Your nappies will need washing before use – please ensure you have read the important Refunds and Returns Information below before washing any of your new nappies.
There are 2 methods of storing your dirty nappies until washday. Nappy buckets/bags can be kept anywhere really, but personally I recommend keeping them in the bathroom – actually stood in the bath is a good way of keeping them out of reach of little hands
Dry Pailing (recommended) –
You will need a Nappy Bucket & Mesh liner (optional – but makes life easier), or a large waterproof storage bag with closable top.
· Empty solids down toilet. If the nappy itself is soiled you can hold it in the toilet and ‘flush’ – don’t forget to hold on to it tightly though!
· Place nappy & wrap in bucket.
· Store until wash day.
· A few drops of Tea Tree or Lavender oil can be added to the bottom of the bucket to help with smells – but basically once the lid is replaced there should be no smells.
· Muslin square soaked in water and a few drops of Tea Tree oil, placed over the bucket will make you bathroom smell great!
Soaking – (do not soak pocket nappies, All in Ones or wraps)
You will need a Nappy bucket and Mesh liner, Soaking Agent (if using one).
· Fill bucket ½ to 2/3 full with cold water. If using a soaking agent add it now (
· Empty solids down the toilet.
· Place nappy in bucket.
· Avoid soaking PUL wraps as soaking may affect their waterproofing. You can store these with your normal laundry or keep them in a dry bucket or bag.
· Soaking water should be changed daily if washing less frequently. Old water is best poured down the toilet – do up the draw-string on the mesh before pouring it out so as not to loose any nappies!
Washing
· Transfer your nappies from the bucket to your machine, if soaking empty water down the toilet first closing mesh drawstring first. Re-open mesh when it’s in the machine.
· No need to empty the mesh – contents will tumble out during washing.
· If may be useful to do a rinse cycle before actually washing the nappies – it help prevent stains setting.
· Wash at 40 or 60 degrees – 40 will be sufficient if you’ve been soaking with a sanitizer, or if you’re adding a sanitizer to your washing powder.
· You will only need ½ the amount of your normal washing powder (non-bio usually recommended). Or use Eco-balls or Soapnuts – however follow manufacturer’s instructions for these.
· Don’t use fabric conditioner – it coats the fibres of the nappy and stops it absorbing water.
· Make sure the water is running clear at the end of the rinse part of the wash. If not you may want to do an additional rinse cycle as detergent build-up will affect the performance of your nappies.
· An occasional Pre-Wash will help any staining.
Drying
· Line drying is the best method as it’s free! The sun bleaches out any stains and acts as a natural sanitizer and freshener. However we don’t always have the weather for it in this country.
· Using an Airer inside is the next best option. Make sure the room is well ventilated though.
· Next to a radiator is good too. Make sure your nappies are not ‘on’ the radiator as this direct heat may damage the elastic – defiantly don’t put wraps ‘on’ radiators.
· Tumble drying. Uses more energy and may shorten the life of your nappies (elastic). Follow manufacturer’s instructions on care label. Don’t tumble wraps or pocket nappies, although some care labels will say you can tumble on low I would only do this in an emergency as it will shorten the life of the PUL in these items. Wraps & pockets quickly dry on the line/airer.
· A short tumble (10-30mins) will ‘fluff’ up your nappies and get them really soft.
· Fleece wraps should not be tumbled.
Returns and Refunds
I hope you are satisfied with you purchase, but if not please do contact me as soon as possible. Many initial problems when starting to use Real Nappies can be easily rectified – this is all part of my free service to you.
Should you still be unhappy, the following applies:
- Items that have been washed, used or damaged CANNOT be exchanged unless faulty.
- Faulty goods can be exchanged within a 3 month period - certain manufacturers have longer warrany periods, please enquire for more details.
- Goods that have NOT been used, washed or damaged can be EXCHANGED for a credit note within 30 days of purchase. If you require a cash refund then this is subject to an admin charge to cover my costs – e.g. delivery charges, cost of ordering special items in etc. Please contact me for more details if you wish to return unused items and I will explain any charges involved.
- In the case of unused items, they must be returned to me at your cost.