- If nappy is just wet - simply put nappy and inserts into a dry bucket.

 - If nappy is soiled (solids) - flush the solids down the toilet, then place nappy and inserts into dry bucket. Note: The nappies must be stored in a dry bucket, NOT soaked in water – this could damage the waterproofing layer and/or the elastic bands.  

TIP: A BiddyKins Pail Liner may be used inside the dry bucket - essentially a pail liner is a large PUL lined (ie waterproof) clothing bag. The items are emptied into the machine on wash day and then the pail liner is dropped in to the washing machine too. Two pail liners are usually enough.

Step 3

Washing day! Move nappies & inserts from dry bucket into your washing machine. Do NOT soak the nappies. Run a cold rinse cycle followed by a spin cycle to flush the nappies of urine (as a water saving tip: consider rinsing the nappies in bath water before draining the bath).

 

Step 4

Add your detergent - use the recommended amount as per the manufacturer. You can use your regular detergent, just avoid using detergent with added softeners - so no 2-in-1's ! And don't add softener. Run a long cold wash cycle with the detergent. Some information available online notes that you can safely wash cloth nappies in hot water of up to 60 degrees – but heat will damage the waterproof lining and potentially the elastics - also the sides of the machine drum may be a lot hotter than the water – so rather be safe and just do a cold wash as part of your regular routine. The care label on BiddyKins nappies specifically identifies 30 degrees. This is not because the nappies have inferior PUL or more sensitive elastics - we want your nappies to last as long as reasonably possible!

Remember: Stay-at-home mommy bloggers may have some first hand experience and a lot of opinions ....but they do NOT know more about the materials used than the fabric manufacturers, and neither will they take any responsibility for replacing or repairing your nappies should something go wrong..... so FOLLOW THE NAPPY CARE LABEL ! When in doubt - ask US !  

Step 5

Dry your nappies and inserts.

(TIP: If you have hemp flats - gently pulling them straighter whilst still wet can make quite a difference to the shape when they are dry.)

The nappy shells will dry quite quickly as they don't really absorb much water. The inserts will take much longer to dry as they are designed to act like sponges. Inserts can be dried in a tumble dryer but as is the case with most fabrics - tumble drying shortens the lifespan of clothing. Interestingly bamboo fabrics are more sensitive to tumble drying than microfiber & hemp in the long run. The nappy shell / outer lining (with the sensitive outer waterproof layer and elastics) should NEVER be tumble dried - in the case of pockets and all-in-two's and covers - the shell is not absorbent and will dry very quickly anyway - unlike the inserts.

We want to re-iterate this point: As far as we're concerned - it is immaterial that BFF Susie tumble dries her nappies every day and after 6 months she believes that they're still as good as new. FOLLOW THE NAPPY CARE LABEL! BiddyKins care labels have the following letters on them in a very specific order: Do not tumble dry. We strongly advise that this is followed regardless of nappy brand.

Take care not to leave nappy covers in direct sunlight as this will damage the sensitive PUL waterproofing. Covers (which don't have any lining or inserts attached) have exposed laminating and are more sensitive to direct sunlight. Pockets and All-in-One nappies are different and can be left in sunlight to remove stains - but lay them with the colour/printed side away from the direct sunlight.

Line drying All-in-One Nappies Correctly:

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Important note on using deep cleaning nappy detergents or additives.
Since cleaning nappies is such an integral part of any cloth nappy journey we are always looking at new products that come to market, and are often asked which detergent to use. Our answer is usually quite simple – Which ever store bought/main stream/regular detergent you would like to use, or normally use – as long as it has no added fabric softener.
However, when a detergent or deep cleaning agent or additive is labelled and marketed as having been specifically developed for cloth nappies – we take a much closer look and find out the facts – to protect your baby, your nappies and your investment.
Biddykins does NOT currently endorse any deep cleaning detergents or additives for use with Biddykins nappies EXCEPT for GroVia’s Mighty Bubbles . This deep cleaning agent has been developed and is manufactured in the U.S. specifically for cloth nappies by one of the worlds leading cloth nappy companies. Mighty Bubbles has been thoroughly tested for use on cloth nappies – and has the necessary certification and documentation to back up its claims.
Using any other special detergent or deep cleaning additive, even if it is labelled as cloth nappy safe may have a very serious impact on your nappies and the guarantee that BiddyKins offers.

If ever you are in doubt as to whether your detergent is safe to use or are experiencing difficulties with your washing routine – please do not hesitate to simply ask us – just drop us an email: [email protected].