You can use either Bio or Non Bio detergent on cloth nappies. Bio works best when washing at 40 degrees, while non-bio is more effective at 60 degrees.
A gentle wash cycle or gentle detergent doesn't cut it for removing bacteria. You need to bring out the big guns for washing cloth nappies so that means typically enzyme based detergents are the way to go.
You should use a standard boxed powder detergent (bio or non-bio) to clean your nappies. Any main brand/supermarket version will do such as Asda, Ariel, Morrisons, Fairy etc. Liquid detergent may work in very soft water areas, but it's unlikely to work for most as it doesn't give as good of a clean as powder.
-A cottons wash is usually the best option to choose. -Avoid an eco wash. -Add a detergent recommended by your nappy brand (commonly powder rather than liquid detergent).
Hot water is the most effective way to remove soiling. Nappies are heavily soiled laundry, if soiling is not removed it will lead to smells and stains. All laundry detergents can be used in cold (30°C), warm (40°C) or hot (60°C) water, however, a hot wash will outperform every time.
Smelly reusable nappies - and it's usually a smell of ammonia - are often a sign that the fibres in the fabric have got a bit clogged up with detergent. This means that: The nappies can smell. Your reusables aren't as absorbent as they used to be.
Not using enough detergent, washing in cold water, and over or underloading your washing machine can all lead to smelly cloth nappies. If your cloth nappies have a barnyard or ammonia smell, or smell strongly of urine as soon as your child wees in them, it is time to reassess your wash routine.
You'll generally need to wash every 2-3 days but this will depend on how many nappies you are going through each day. If you have a newborn, using reusable nappies full time, you will probably need to wash around every day and a half.
Commercial detergents are high performers - almost any commercial detergent that does not contain fabric softeners is effective on cloth diapers. Some work better than others depending on your washing machine, water hardness, and cloth diaper material.
The importance of the separate prewash cycle
A separate prewash cycle with detergent, removes excess soiling from nappies, so that the main wash is done in clean water which produces the best results.
Step 1: Soak your inserts overnight in warm water. Step 2: Wash both inserts & covers with detergent. Step 3: Completely dry inserts and covers. Step 4: Your new nappies are now ready to use!
Don't use fabric softener or two-in-one detergents on reusable nappies. These coat the fibres of fabrics to make them soft, but this also makes them less absorbent. Don't use bleach either, as it's bad for your baby's delicate skin, as well as the nappies themselves.
Some parents might feel compelled to seek out the best baby laundry detergent specifically for their infant's clothes. However, health experts say that isn't necessary, as long as your baby doesn't have allergies or very sensitive skin.
Chemical stain removers such as Vanish or Napisan can damage cloth nappies and should therefore be avoided.
To get rid of smell, soak overnight in water and add some vinegar to bring the pH of the water down. This will dilute the stuff stuck in the diapers and it will wash out better. Time + dilution. Soak in the machine or a place away from baby so that you don't create a drowning hazard.
We recommend storing used cloth diapers for no longer than 2-3 days before washing. Wash on warm (up to 104°F/40°C) with a full dose of cloth diaper safe detergent (no fabric softener). Use the longest washing cycle available. If you have pre-rinsed your diapers, you don't need to run a pre-wash cycle.
It's absolutely safe to wash cloth diapers in your washing machine, but you shouldn't mix them with any other clothing items. It's also highly important you wash off soiled diapers before adding them to the machine. It's best if you give them a quick rinse immediately after they are soiled.
For full time cloth diapering, we recommend 24 cloth diapers, regardless of the style you choose. Why 24? Breastfed newborns often go through 8-10 cloth diapers a day. To avoid stink, mold, mildew and other issues, we recommending washing your cloth diapers every other day.
A general rule to remember is: Covers should be air dried. Pockets, fitteds, and AIOs should be air dried or dried on low heat. Your natural fiber prefolds, flats, inserts, and wipes can be dried on higher heat settings.
Wash cloth diapers every 2-3 days in cold water for pre-wash, hot or cold for main wash. Avoid using fabric softeners or homemade detergents; try brands like Tide or Seventh Generation. Washing routines vary for front-load/HE machines and standard machines, but both are effective.
We recommend Persil® ProClean® Sensitive Skin liquid detergent, which is formulated without dyes and fragrance. Our formula is gentle on skin, hypoallergenic, and dermatologist-tested. Follow the washing instructions on your baby's garments.