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31 May 2022

Sure, it's fun to buy new baby clothes, but it's not usually quite as fun when it comes to washing them. Baby clothes can end up covered in really stubborn stains but scrub them too hard and risk ruining them altogether. Not to mention, babies have really soft skin – extra sensitive to perfume and strong stain-removal agents. So how do you actually go about washing baby clothes? Is there a special baby laundry detergent? Or some kind of best washing powder for baby clothes? We’ve listed eight useful tips to help you on the road to nice, clean baby clothes.  
  

CHOOSE BABY CLOTHES THAT CAN GO IN THE WASHING MACHINE 


Buy baby clothes that are machine washable. Lots of baby clothes are adorable but many are made from materials that aren’t actually machine washable. That means you have to wash them by hand and some baby clothes may even need dry cleaning. This can be difficult (and expensive) as baby clothes get covered in all kinds of stains. Cotton baby clothes can withstand high temperatures so you can get away with washing cotton baby clothes in the washing machine. However wool and silk are more delicate materials that ideally need hand washing.  

 

SPOT TREAT STAINS 


Washing baby clothes in the washing machine, no matter how sensitive the baby washing powder is naturally going to wear the clothes more than hand washing. So, the best thing to do is to spot treat stained baby clothes instead. Unless the whole garment is soiled. This is an especially good rule when it comes to washing baby overalls or outer layers, for example, wool cardigans or fleece body suits meant for wearing over the underclothes. Spot treatment of stains helps the baby clothes last longer and is better for the environment. Use a small amount of detergent, soak the soiled area and then rub away the stain. For white baby clothes, you can also try bleaching away hard stains with a little citric acid or bicarbonate. 

WASH BABY CLOTHES BEFORE USE 


One question that a lot of people ask is whether you should you wash new baby clothes before using them. Many new clothes are treated with chemicals in order to maintain their colour and texture. Chemicals may also have been used in the production itself. It’s difficult to know exactly what agents might be found in clothes, so, since the baby's skin is extra sensitive to strong agents, it’s always better to wash baby clothes before using them. Otherwise the unwashed baby clothes might cause rashes or allergic reactions. So, do you have to wash new baby clothes? The short answer: yes. 


BEST BABY WASHING POWDER 


Perfume detergents can be allergenic for those little ones who have extra sensitive skin. And that’s most babies so it’s best to choose an extra mild detergent without perfume. There are detergents specially designed for washing baby clothes and that come recommended by the Asthma and Allergy Association. To find the best baby laundry detergent, look for eco-labelled detergents that are free of perfume and dyes to make sure your washing detergent is definitely baby-safe. 

WASHING BABY CLOTHES WITH FABRIC SOFTENER 


Fabric softer isn’t actually necessary to get the laundry clean, it’s only really used to make the clothes soft and fragrant. It’s true that there are mild baby fabric softeners that are designed to suit sensitive skin, and you can use them. But these detergents also contain substances that are difficult to break down for the environment, and they will wear on the clothes even more over time. By skipping the fabric softener, you’ll reduce the negative environmental impact and help your baby clothes last longer. 


WASHING BABY CLOTHES AT THE RIGHT TEMPERATURE 


The higher the temperature you wash your clothes at, the higher the guarantee you’ll kill all the bacteria. But washing at 60°C has a bigger impact on the environment and can also wear more on delicate baby clothes. So, its recommended that you don’t wash baby clothes at too high a temperature unless it’s necessary. A lot of baby clothes are made from materials that can withstand both 40° and 60°C. Wool and fleece, on the other hand, are materials that can’t be washed higher than 30°C. Always check the washing label. 

 

HOW TO WASH SOFT TOYS, BIBS, AND OTHER ITEMS 

 

Plush toy animals, blankets and bedding also need to be washed at regular intervals, but they each have their own rules for washing: 

 

  • Soft baby toys should preferably be washed by hand so that they don’t lose their shape. Use lukewarm water and a perfume-free detergent. And be sure to rinse out the detergent properly. Then let the stuffed animal drip dry. 
  • Blankets can be washed together along with the baby clothes, just check the label to make sure the material can withstand it. 
  • Bibs should be washed at 60°C to ensure that the dirt and bacteria completely disappears. 
  • Baby bed sheets, bath towels and washcloths also need to be washed at 60°C to kill the bacteria. 

WASHING BABY CLOTHES WITH ADULT CLOTHES 


Baby clothes and adult clothes usually get dirty in different ways, but the principle to washing them is more or less the same. You can wash baby clothes with your own clothes, but then consider what temperature you need, what detergent you use and what colors and materials you mix together. Adult clothes are often more sensitive to high temperatures and it’s best to avoid dye and perfumed detergents when washing baby clothes. 

 

Also read:
Wash Bras
Hand Wash
Washing Jeans

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