HOW TO WASH BABY CLOTHES?

Cleaning baby clothes requires certain precautions: what is the ideal temperature? Which detergent should you choose? This guide aims to clarify all your questions about washing your little ones' clothes. The laundry cycle will intensify with the arrival of a baby, so it's essential that your questions are clarified.

What detergent should I use for baby clothes?

A baby's skin is completely different from ours. It is more reactive and sensitive, which can increase the risk of allergies. It is therefore advisable to pay particular attention to the detergents used for the clothes of very young children.

There are a lot of laundry detergents on the market labeled as "baby-friendly," but don't be fooled by the marketing; these products are often comparable to traditional laundry detergents.

To help you choose the right detergent for your baby, we'll share a powerful tip! You should select a hypoallergenic detergent. This means that tests have been conducted to prevent any allergic skin reactions. The detergent label should indicate that it is hypoallergenic.

Choose detergents containing natural cleaning agents, without artificial fragrances or preservatives.

If you usually use a capful of fabric softener in your washing machine before every wash, you'll need to stop using it with the arrival of your baby. Fabric softeners contain chemicals that could harm your baby's skin. It's recommended to substitute a small amount of white vinegar for your fabric softener. The vinegar will help soften your laundry, just like your fabric softener, and your laundry will not smell like vinegar.

Our recipe for quick and eco-friendly homemade laundry detergent!

  1. Mix 1L of boiling water with 30g of Marseille soap flakes
  2. Let stand for one hour
  3. Add a good tablespoon of baking soda and mix again.
  4. Let the mixture cool then pour it into a bottle, keeping the cap open for 24 hours.

What are the washing temperatures for baby clothes?

To choose the right washing temperature for baby clothes, it's essential to understand the composition and care labels, as each garment has its own specific characteristics. But don't worry, we've already analyzed these labels for you.

Temperature differences can frequently vary depending on the materials (cotton, synthetic, wool, etc.) or the decorations on the garment ( buttons, prints, embroidery, etc.).

For outfits made of cotton or containing more than 50% cotton (see composition label), washing at 30° or 40° inside out is often recommended, in order to preserve the patterns, for example. Cotton is a durable material, capable of withstanding a 60° wash, however, the fabric could shrink and especially lose its shape.

Tumble drying is generally not recommended for both clothing and the environment, although it can sometimes save time when washing baby clothes. It can distort clothes and can also cause them to shrink, as the dryer reaches a minimum temperature of 60°C, and fabrics do not tolerate this heat well.

What are the recommended washing machine programs for washing baby clothes?

Once you've carefully sorted your baby's clothes, the next step is to select the appropriate wash cycle on your washing machine. Select the temperature according to the washing instructions on the label.

We recommend using long cycles on your appliance, which promotes better pre-washing and extended rinsing.

If you don't have time for an extended cycle, sort the baby's clothes and start a new rinse cycle.

The purpose of rinsing and pre-washing is to remove as much soap residue as possible and kill bacteria.

Cold wash program for newborn clothes

A washing machine's cold wash cycle is used to clean delicate and fragile clothing. For delicate garments, it is important to read the care instructions carefully. Delicate fabrics are often made of wool or silk.

Some tips for hand washing clothes:

It's perfectly fine to hand wash baby clothes. The key is to avoid using water that's too hot and to rinse several times after washing to remove all traces of soap.

You can add a little white vinegar to your laundry detergent to make your clothes softer, or reduce the amount of detergent by adding a little water to prevent marks from forming on your clothes.

Tips for removing stains from baby clothes?

  • Milk and saliva stains and regurgitation : For arecent stain , rub with sparkling water . Ifthe stain is old , apply a little vinegar and let it work .
  • Vomit stains : Clean with soap and water . ​ ​
  • Carrot stains : Apply oil , leave to act, then clean with soap .
  • Stools: ox gall soap (easily found at Action!)

When to start washing baby clothes before their arrival?

It is recommended to wash all clothes, whether new or used, before wearing them, and this applies to the whole family.

It is advisable to wash new or second-hand baby clothes to remove any chemical residue or bacteria from the fabrics, ensuring optimal hygiene for their delicate skin. It is common for several people to handle or try on the clothes before they end up in your wardrobe.

If you're wondering " when to wash your baby's clothes?" we recommend washing them as you buy them.

Our advice is to prepare baby detergents just before packing your maternity suitcase and to ensure that bed linen is washed before the baby is born.