How do I store soiled nappies, wraps and stuffables?

There are two options and most parents find that one suits them better than others:-

Wet pailing:
Use plenty of water in a lidded nappy bucket and either 4/5 drops of tea tree oil OR 1 tbsp bicarbonate of soda OR 2/3 tbsp white vinegar.

Note that some manufacturers do not recommend soaking their products at all.

Dry pailing:
Just drop all the nappies, wraps & washable items into a lidded nappy bucket to go straight into the wash. The pile of nappies can be covered with a cloth with a few drops of tea tree oil on it to help prevent smells escaping.

*** personal experience *** I tried wet pailing at first but now use dry pailing. I haven't found any problems with the staining or quality of the clean.

Using a laundry mesh bag helps in the transfer to the washing machine but be sure to leave it open for the items to escape in the wash!

 How do I wash soiled nappies, wraps and stuffables?

Most nappies have washing instructions sown onto them but as a general rule all nappies, wraps and sundries can be washed at 60 degrees and some washing machines produce good results at 40 degrees with an occasional 60 degree cycle.

Wrap aplix (velcro) tabs back on themselves to prevent them getting tangled with other items.

Only half the usual amount of non-biological powder is required (about 2 tbsp) as a build up of powder can leave the nappies quite rough.

Fabric conditioner should not be used as it coats the fabric fibres and reduces absorbency. Try adding 2 tbsp white vinegar as an alternative to the conditioner drawer to soften the nappies during the wash.

 How do I dry my nappies, wraps and stuffables?

Most nappies can be dried on a low heat in a tumble drier although the life of the nappy will be reduced using this method. The best way to dry your nappy system components is in the sunshine as it provides a natural bleaching agent and helps to remove any lingering smells.

It is recommended that all PUL items should be dried in a tumble drier if possible from time to time to restore the waterproof properties.

*** personal experience *** I have found that washable liners and wipes are not good in the tumble drier as they get caught up over the vents and end up covered in fluff. It depends on the design of your machine.

Pocket/stuffable designs are much quicker to dry.

Bamboo and Hemp products products are fantastic from an ecological position but they are denser than cotton and fleece. This means that a slimmer fit is available but it takes a long time to dry. Not recommended for parents without a tumble drier for wet days.

Common questions:-

How do I get rid of the smell when storing nappies?

• Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial product that can be added to water or dropped onto a cloth to cover the nappies. Note that coloured nappies may react when put in direct contact with the oil. Check the manufacturer's instructions carefully and contact us if you are unsure.
• Change the water daily if you are not washing on a daily basis.
• Sluice the worst of the solids straight into the toilet before pailing or consider using disposable liners to get rid of the worst of the poo.

*** personal experience *** I am not yet onto solids so the poo is relatively harmless. I use washable liners but I don't bother sluicing as it all comes out in the wash.

How do I make nappies smell fresher when washed?

If you have a build up of powder or your machine is not rinsing well then firstly try another cycle in the machine with no powder at all. If this is still not successful then try a cold rinse cycle before the main wash. The hot water reacts with the ammonia to give that distinctive smell! If your machine does not have a cold cycle then try adding 1 tbsp of soda crystals to the pre-wash drawer. Most smells disappear with the sunshine so whereever you can dry them outside.

 How do I dry them without sunshine or a tumble drier?

The best way to dry is on a clothes airer near a radiator. If you dry the products on the radiator directly they can be quite rough and crispy. Give them a good rub together to soften them before use. If drying is likely to be a problem then we recommend pocket-style nappies with separate wraps for quick drying.

How do I restore the waterproof properties of PUL wraps and stuffables?

An occasional dry in a tumble drier seems to do the trick although consistent drying in this way will reduce the life span on the wrap.