How to Wash Modern Cloth Nappies: The Complete Australian Guide (2026)

If you’re new to modern cloth nappies, one of the biggest questions you’ll have is “How do I wash them properly?”

The good news is that modern cloth nappies are much easier to care for than many people expect. Gone are the days of soaking nappies in buckets or spending hours scrubbing stains. With a good wash routine and the right detergent, your nappies can stay clean, fresh and absorbent for years.

Whether you’re preparing for your first baby, switching from disposables or looking to improve your current wash routine, this guide will walk you through the basics of keeping your modern cloth nappies clean, fresh and ready for every nappy change.

Using disposable bamboo liners is a simple way to make your cloth nappy wash routine even easier. Placed on top of the nappy insert, bamboo liners help catch solids before they come into contact with the nappy itself. Once soiled, simply remove the liner and dispose of it, reducing the amount of rinsing and preparation needed before washing. While liners don’t replace a proper wash routine, they can help minimise staining, make clean-up quicker, and are especially handy when you’re out and about or introducing solid foods.

Before Washing

Once a nappy has been used, remove any solid waste and place the nappy into a dry, well-ventilated laundry basket, sometimes called the dry pail. Modern cloth nappies should be stored dry. Soaking nappies is no longer recommended and can actually create more washing issues over time. An open basket allows airflow around the nappies and helps prevent excess moisture and odours from building up before wash day.

The First Wash

The first wash, often called the pre-wash, is designed to remove the majority of urine and soiling from the nappies. This wash should be done daily, particularly if you’re using cloth nappies full-time. Overnight nappies should be included in the first wash as soon as practical, as they contain concentrated urine and benefit from prompt cleaning.

The first wash does not need to be a long cycle. Its purpose is simply to remove the worst of the soiling before the nappies go through the main wash.

Use warm to hot water 40 – 60 degrees. The nappies won’t necessarily come out looking perfectly clean, and that’s completely normal. The first wash is preparing the nappies for the deeper clean that comes next.

Once the cycle is complete, the nappies can be placed back into a basket/dry pail until you’re ready to run your main wash.

The Main Wash

The main wash is where the real cleaning happens.

This cycle should be longer than the first wash and should use enough detergent to thoroughly clean a heavily soiled load. Cloth nappies work hard, and they need an effective wash routine to keep them performing at their best.

The main wash should be done every second day. If you don’t have enough nappies to create a full load, you can add small items of family laundry such as baby clothes, socks, face washers or towels. A well-sized load helps the washing machine agitate properly, allowing water and detergent to move through the fabrics effectively.

One of the most common washing mistakes is using too little detergent. Nappies require enough good quality detergent to break down and remove urine, bacteria and other soils. If your nappies are developing smells or don’t seem as fresh as they should, detergent quantity is often one of the first things worth reviewing. We recommend Omo or Biozet.

Drying

After washing, allow your cloth nappies to dry completely before storing or using them again. Nappy shells can be hung on the clothesline or an indoor drying rack and generally dry quite quickly. Inserts take longer to dry due to their absorbent layers, but they can be safely tumble dried if needed. Once everything is fully dry, reassemble your nappies and they’re ready for your next nappy change.

Final Thoughts

Washing modern cloth nappies doesn’t need to be complicated. With a simple routine that includes a daily first wash, a thorough main wash and the right amount of detergent, your nappies can stay clean, fresh and absorbent for years to come.

Like any new parenting skill, it may take a little time to find a routine that works best for your family, washing machine and lifestyle. The good news is that once you get into the habit, washing cloth nappies quickly becomes just another part of your regular laundry routine.

The key is consistency. By washing regularly and ensuring your nappies are properly cleaned and dried, you’ll help maintain their performance and get the most out of your investment.