6 Essential Tips For Washing Your Baby's Clothes

If there’s one thing that parents, especially young parents, have to deal with, it’s the constant washing and drying of the baby’s clothes. And if there’s one clothing item that is bound to get dirty and stained, it’s baby’s clothes. After all, babies drool, barf and generally spill things on themselves, which means that you as a parent have to spend quite a lot of time washing and sorting out your baby’s clothes. To make things easier for you, we prepared some of the most essential tips that will help you along the way.

1. Make sure you choose the right detergent 

You might automatically reach for your regular detergent when washing your baby’s clothes. Although that isn’t inherently wrong, in order to be safe, it’s best to opt for a non-biological detergent. Babies have very sensitive and delicate skin, and a detergent that’s too aggressive might cause irritations. On the other hand, non-biological detergent is made without any enzymes, which means it’s much kinder on sensitive skin. So make sure to research the brand before you make a purchase.

2. Use the right temperature 

The temperature plays a crucial role as it determines the effectiveness of each washing cycle. So, since you want to protect your little one, you might be tempted to use the highest possible temperature. However, you can clean your clothes effectively using a more moderate temperature, for example, 30 degrees. Combining this temperature with an efficient detergent will still leave the clothes spotless and properly washed. On the other hand, there’s an exception to the rule: reusable nappies. First, they should be washed at a low temperature to remove the stains, and then washed again at the highest possible temperature to ensure they’re fully germ-free and ready to be used. 

3. Use additional products for more efficiency 

Everyone knows that, sometimes, using detergent won’t be enough. If you happen to notice that your baby’s clothes aren’t thoroughly washed, then feel free to use additional products in order to increase efficiency. For example, removing clothing stains is much easier when you use quality laundry strips. Additionally, make sure to use colour catcher sheets in order to preserve the vibrant colour of each clothing item. Since baby clothes are washed more frequently, it is important to use everything you can in order to increase their longevity and also be able to withstand multiple washes. In case you have issues with static and wrinkles, then consider using a dryer wool ball as well. 

4. Be careful with fabric softener 

This is important to mention because a lot of baby clothes have a flame-resistant coating that might be damaged using fabric softener. So be sure to check the label before you decide to use fabric softener. If the label says it is permitted, then buy a fabric softener that is gentle and hypoallergenic. This will preserve the quality of the clothes while keeping the baby’s skin soft and free from irritations. Choose a fabric softener that is scent-free, because synthetic fragrances can cause irritation such as eczema. 

5. Prioritize frequently-worn clothes

Sure, all the baby clothes that you have in the closet should be washed. However, you should always focus on frequently-worn clothes. This will make sure that you’ll always have a spare onesie or socks. When you’re a new parent, being organised will make things so much easier for you. If the clothes get stained too often, then use pre-wash stain removal, in order to ensure better results. Also, it would be smart to invest in a quality smart laundry machine and a dryer in order to be able to wash your clothes more adequately. 

6. Consider doing “baby only” loads 

Being organized means prioritizing what’s urgent. Getting into a habit of doing a “baby only” wash load will take a lot off your plate. Besides, you’ll be able to protect your baby this way. Adult clothes are often full of germs, bacteria and other harmful chemicals. And since babies have sensitive skin, mixing clothes can increase exposure and lead to issues that can affect their developing immune system. Also, if possible, wash the baby’s clothes after each wear. This will make sure you always have a spare, freshly-washed item within your reach!

Conclusion 

These essential tips will ensure your baby’s clothes are always clean and properly treated. Remember that babies are sensitive so washing their clothes requires extra attention and care. With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to wash your baby’s clothes using gentle and healthy laundry products.