General Parent Tips for Washing Baby Clothes
Keeping your baby’s clothes clean is easier with a simple, consistent routine. These tips will help protect delicate fabrics and your baby’s sensitive skin — plus guide you in managing baby essentials whether washing at home or shopping online.
Key tips
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Use a gentle, fragrance-free detergent formulated for babies or sensitive skin.
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Avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets; they can irritate baby skin and reduce fabric absorbency.
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Rinse clothes well (add a short extra rinse if your machine allows) to remove detergent residue.
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Wash new clothes before the first wear to remove finishing chemicals and residues.
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Wash baby clothes separately from adult items if possible, especially in the first few months.
What to wash and how
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Sorting: Separate by colour (light/dark) and by fabric type (cotton, fleece, blends).
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Water temperature: Cold to warm water is usually best. Hot water can shrink, fade, and may irritate sensitive skin.
- Pre-treating stains: For poo or formula stains, rinse with cold water first. Use a gentle stain remover if needed — avoid harsh chemicals.
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Detergent amount: Use a small, baby-safe amount as directed on the label.
Wash cycle recommendations
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Everyday baby clothes: Normal or permanent press cycle with gentle detergent.
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Very soiled items (nappy blowouts, spit-up): Pre-rinse, then wash on a longer cycle with an extra rinse.
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Delicate fabrics (knits, cotton gowns with lace, etc.): Use a delicate cycle or wool setting if available. This helps maintain softness and comfort.
Drying
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Line dry when possible to reduce wear; most baby clothes dry well on a rack.
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If using a tumble dryer: Use low heat or air dry. Remove clothes promptly to reduce wrinkles.
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Check pockets and zippers before drying to avoid damage.
Stain removal quick tips
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Breast milk/formula: Rinse with cold water, then wash.
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Baby food/fruit: Rinse, pretreat with a mild baking soda paste or gentle stain remover, then wash.
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Poo: Rinse with cold water to prevent setting, then wash. Pre-soaking may help for very soiled items.
Special items
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Receiving blankets and bibs: Wash with similar items; avoid overloading the machine.
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Sleepers and onesies with snaps: Fasten snaps/zippers to prevent snagging.
When to wash
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After each day's wear, especially on days with spit-up or nappy leaks.
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Wash cloth bibs, burp cloths, and towels more frequently.
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Keep a few extra outfits handy to avoid urgent mid-day washing.
Storage
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Ensure clothes are completely dry before storing.
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Store in a clean, dry place to avoid mildew and odours.
Should Baby Clothes Be Washed Before Using?
Yes, always wash baby clothes before using them.
Why: - Removes chemicals, dyes, dust, and residues from manufacturing. - Helps prevent skin irritation, especially in newborns. - Use a mild, fragrance-free, dye-free detergent. - Rinse well (an extra rinse is helpful). - Follow garment care labels when drying: air-dry or tumble dry on low heat. - Avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets. - Wash delicate items on a gentle cycle with cold or warm water as directed.
Should Baby Clothes Be Washed Separately?
Not always — but in some cases, washing separately is recommended.
When to wash separately: - If your baby has sensitive skin or eczema. - In the newborn stage, especially with delicate fabrics (satin, wool). - If your regular detergent contains dyes/fragrances. - When using cloth nappies or handling heavily soiled items.
If you wash with the family laundry: - Use a mild, fragrance-free detergent with no dyes or perfumes. - Choose a gentle cycle and rinse well (add extra rinses if needed). - Avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets for baby clothes. - Always wash new clothes before first wear. - Follow garment care instructions and temperature recommendations. - If baby shows irritation, consider switching to separate baby loads.
Cloth nappies require extra care: - Use nappy-safe detergents and avoid fabric softener. - Wash separately from clothing.
For very soiled items (vomit, poo): - Rinse first, then wash separately if you're combining loads.
Practical Approach: - Most parents can safely wash baby clothes with the family using a suitable detergent.
- If irritation occurs, switch to separate loads and fragrance-free products.
Bottom line: Separate loads are not mandatory but are helpful for sensitive skin and special care items like cloth nappies.
We hope these tips make washing your baby’s clothes simpler and more effective — so you can spend less time on laundry and more time with your little one.