There is something special about washing those tiny onesies, wraps and blankets before your baby arrives. It is one of those little nesting jobs that makes everything feel a bit more real.
But with a newborn comes a LOT of washing. Milk, spit up, nappy leaks and the occasional spectacular poo explosion!
Here are some simple tips to get your baby's laundry off to a good start.
First tip: clean your washing machine!
Your washing machine needs a little love as well.
Regularly cleaning and descaling your machine can help prevent residues and build up that may contribute to laundry problems. Many supermarket brands use fillers and extenders that clog up your washing machine, preventing effective laundry cleaning. Try using Tri Nature's Machine Descaler as part of your washing machine maintenance before getting started on your baby's laundry.
Wash it before baby wears it
It is a good idea to wash new baby clothes, wraps, sheets and other washable fabrics before your baby uses them. This helps remove excess dyes, finishing chemicals and other residues that could irritate delicate skin.
Tri Nature's Laundry Powder and Laundry Liquid are a great option for families as they have been formulated to be sensitive skin friendly. They are phosphate free, plant and mineral based, and contain no synthetic fragrance.
If you would rather leave fragrance out altogether, we also make a Fragrance & Dye Free Laundry Powder and a Fragrance & Dye Free Laundry Liquid.
What temperature should you wash baby clothes?
You do not need to wash every baby garment on a hot cycle.
For everyday baby clothes: follow the care label and choose a normal wash appropriate for the fabric. A 30 to 40°C wash is generally a sensible starting point for everyday washable clothing, particularly when you are trying to balance effective cleaning with fabric care and energy use.
For heavily soiled items: use the warmest temperature permitted by the garment's care label and your washing machine.
For cloth nappies: follow the nappy manufacturer's washing instructions. Some guidance recommends washing nappies at 60°C for hygiene.
Tri Nature's laundry powders and liquids are designed to work in both hot and cold washes, giving you flexibility depending on the fabric and level of soiling.
Keep it gentle
Newborn skin is delicate, so avoid overloading the wash with strong fragrances and fabric softeners. The Australian Raising Children Network recommends choosing detergents labelled sensitive or gentle, and avoiding strong detergents and fabric softeners for baby clothing.
Tri Nature's Gentle Laundry Liquid is formulated for delicate fabrics and sensitive skin, and is suitable for both front and top loaders. It can also be used for woollens and other delicate garments.
And then comes the poo explosion
Newborn poo has a remarkable ability to travel.
When a nappy leak or poo explosion happens, act sooner rather than later.
- Remove any excess mess.
- Rinse or gently dab the affected area with cool water.
- Avoid rubbing aggressively, which can push the mess further into the fibres.
- Treat the stain before putting it through the wash.
- Wash according to the garment's care label.
- Check the stain before putting the garment in the dryer. Heat can set a remaining stain, making it much harder to remove.
For washable, colourfast clothing, Tri Nature's Pre-Wash Spray can be applied directly to stains and left for around two minutes before washing. It is designed to help break down oily and organic stains before the wash.
For stubborn marks, Tri Nature's Pre-Wash Soaker can be used as a pre-soak. We recommend dissolving the product completely in water before adding the garments, and checking the care instructions and colourfastness first.
What about milk and vomit?
Baby spit up can contain milk proteins and can leave a surprisingly stubborn smell or mark.
Again, the sooner you treat it, the better.
Rinse away as much as possible with cool water, gently work on the affected area with your chosen pre-treatment, then wash according to the care label.
If the mark remains, do not automatically reach for the dryer. Re-treat and wash again while the garment is still damp. We specifically recommend checking stains before drying, because heat can lock remaining stains into the fabric.
A little preparation now means less stress later
Before your baby arrives, it can be helpful to wash and organise:
- Onesies and bodysuits
- Singlets and sleepsuits
- Muslin wraps
- Burp cloths
- Bibs
- Cot sheets and mattress protectors
- Towels and face washers
- Baby blankets
- Reusable or washable change mat covers
Don't feel you need to wash the entire nursery at once. A few manageable loads will have you feeling organised and ready to care for your little one as soon as they arrive.
