Unlike most grownups, babies have extremely sensitive skin, and skin irritations are not uncommon. This is why their clothes require special care. However, keeping it clean and soft, free of germs and bacteria, is not an easy task. Regular detergents are full of harsh chemicals that can cause skin irritation. On the other hand, the scent of stale milk makes you want to wash their clothes over and over again, which results in rough fabric. Furthermore, standard home remedies such as vinegar don’t seem to help in this case, and the foul odor remains even after the wash. So, how can you ensure that your baby has soft, clean, germ-free onesies and cloth diapers? Here are several tips that will help you with this task.
Keep it Simple
Nowadays, baby clothes are made of all kinds of materials, but the best option is to stick to the basics – breathable cotton. This fabric prevents sweating, does not cause skin irritation, and is very easy to maintain. While all those cute outfits with sequins and other embellishments may catch your eye, keep in mind that they can hurt your baby’s skin. Also, those will probably come off in the washer or dryer, and you will end up with a damaged item.
Use an Eco-Friendly Detergent
Some people are skeptical when it comes to organic detergents and believe that these eco-friendly products are not as strong as your standard detergents. However, that is far from the truth. These days there are many eco-friendly detergents that are hypoallergenic, great for removing oil stains and other heavy stains, and which will keep the clothes clean and soft. These work in hot and cold water, which is also great for your pocket. Washing the clothes in cold water means you will reduce the energy costs with every load. Since there are no harsh chemicals, enzymes, and dyes in these detergents, they won’t cause irritation or other health conditions. Look for eco-friendly detergents that are designed for delicate baby skin to keep your little one’s clothes safe, soft, and clean.
Remove That Stain ASAP
Every baby spills and drops food on their clothes, so stains are nothing unusual. However, if you want to keep those clothes in good condition, you need to treat the stains as quickly as possible. If you remove them immediately, you won’t have to wash your baby’s clothes repeatedly or with harsh chemicals. The moment your baby makes a mess, grab a baby wipe to remove any spills, and then keep the clothing in water until you have time to wash it properly.
Soaking is an Important Part of the Process
Speaking of soaking, do not underestimate this part of the process. Do not just soak the clothes when you are washing them for the first time or when there is a nasty stain on them. Instead, keep them in warm water every time before you are going to wash them. This way, you will remove most of the dirt as well as any germs that are present on the clothes.
Wash Cloth Diapers Separately
When it comes to your baby’s clothes, cloth diapers definitely take the cake as the dirtiest item. These are full of germs and bacteria, which is why it is recommended to wash them separately in hot water. This way, all those germs won’t get transferred to other clothes.
Dry Baby Clothes Under Sunlight
Leaving your baby’s clothes to tumble dry is convenient, especially because you can rest assured that they will be completely dry in an hour or two. Also, if you take them out of the dryer while they are still warm, you can just fold them and skip the ironing. However, leaving them outside to dry in direct sunlight will kill all the leftover germs and bacteria and keep the fabric softer.
Check the Laundry Basket
Your baby’s clothes spend the least time on your little one. When they are not in the closet, they are usually in the laundry basket, waiting for their turn to get cleaned. Therefore, make sure you have a basket that can be easily and thoroughly cleaned. Those wicker ones are cute and look great in any room, but their pointy edges can easily damage the clothing, and they are impossible to clean properly.
Follow these tips, and your little one’s clothes will remain soft and clean even after many washes.
