Did you know that there is a right and wrong way to wash baby clothes? If you’re not careful, you could end up ruining them!
If you’re unsure about why washing baby clothes is so important or if you’re looking for tips on how to wash baby clothes properly, you’ve come to the right place.
In this complete guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about washing baby clothes, from the importance of doing so to the best methods for ensuring a thorough clean. We’ll show you the best way to wash baby clothes so that they stay looking and feeling great.
Why do you have to wash baby clothes in the first place?
Did you know that you should be washing newborn clothes before putting them on your baby? Maybe you’re already aware that you should be washing your baby clothes, but don’t know the exact reason why.
The NHS recommends washing newborn clothes before you dress your baby in them because they can pick up bacteria from your skin. This is particularly important for clothes that will be in direct contact with your baby’s skin, such as bodysuits and sleepsuits.
Not only can bacteria be transferred from your skin to your baby’s clothes, but clothing can also become contaminated during the manufacturing process. This is why it’s so important to give your baby’s clothes a good wash before they wear them.
How often should you wash baby clothes?
This will vary depending on how often your baby wears each item of clothing, but as a general rule you should incorporate this kind of task into your home cleaning schedule to make sure you stay on top of things when life gets hectic.
For example, items that are worn frequently, such as bodysuits, will need to be washed more often than items that are only worn occasionally. As a general rule of thumb, you should aim to wash baby clothes:
- At least once after buying (before the first wear)
- At least once a week if they’re only worn occasionally
- Every few days if they’re worn frequently
- After every wear if they’re soiled or wet
The frequency with which you wash your baby’s clothes will also depend on how often they wear them. If your baby is wearing an outfit more than once, you’ll want to make sure you’re washing it in between each wear.
Of course, this is just a guideline and you should wash your baby’s clothes more often if you feel they need it. For example, if your baby has a sickness bug, you’ll need to wash all of their clothes, bedding and towels to prevent the spread of the infection.
What to wash baby clothes with? Best products to use
When it comes to washing your baby’s clothes, you’ll want to use a gentle detergent that is designed specifically for babies. These products are formulated to be gentle on sensitive skin and will not irritate your baby’s skin like some regular detergents can.
There are many different brands of baby-specific laundry products available, so it’s worth doing some research to find one that you’re happy with. You may also want to consider using a laundry product that is fragrance-free or hypoallergenic, as these are less likely to cause skin irritation.
In general, you’ll want to avoid using fabric softeners when washing baby clothes. This is because they can cause skin irritation and are not considered to be good for sensitive skin.
How to wash baby clothes – Step-by-step guide
Now that you know how important it is to wash your baby’s clothes and what products to use, let’s take a look at the best way to wash them.
Follow these steps to ensure a thorough clean:
- Start by sorting your baby’s clothes into separate piles. You should have a pile for whites, a pile for light colours and a pile for dark colours.
- If any of your baby’s clothes are heavily soiled, treat the stains before washing. You can do this by pre-treating the clothing with a stain remover or by soaking the item in a solution of water and laundry detergent.
- Next, fill your washing machine with water and add the appropriate amount of baby laundry detergent. If you’re not sure how much to use, check the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Now add your baby’s clothes to the washing machine, starting with the lightest colours and working your way up to the darkest colours.
- Once all of the clothes are in the washing machine, select the appropriate cycle. Baby clothes can usually be washed on a delicate or gentle cycle.
- Once the cycle has finished, remove the clothes from the washing machine and hang them up to dry. You can also tumble dry them on a low setting if you prefer.
And that’s it! You’ve now successfully washed your baby’s clothes and they’re ready to be worn again.
The best way to wash baby clothes: 5 Top Tips
Now that we’ve answered the question of why washing baby clothes is so important and how to wash baby clothes effectively, let’s take a look at our best tips to remember when washing your little one’s clothes:
1. Check the care labels
Before washing any of your baby’s clothes, it’s important to check the care labels. These labels will tell you what fabrics the clothing is made from and what temperature you should wash them at. This is important because some fabrics are more delicate than others and need to be washed at a lower temperature to prevent damage.
