Sorting your baby’s clothes
Before we begin learning how to wash baby clothes, it’s important to sort the garments according to their colours and fabrics. This simple task will help prevent any potential bleeding or damage to the clothes during the wash cycle. Separate the whites, lights and darks into different piles to ensure that the colours remain vibrant and remember to check the washing symbols on clothes labels for any extra information. By sorting your little one’s pieces properly, you can ensure that each garment receives all the appropriate care and attention it needs.
Pre-treating stains
Babies can be messy and their clothes often end up with various stains, from food to diaper leaks. So, before washing baby clothes, it is essential to pre-treat any stains. By addressing stains before washing, you can maintain the quality and appearance of the garments, ensuring that they stay in good condition for longer.
A great product for pre-treating stained baby clothes is the Vanish Oxi Action Liquid for coloured clothes or Vanish Oxi Crystal White Liquid for whites. To use these products, follow these simple steps.
- Apply 2ml of liquid and rub into the stain using the top of the dosage cap.
- Leave the liquid on the stain for 10 minutes maximum.
- After soaking, wash in the machine as normal. Use your usual detergent and add a 50ml dose of Vanish Liquid.
If in doubt, test on a small, inconspicuous area before full application. Always follow the instructions on the back of the packaging.
What to wash baby clothes with
As you learn how to wash baby clothes, it’s important to find the right product! This is crucial, as your little ones have delicate skin that can be sensitive. Look for a mild and hypoallergenic detergent that is specifically formulated for infants. These detergents are designed to be gentle on the skin and free from any potential irritants.
What setting should you use to wash baby clothes?
Choosing the right cycle is an important step to having clean, cosy clothes for your little one. Opt for a gentle or delicate cycle to provide a thorough clean while minimising the risk of damage to the fabrics. Avoid using heavy-duty or regular cycles, as they can be too harsh and may cause unnecessary wear and tear on the clothes. Using the right setting when you wash your baby’s clothes keeps them clean without compromising their quality or durability.
What temperature should you use to wash baby clothes?
Using the right temperature setting is essential to maintaining clothing quality and preventing any potential damage. We recommend setting the water temperature to warm or cold when you wash baby clothes, as hot water can cause shrinkage and damage to delicate fabrics. Warm or cold water, on the other hand, effectively cleans the clothes while keeping them safe and soft.
Can you use fabric softener on baby clothes?
This is a personal choice. While it can help make the garments feel softer, some experts recommend avoiding it for newborns or babies with sensitive skin, as it often contains chemicals and fragrances that may cause skin irritations or allergies. If you choose to use fabric softener on your baby’s clothes, opt for a gentle and hypoallergenic one specifically designed for infants. This will help minimise the risk of any adverse reactions. Remember, fabric softener is optional and you can still achieve softness and comfort without using it at all!
Do you have to wash new baby clothes?
After a long day of shopping for your little one, it’s easy to want to avoid loading up the washing machine with new clothes when you get home. But is it essential to wash them first? Well, while they may appear clean, new clothes often contain chemicals, dyes and residues from the manufacturing process. Washing them will help remove these substances and ensure that the clothes are clean and safe for your baby's delicate skin. Additionally, washing new baby clothes can also help soften the fabric, making them more comfortable for your little one to wear.
Loading the washing machine
When loading the washing machine with your baby’s clothes, it's important to make sure you don’t overcrowd it. This can prevent proper agitation, rinsing and overall less effective cleaning. Leave enough space for the clothes to move freely and allow the detergent to penetrate the fibres. This will ensure that each garment is thoroughly cleaned, whilst keeping them fresh and safe for your little one to wear!
Choosing the right drying method
Now that you’ve discovered how to wash baby clothes, it's time to carefully consider the drying method. Air drying is the gentlest option, as it minimises the risk of shrinkage and damage to delicate fabrics. Simply hang the clothes on a clothesline or drying rack, making sure to evenly distribute them for proper airflow. If using a dryer, select a low heat or delicate cycle to prevent excessive heat exposure. We recommend avoiding dryer sheets or fabric softener, as they can leave residue on the clothes.
Folding and storing clean clothes
Once the baby clothes are dry, it's important to fold and store them properly. Folding clothes neatly not only maximises storage space but also helps keep them organised. Start by folding each garment individually, ensuring that they are wrinkle-free and ready to use. Consider using storage bins or drawers specifically designated for baby clothes to keep them clean and readily accessible. This will help protect the clothes from dust and other potential contaminants and ensure that your baby's clothes stay fresh and in good condition for future use.
Handling stubborn stains
Sometimes, even after washing, you may encounter stubborn stains that haven’t been fully removed. Don't panic! Treat the stained areas again with a stain remover and let them sit for a few minutes before rewashing. Gently rub the fabric together to work in the stain remover and rinse it thoroughly with water to remove all the product. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the fabric.
Tips for long-lasting baby clothes
To ensure the longevity of your baby clothes, there are a few additional tips to keep in mind. First, we recommend washing baby clothes separately from adult clothing to prevent tangling or damage. This will also help maintain the quality of the fabrics. Additionally, regardless of what you’re washing baby clothes with, avoid using excessive detergent as it can leave residue on the fabric and cause skin irritation. Lastly, regularly check the clothes for any signs of wear or tear, such as loose buttons or frayed seams and mend them promptly.
From choosing the right products to considering what temperature you should use to wash your baby’s clothes, handling garments correctly is a great way to help your little ones feel happy and comfortable. Remember to always follow the instructions on the label and enjoy clean, fresh fabrics.
*Always check labels and follow product instructions.
