How to Launder Baby Clothes

Along with your new addition comes a significant increase in household laundry. But does washing your baby’s clothes really require special consideration?With the global push for living environmentally friendly and with the growing awareness of allergens, more moms than ever are concerned about the harsh chemicals that are used when they launder their baby’s clothes.So if you’re looking to keep your baby’s skin smooth, your baby clothes soft, and the environment clean, follow these steps for laundering your baby’s clothes.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dirty baby clothes
• A biodegradable, hypo-allergenic, non-toxic, laundry detergent that is free from chlorine, phosphates, dyes and artificial fragrances
• A washing machine
• A dryer or a clothesline and clothes pins

How to Launder Baby Clothes

1. Gather together your dirty baby laundry.

2. Separate your loads. Dark colors and light colors should be washed separately to prevent the bleeding of colors. You'll also want to check the labels on any baby clothing that appears questionable. Items that are labeled "hand-wash", "dry clean only" and "wash separately" should be saved for later laundering.

3. Treat stains by removing excess soil and by spot treating with detergent before washing. Rub soil away in a circular motion, but be careful not to rub the soil deeper into the fabric.

4. Choose the appropriate water temperature. Washing clothes in cold water saves on energy, keeps baby clothes looking newer longer and prevents shrinkage. Warm water can be used for washing heavily soiled cottons, but opt for a cold rinse cycle.

5. Choose the appropriate load size. The size of load you select will determine the amount of water used to wash your baby clothes. Selecting the appropriate load size can save on water and energy and assure your baby's clothing gets clean.

6. Add the appropriate amount of detergent. The detergent container should provide instructions for the amount of detergent that should be used per load size. Using a dye free and eco-friendly detergent can help to prevent skin irritation.

7. Start the washer.

8. Add the dirty laundry. Let the washer run its course. Wash time varies from machine to machine. Check your owner's manual to determine how long the wash will take.

9. Transfer the clean load of laundry from the washer to either the dryer or to the clothesline. Using a clothesline saves energy and helps to persevere your baby's clothes. If you opt to use the dryer, choose a low heat session and remove your baby clothes quickly to avoid wrinkles.

10. Fold clothes and put them away. Tending to dirty clothes as soon as possible prevents laundry build up and helps to keep your baby clothing supply well stocked.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid using fabric softeners on baby clothes. The fragrances in fabric softeners can irritate baby's delicate skin and the conditioning properties can affect the fire retardant chemicals added to baby sleepwear.
• Wash all baby clothes before your baby wears them. Baby clothing goes through a lot of processing before it ever reaches you.
• Use cold water to remove food, milk or formula stains. Hot water can set a stain.
• If you opt to use bleach, be sure to rinse your baby clothes well. Bleach can irritate a baby's skin.
• Keep all detergents out of the reach of children.
• Before switching detergants, wash a single item with the new detergent to test for an allergic reaction.

[winningsmile988]

on 2/17/2009 haha, i put all clothes in the washing machine without sorting them out. thanks for your tips!

[teachermom]

on 12/12/2008 Thanks! I'll have to share this one with my husband.