How to Wash Infant Clothes: Expert Tips for Parents

As a parent, one of your biggest concerns is ensuring that your infant's clothes are clean, soft, and free of harmful chemicals. Infants have delicate skin, and the right approach to washing their clothes can make a significant difference in their comfort and well-being.

From the best detergents to dealing with stubborn stains like newborn poop, this guide will help you learn how to wash infant clothes effectively and safely.

Infant clothes require special care because their skin is highly sensitive. Newborns are prone to skin irritation, allergies, and rashes, and certain fabrics or cleaning products can exacerbate these issues.

That’s why understanding how to wash newborn clothes is crucial. It's essential to choose gentle detergents, avoid harsh chemicals, and use the right washing techniques to ensure that your baby’s clothes are both clean and safe.

Here are expert tips and step-by-step guidelines for washing infant clothes to keep them clean, soft, and free from irritants.

1. Use a Gentle, Baby-Friendly Detergent

When washing infant clothes, always use a detergent that is specifically designed for babies. These detergents are typically free from harsh chemicals, dyes, fragrances, and chlorine bleach, which can irritate your baby’s sensitive skin. How to wash infant clothes begins with choosing the right detergent.

Look for hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, or dye-free options. These formulations are gentle on your baby’s skin and are designed to remove dirt, stains, and odours without leaving behind any harmful residues. Avoid using regular detergents that contain artificial fragrances or harsh chemicals.

2. Pre-treat Stains Immediately

Infant clothes are bound to get messy, especially during feedings or diaper changes. One of the most challenging stains you’ll encounter is newborn poop. The acidity and consistency of infant stool can make it particularly difficult to remove, but with the right techniques, you can tackle it effectively.

To wash newborn poop stains, you should:

• Act Quickly: The sooner you can treat the stain, the easier it will be to remove. If your baby has had a messy diaper, try to rinse the clothes under cold water immediately after changing them.
• Pre-Treat with Baby Stain Removers: There are various baby-safe stain removers available that are specifically designed to remove tough stains like poop without harming the fabric.
• Use Mild Soap: If you don’t have a stain remover on hand, you can use a small amount of baby soap or even regular dish soap to treat the stain. Rub the soap gently into the stain, let it sit for about 10–15 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly with cold water before putting it into the wash.

For the best results, it’s always a good idea to wash the clothes as soon as possible. This prevents the stain from setting into the fabric, making it easier to remove during the wash.

3. Wash Infant Clothes Separately

Infant clothes should be washed separately from the rest of the family’s laundry. This reduces the risk of contamination from dirt, germs, or residues from adult clothes. Washing baby clothes separately also allows you to use a gentler wash cycle and avoid the harsh chemicals that may be present in regular laundry detergents.

If you’re using a washing machine, ensure that you separate the baby clothes from other fabrics to avoid the buildup of detergent and to maintain a softer finish. It also prevents adult clothes from potentially transferring dust, lint, or other substances onto your baby’s garments.

4. Choose the Right Washing Machine Settings

When washing infant clothes, you want to use the most gentle cycle possible. Most washing machines have a “delicate” or “gentle” cycle, which uses slower agitation and lower spin speeds to protect delicate fabrics. This is ideal for baby clothes, as it minimises wear and tear on the fabrics, keeping them soft and durable.

Use cold water to wash your baby’s clothes. Hot water can cause shrinkage and fading, and it may irritate sensitive skin. Cold water is gentler on the fabric and helps prevent colours from running or fading. In addition, cold water is ideal for removing stains from baby poop because it helps prevent the stain from setting in the fabric.

5. Avoid Fabric Softeners and Bleach

While fabric softeners can make clothes feel softer, they contain chemicals that can irritate your baby’s skin. Similarly, bleach is a harsh chemical that should never be used on infant clothes. It can strip fabrics of their natural fibres and may cause skin rashes or allergies. Stick to a gentle, baby-friendly detergent, and avoid using fabric softeners or bleach altogether.

If you want to keep the clothes soft, air-drying them naturally will help maintain their softness without the need for chemical-based fabric softeners.

6. Dry Baby Clothes Properly

After washing your infant’s clothes, it’s important to dry them properly to ensure they remain soft, clean, and free of any harmful bacteria. Here are the two best methods for drying baby clothes:

• Air Drying

The safest method for drying infant clothes is to air dry them. Hang them on a drying rack or clothesline, and allow the clothes to dry naturally in the air. This method is gentle on the fabric and helps maintain its softness.

• Tumble Drying

If you choose to use a dryer, make sure to set it on a low heat or delicate cycle. High heat can damage the fibres, causing the fabric to shrink, lose shape, or weaken over time. Always check the care labels of your baby’s clothes to make sure they can safely be tumble-dried.

It’s important to remove the clothes from the dryer as soon as they are dry to prevent wrinkles from forming. If your baby’s clothes need a little extra softness, you can place them in the dryer for a few minutes on the lowest setting.

7. Store Baby Clothes Properly

After washing and drying your infant’s clothes, be sure to store them in a clean, dry place. Avoid overcrowding drawers or closets, as this can cause clothes to lose their shape. To keep the clothes fresh and free from dust, store them in breathable fabric bags or containers.

If you’re storing clothes for future use, such as when your baby outgrows their current clothes, make sure to fold and store them in a clean, dry location. Avoid using plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and lead to mildew or mould.

8. Washing Baby Clothes with Sensitive Skin in Mind

If your baby has sensitive skin or is prone to eczema, you may want to consider using special detergents that are designed for babies with skin sensitivities. Look for detergents that are free from fragrances, dyes, and parabens, as these ingredients can cause irritation.

Washing infant clothes requires a thoughtful and gentle approach to ensure that your baby’s clothes remain clean, soft, and free from irritants. By using baby-friendly products, washing clothes separately, and avoiding harsh chemicals, you can help protect your infant’s delicate skin and keep their clothes looking fresh and comfortable.

Remember, baby laundry is an ongoing task, but with the right care, you can ensure that your little one’s clothes stay safe, soft, and ready for every new adventure.