2. Pre-treat any stains
If any of your baby’s clothes are stained, it’s important to treat the stains before washing them. This will help to ensure that the stains come out in the wash and that the clothing doesn’t become damaged.
3. Use a gentle detergent
When washing your baby’s clothes, it’s important to use a gentle detergent that is designed specifically for babies. These products are formulated to be gentle on sensitive skin and will not irritate your baby’s skin like some regular detergents can.
4. Wash in separate loads
You should always wash your baby’s clothes in separate loads to ensure that they come out clean and free of any contaminants. Washing baby clothes in the same load as your regular laundry can increase the risk of cross-contamination.
5. Hang dry whenever possible
Hanging your baby’s clothes up to dry is the best way to protect them from damage. If you need to use a dryer, make sure to select a low heat setting to prevent the clothes from shrinking or becoming damaged.
By following these tips, you can be sure that your baby’s clothes are being washed effectively and that they’re being protected from damage.
Washing newborn clothes: What’s the best way to wash newborn clothes?
If you’re wondering how to wash newborn clothes, the best way is to hand wash them. This is because newborns have very sensitive skin and washing their clothes in a washing machine can irritate their skin.
To hand wash your newborn’s clothes, follow these steps:
- Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of baby laundry detergent.
- Soak the clothes in the water for a few minutes to allow the detergent to work on the stains.
- Gently rub the stained areas of the clothing with your hands to loosen the dirt and stains.
- Rinse the clothes thoroughly in clean, lukewarm water.
- Hang the clothes up to dry or tumble dry on a low setting.
By following these steps, you can be sure that your newborn’s clothes are being washed safely and effectively.
Note: You can still use a washing machine to wash newborn clothes, just be sure to select a delicate cycle and use a mild detergent. Always make sure to start with a clean washing machine before cleaning baby clothes.
Washing baby clothes: Final thoughts
Washing baby clothes is an important part of keeping your little one clean and healthy. By following the tips in this article, you can be sure that your baby’s clothes are being washed effectively and safely.
And if all else fails, call on a professional laundry service to help you out! They will have the experience and expertise to get your baby’s clothes clean and fresh, without damaging them.
FAQ about washing baby clothes
How to wash newborn clothes efficiently?
Washing newborn clothes efficiently can be done by hand washing them. This is because newborns have very sensitive skin and washing their clothes in a washing machine can irritate their skin.
What is the best way to get stains out of baby clothes?
The best way to get stains out of baby clothes is to treat the stains before washing them. This will help to ensure that the stains come out in the wash and that the clothing doesn’t become damaged.
Can I use regular detergent on baby clothes?
No, you should not use regular detergent on baby clothes. These products are formulated to be gentle on sensitive skin and will not irritate your baby’s skin like some regular detergents can.
Do I need to wash baby clothes in a separate load?
Yes, you should always wash your baby’s clothes in separate loads to ensure that they come out clean and free of any contaminants. Washing baby clothes in the same load as your regular laundry can increase the risk of cross-contamination.
What’s the best way to protect baby clothes while washing them?
Hanging your baby’s clothes up to dry is the best way to protect them from damage. If you need to use a dryer, make sure to select a low heat setting to prevent the clothes from shrinking.
My baby has sensitive skin, what type of laundry detergent should I use?
If your baby has sensitive skin, you should use a mild laundry detergent that is designed for sensitive skin. These products will be gentle on your baby’s skin and will not cause any irritation.
Why is washing baby’s clothes important?
Washing baby clothes is important because it helps to keep your little one clean and healthy. Baby clothes can often be stained with spit-up, diapers leaks, and other messes, so it’s important to wash them regularly. Washing baby clothes also removes any bacteria or contaminants that could cause illness.
Is 30 weeks too early to wash baby clothes?
No, 30 weeks is not too early to wash baby clothes. In fact, it’s actually a good idea to wash them before your baby arrives so that you don’t have to worry about it after they’re born.
What is the best way to store washed baby clothes?
The best way to store washed baby clothes is in a clean, dry place. Baby clothes can be stored in a dresser drawer or in a storage bin. If you’re using a storage bin, make sure to label it so that you know what’s inside.
