changing Supplies: Organize a kit with nappies, wipes, and liners for easy changes on the go.
- Night-Time Solutions: For longer days out, consider boosting your nappies with extra inserts to prevent leaks.
Conclusion
Spring cleaning your cloth nappies is the perfect way to refresh your routine and ensure your nappies perform at their best. By decluttering, deep cleaning, and organising your stash, you can head into the new season with confidence and peace of mind. Taking the time now to care for your nappies will extend their lifespan, save you money, and keep your baby comfortable and happy all year long.
Happy spring cleaning! 🌸