Washing Baby Clothes the Natural Way: Essential Tips and Tricks
Are you looking for natural ways to keep your baby’s clothes clean and fresh? We've got you covered with some essential do's and don’ts to help you wash baby clothes effectively while keeping things gentle and eco-friendly.
Babies may be tiny, but they sure know how to create a mountain of laundry! From spit-up to spills, new parents quickly discover just how much washing needs to be done—and how challenging some stains can be.
Here’s a handy guide to help you navigate the process of washing your baby’s clothes naturally.
Do... Pre-wash Newborn Clothes
While it may seem tempting to skip this step, pre-washing newborn clothes is crucial. Baby clothes often go through various manufacturing, storage, and shipping processes, which can expose them to contaminants and chemicals.
Since newborns have delicate skin with little defense against irritation, it's wise to give their clothes a thorough wash before they wear them. Opt for a baby-specific laundry detergent like Momma Bear’s Baby Laundry Liquid, which is designed with sensitive skin in mind. It’s dermatologically tested, free from harsh chemicals, and eco-friendly.
Don’t... Wash Baby Clothes with Yours
Your baby’s clothes need special care and attention. Washing them with your regular laundry might expose their delicate fabrics to harsh detergents, rough textures, or even contaminants from your clothes.
To avoid this, invest in a gentle baby laundry liquid like Momma Bear’s and wash their clothes separately. Follow these tips:
- Always check the care label and follow washing instructions.
- Turn clothes inside out to protect any delicate designs or fastenings.
- Separate light and dark colors whenever possible.
- Use a gentle cycle with warm or cold water.
- Air dry the clothes naturally when you can.
For material cloth nappies (MCNs), it’s best to do a separate wash to prevent contamination. The same goes for bedding or clothes if your baby has been unwell or had a messy accident.
Do... Tackle Stains Promptly
When you’re juggling a newborn, treating stains can feel like an impossible task. However, addressing stains promptly can save you a lot of trouble later on. Here are some quick and natural solutions to try until you can do a full wash:
- Poop stains: Remove excess material, then flush the item with cold water. For a natural remedy, create a paste with water and bicarbonate soda, gently scrub it in, and then soak in warm water with Momma Bear’s Baby Laundry Liquid until you’re ready to wash. Drying in the sun will help naturally bleach any remaining stains.
- Urine stains: Make a solution with two parts water and one part vinegar, apply it to the stain, and let it sit for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with baking soda, let it sit for another 10 minutes, and then wash with warm or hot water using Momma Bear’s Baby Laundry Liquid.
- Greasy stains: Pure eucalyptus oil works wonders on grease, or you can create a paste with eucalyptus and bicarbonate soda. Let it sit for 10 minutes before washing as usual.
- Spit-up & breastmilk stains: Soak the item in warm water with a capful of Momma Bear Baby Laundry Liquid for a few hours, then wash as normal.
- Formula stains: Treat with a baking soda and water paste, then soak as you would for breastmilk stains.
- Fruit & veggie stains: Turn the garment inside out and flush it with cold water immediately. Apply Momma Bear’s Baby Laundry Liquid directly to the stain, let it sit for 10 minutes, then wash as usual. Sun drying will help naturally bleach the stain.
Don’t... Use Fabric Softeners
Fabric softeners may leave your clothes smelling nice, but they also introduce unnecessary synthetic fragrances and chemicals into your baby’s laundry. Worse, they can reduce the absorbency of cloth nappies—something no parent wants!Instead, consider using white vinegar as a natural alternative. You can also add a few drops of lavender oil for a light scent. If you prefer DIY solutions, there are plenty of natural fabric softener recipes available online.
