Wash Instructions by Material
Check each category below for instructions on how to properly wash your baby's items and protect them from overwear, discoloration, shrinkage, and damage. A list of U.S. detergent suggestions will also be listed.
Wool Items (includes Merino Wool):
To care for baby clothes made of wool, including merino wool, always check the care label and use a detergent specifically designed for wool or delicates, avoiding those with enzymes or bleach. Hand washing is best, using lukewarm water (no hotter than 30°C/86°F) with a small amount of wool-safe detergent; gently agitate the garment in the water, rinse thoroughly, and press out water without wringing. If machine washing is an option, choose a wool or delicate cycle with a mesh laundry bag, use lukewarm water, and skip or minimize the spin cycle to avoid stretching. After washing, reshape the garment and lay it flat on a clean towel to dry, avoiding heat sources like dryers or direct sunlight. Merino wool, being softer and finer, requires extra care, so hand washing is often preferred, and fabric softeners should be avoided as they can reduce the fabric’s natural breathability. Since wool is naturally odor-resistant, merino especially benefits from minimal washing unless visibly soiled. Proper care ensures these delicate items remain soft, durable, and comfortable for your baby.
- Eucalan: A gentle, no-rinse detergent that is lanolin-enriched to condition and soften wool.
- Woolite Delicates: A widely available detergent designed to clean and protect wool and other delicate fabrics.
- Soak Wash: A no-rinse detergent perfect for wool garments, with mild scents or an unscented option.
- Kookaburra Wool Wash: Contains tea tree oil and is lanolin-enriched for cleaning and maintaining wool's natural qualities.
- Seventh Generation Free & Clear: While not wool-specific, it’s a mild, fragrance-free option that works well for delicate fabrics like wool.
- Dr. Bronner's Baby Unscented Liquid Soap: A gentle, natural soap that can be diluted and used for handwashing wool.
Always avoid detergents with enzymes, bleach, or strong chemicals, as they can damage the fibers. If in doubt, test the detergent on a small area before fully washing.
100% Cotton/Cotton Blends:
Washing baby clothes made from 100% cotton or cotton blends is simple but requires a gentle touch to keep them soft and durable. Always check the care label, then separate light and dark colors to prevent bleeding. Use a mild detergent and wash in cold or warm water, avoiding hot water, which can shrink cotton fibers. For heavily soiled items, pre-soak in water with a baby-safe detergent before washing. Choose a gentle machine cycle or hand wash to minimize wear and tear, especially on blended fabrics with delicate components. Tumble dry on low heat or air dry to avoid shrinkage, and remove promptly to reduce wrinkles. Proper care ensures cotton baby clothes stay soft, breathable, and comfortable for your baby’s sensitive skin.
Bamboo:
When washing baby clothes made of bamboo, start by checking the care label and choosing a gentle, chemical-free detergent to preserve the fabric’s natural softness. Always wash in cold water, either by hand or on a delicate machine cycle, to prevent shrinking and keep the fibers in good condition. For hand washing, lightly swirl the clothes in the water and rinse well without twisting or wringing them. If using a washing machine, place the items in a mesh laundry bag and opt for a low-spin setting to avoid stretching. To dry, reshape the clothes and lay them flat or hang them in a shaded area, keeping them away from direct sunlight or heat sources to protect the fabric’s integrity. Skip fabric softeners and tumble dryers, as they can reduce the longevity and quality of bamboo fibers. With proper care, bamboo baby clothes will stay soft, breathable, and perfect for your little one’s sensitive skin.
Alpaca:
To clean baby clothes made of alpaca, always start by reviewing the care label for specific instructions. Hand washing is often ideal, using cool or lukewarm water with a mild detergent suitable for delicate fabrics to preserve the fibers’ softness and structure. Gently move the garment through the water without scrubbing, then rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric; instead, press it gently to remove excess water. If machine washing is allowed, use a protective mesh bag and select a cold, delicate cycle with minimal spin to prevent stretching. After washing, lay the clothes flat on a towel, reshape them, and let them air dry in a shaded area away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Properly caring for alpaca baby clothes will ensure they stay cozy, lightweight, and perfect for your little one’s sensitive skin.
Corduroy:
To care for baby clothes made of corduroy, begin by checking the care label for washing instructions, as some items may require extra attention. Turn the garment inside out to protect the fabric’s texture and prevent fading or wear. Use a gentle detergent and wash in cold water on a delicate machine cycle or by hand to preserve the softness of the material. Avoid overloading the washing machine, as this can crush the fabric’s signature ridges. After washing, gently shake out the garment to restore its shape and lay it flat to dry or hang it in a well-ventilated area, avoiding direct sunlight to prevent fading. If ironing is needed, do so on a low heat setting with the garment inside out to maintain the ridged texture. With proper care, corduroy baby clothes will remain durable, soft, and comfortable for your little one.
