Washing is so easy in these days of automatic machines Gone are the days of sluicing and boiling massive piles of terry towel squares. Once you have found a washing routine that fits in with your family it just takes a few minutes a week to load the machine and hang them out to dry.

I have answered all the questions I could think of below, but if you can't find the answer to your question get in touch and I'll get back to you asap.

How often do you have to wash?
That's up to you and how many nappies you have. You can wash everyday if you choose, but most tend to wash every 3-4 days. You do need to have enough nappies to see you through these days, and whilst they are drying. Eg: if you have 25 nappies and use 10 a day you will probably need to wash everyday. However, the older your child is the less nappies they use, so, if you use 5 a day and have 25 in the drawer you can wash every 3-4 days.
As I have many nappies (the upside of having to test all the nappies I sell!) I tend to wash when the bin is full, which is every 3 days.

What temeperature should I wash at?
Many manufacturers reccommend washing at 40°-60°. There is simply no need to boil wash anymore, in fact washing hotter than 60° can damage the fabric. 60° will sterilise even soiled nappies.

How do I store dirty nappies?
Quite simply in a bucket with a lid. You can get special buckets with filters or locking lids, or you can use a pedal bin, I have even heard of someone using old catering mayonnaise tubs for a days supply. The size depends on how often you wash. I did have a standard bucket size with lid but it was way too small, so I bought a large pedal bin which can hold a few days worth. Depending on your household set up, you can have more than one bucket.
You can either use the dry pail method, or soaking, and as they both have pros and cons so you can choose which method you prefer.

Dry pail: means that, once you have disposed of the soiled liners or shaken the poo off the reuseable liner, you just pop the nappy in the bin and put on the lid. You can sprinkle in a few drops of tea tree oil, or lavender oil to cover the smell as you lift the lid, but you don't have to.
Pros:easy option, just give it a good clean once the nappies are in the machine to prevent the build up of ammonia.
Cons: Stains can set if they are left untreated for a couple of days.

Soaking: Fill your bin with water and a sanitising agent (tea tree oil, nappy san) and put in the nappies once you have disposed with the poo.
Pros: Stains don't get a chance to set.
Cons: Heavy buckets full of water are under threat from toddlers bumping into them; they are very heavy so you may be limited to keeping them near your washing machine; can be messy to transfer to the machine; the water may need changed every day; it can smell.

I, like many, started off soaking but moved onto dry pailing. I should point out that many people swear by soaking, it all depend on what works for you.

How much does it cost?
The Woman's Environmental Network have worked out the overall laundry costs, including washing machine depreciation, detergent, and energy, to be £133 over 2.5 years (the average age of potty training)

Click here if you would like to see their calculations.

Top Tips