Caring for your nappies is simple, but there are a few tips and tricks that will help you keep your nappies clean and working well. So follow the instructions below for the best results, and if you're unsure about anything let us know, we love to help you get the most out of your cloth nappies regardless of when or where they were purchased.

Knock solids into the toilet and rinse off any runny poo or residue on a rinse cycle. Store in a bag or dry nappy bucket until wash day.

Wash on a regular cycle using 2Tbsp of eco-friendly detergent. Hot wash is preferable. NOTE less than 30 degrees C BabyFirst Nappies less than 70 degrees on all others -Tumble or line dry.

For best results wash your nappies separately from items with loose fibers such as towels.

We recommend using an ecofriendly detergent in powder form such as Ecostore Washing Powder or Next Generation Washing Powder. Avoid using baking soda and vinegar or detergents with dyes, enzymes, perfumes, whiteners and brighteners as these will deteriorate the elastic and waterproofing. Do not use fabric softener or pure soap products such as Lux Flakes as these will cause the nappies to leak. Avoid soaking when possible.

It is also important to remember to use a flushable liner in your nappies whenever you are using a nappy cream. If the nappy cream comes in direct contact with the nappy it can cause stains or inhibit absorption.

If your nappies or inserts are made with hemp, cotton or bamboo they will need to be washed 6-10 times before they reach their full absorbency. It is important to ensure they are prewashed before use to help prevent leaks.

To remove stains, smells or to sanitize your nappies hang them in the sun for 2 hours. If this is not possible, or if you have stubborn stains, a sick child or are sharing nappies use 1 Tbsp of Bio-D Nappy Sanitizer (available from our 'Washing Up' page) in a hot wash along with your usual detergent.

Some stubborn stains may require soaking, we only recommend this as a last resort using Bio-D and 5L of warm water for no longer than 8hrs and no less than 2hrs. After soaking you will need to rinse your nappies thoroughly in the rinse cycle of your washing machine.

Stripping is a technique used to remove 'build up' a layer of oily residue which can rest on top of your nappies and prevent proper absorption. 'Build up' is usually caused by the use of incorrect detergents and using nappy creams without a flushable liner however overtime it can also be caused by general use or baby's diet.

To strip your nappies wash on hot using 2Tbsp of dishwashing liquid (the type used for hand washing dishes) in place of your normal detergent. Rinse your nappies twice, dry as usual and repeat if necessary. For stubborn 'build up' you can apply dishwashing liquid directly to the lining of the nappy and work up a lather before washing as above.