Washing your baby’s clothes properly is important because their skin is much more sensitive than ours, especially to irritants. That’s why we recommend washing their clothes before they first wear them, as it will remove any residues. Regular and gentle laundering eliminates everyday bacteria and keeps their delicate skin protected.

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To discover how to wash baby clothes the right way, refer to our step-by-step guide below for detailed instructions on how to properly wash, dry and store baby clothes to ensure they stay gentle and soft.

Just as you would with your own clothing, be sure to check the care label for specific advice for the fabric composition. For example, delicate items, such as wool or hand-knitted pieces, often need to be hand-washed or cleaned on a gentle cycle.

Turning baby clothes inside out before washing helps protect any prints, embroidery, or patterns from fading or wearing away quickly. Washing the clothes inside out also reduces pilling on the outer surface. You’ll almost certainly be washing your baby’s clothes much more frequently than you would your own, and this tip will help them to last longer.

Keep your baby’s wardrobe looking bright and fresh by separating light and dark colours before washing, as you would do normally for your clothes. This simple step helps prevent darker dyes from bleeding onto lighter garments.

We recommend that you always choose a non-biological, baby-friendly detergent that’s free from harsh chemicals, fragrances and dyes. A hypoallergenic option would also be good. Be sure to follow the specific instructions for the product you are using. We also recommend that you avoid using fabric softeners, as they can leave behind residues that may bother your baby’s skin.

Washing baby clothes at the right temperature is key. For a regular wash, a gentle cycle with warm water at around 30–40°C is usually sufficient to remove dirt while protecting the softness of the fabric. For heavily stained items, such as bibs or muslins, a higher temperature of around 60°C will be more effective at getting rid of any bacteria. Cotton and neutral-coloured clothing can often withstand warmer washes, but prints or bright designs are likely to fade faster when washed at a high temperature. Always check the care label to avoid damaging delicate fabrics or your favourite pieces.

Knowing what setting to wash baby clothes on will help to avoid shrinking or damage. A gentle or delicate cycle with a slow spin speed and a short wash time is usually best to keep fabrics in the best possible condition. If you’re wondering what temperature to wash baby clothes at, always check the care label for temperature settings. Some items are fine to be washed at 40°C (especially if they need a deeper clean) but others may be designed to be cleaned at a lower temperature. Your washing machine may also have a baby care cycle.

Stains and spills are inevitable with little ones. Make sure to steer clear of using harsh chemicals, like bleach, when they occur. These strong detergents could irritate their sensitive skin and damage the fabric. Follow the simple steps below to keep your baby’s clothes looking and feeling their best for as long as possible:

1. Rinse the affected area with cool water to lift as much of the stain as you can.
2. Pre-treat any stains by dabbing on a baby-safe stain remover. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before washing, or however long your specific stain remover recommends.
3. Wash on a cool, delicate cycle, avoiding hot water as high temperatures can set stains further.
4. Natural sunlight is also a wonderful and free stain remover, especially for marks from milk and food on white fabrics.

Similar to your own clothing, some of your baby’s clothes will require extra care, especially if they’re made from delicate fabrics like cashmere, silk, wool or lace. Any pieces with embroidered details or sentimental value, including gift sets, christening blankets or heirloom hand-me-downs, will need to be treated with great care too. Often, these pieces will require handwashing. Here are some simple steps to follow:

1. Fill a clean tub or basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild detergent suitable for delicate fabrics.
2. If the item has stains, apply a stain remover and let it sit for around 10 minutes before washing.
3. Submerge the clothing and let it soak for about half an hour or so. Gently move the fabric around in the water to shift any dirt but don’t rub, twist or wring it.
4. Drain the soapy water and refill your tub with clean, lukewarm water. Repeat this step until the detergent has been completely rinsed out.
5. Gently press out any excess water with a clean, dry towel. Lay the garment flat on a separate towel or hang it by a window or outside to air dry. One of the best tips when washing hand-knit baby clothes is to reshape them while damp to prevent stretching or misshaping.

Here, you’ll find our best practices for air drying and tumble drying your baby’s clothes to maintain their softness and lifespan:

1. Air dry your baby’s clothes by laying them flat on a clean towel or hanging them over a drying rack. If you’re drying them indoors, make sure the area is well ventilated or a nearby window is left open. If the weather is dry and there’s a breeze, leave them in a shaded area.
2. Using a tumble dryer is a quicker alternative. Make sure you select a low heat setting to reduce the risk of the clothes shrinking or getting damaged. You can add dryer balls to help reduce static and help to keep clothing separate as they’re drying. If you plan on ironing any of the items, take the clothes out of the dryer while they’re still slightly damp, as this will make it easier to smooth out any wrinkles.

When it comes to storing baby clothes, you want to focus on convenience and prolonging the item's lifespan. Here are our tips to help keep their clothes organised and protected:

• Put the clothes into clean and dry storage containers or drawers. Make sure they’re dust-free and ideally lined with a soft material or liner before placing the garments in there.
• Try organising by size and season, with everyday essentials at the front and any outgrown or out-of-season styles at the back.
• Choose a cool, dry storage space. Damp areas like cellars and attics can result in clothes absorbing moisture from the air.
• Use breathable storage bags made from cotton so air can circulate.

While it’s important to keep your little one’s clothing clean, not every item will need washing after one wear. How regularly you need to wash their clothing will depend on a variety of factors. Everyday essentials such as bodysuits, bibs, and sleepsuits may need washing after each wear, especially if they have spills or stains. Outer layers like knitted cardigans or jackets can normally be worn a number of times before needing to be washed.

Properly laundering your baby’s clothes is important but doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Washing your baby’s clothes correctly is essential for their comfort, especially when their skin is so delicate and sensitive.

Yes, most baby clothes can be washed in a regular washing machine but it’s always best to check the care label for specific instructions first.

We recommend using a baby-friendly detergent, as they’re specifically formulated to be free from harsh chemicals and fragrances that can irritate their sensitive skin. These gentle detergents help keep the fabric soft while making sure clothes are cleaned properly. Always check your little one for skin reactions or discomfort when trying a new detergent.

Yes, you can normally put baby clothes in the tumble dryer but just like with washing, be sure to check the label for specific instructions. If you do use a tumble dryer, it’s best to use a low heat to reduce the risk of clothes shrinking, and remove them while they’re still a bit damp. We would recommend air drying when possible.

A 30°C wash is typically gentle enough for everyday baby clothes if they’re not too dirty. Heavily used items like blankets, bibs and muslin cloths may need a slightly warmer 40°C wash to better remove stains and bacteria. Always check the care label for washing temperature recommendations.

It's best to wash baby clothes separately, especially during the first few months, to avoid exposure to harsh detergents and bacteria from adult clothing. However, if you're using a baby-safe detergent and a gentle cycle, you can wash them with similar fabrics. When separating their clothes, sort by colour and fabric type.