Choosing your washing machine to properly wash your washable diapers
Coralie Mabouledecouche
Choosing the right washing machine for cloth diapers is essential to ensure effective cleaning and preserve the durability of the PUL and absorbent fibers. Discover the key criteria, the brands to favor, and the mistakes to avoid for a detergent perfectly suited to your cloth diapers.
Summary
Criteria for choosing your washing machine
Drum capacity
The more washable nappies you have to clean, the larger the drum needs to be to ensure proper tumbling:
- 6–7 kg: perfect for a baby with a small stocking;
- 8–9 kg: suitable for regular washing with several changes per day;
- 10 kg and over: ideal for large families or nurseries.
👉 Also read: how to properly fill your washing machine to wash your reusable nappies .
Water consumption
Effectively washing reusable nappies requires sufficient water to rinse away detergent and urine residue:
- ≈ 50 L for a 4–7 kg machine;
- ≈ 60 L for a 7–9 kg machine;
- ≈ 70 L for a 9–15 kg machine.
Opt for models that allow you to add an extra rinse or a "heavily soiled laundry" cycle.
Essential characteristics
adapted cycles
Choose machines that offer cotton or white/colour cycles. These programs use more water but provide a deep wash — ideal for TE2 or nighttime cloth diapers.
Powerful spin
A spin cycle of at least 1000 revolutions per minute allows for maximum water extraction and reduced drying time, without damaging the PUL.
Customizable options
The best models offer the ability to adjust the temperature, the number of rinses, and the cycle duration. This allows you to tailor the wash to the needs of your absorbent cloth diapers .
👉 See also: how to maintain your washing machine .
Which brands to favor
The best performing ones
These brands are distinguished by their reliability and efficient cycles:
- Bosch, Siemens, Electrolux, Faure, Ariston, Indesit, Haier.
Correct but less optimized
- AEG, Brandt, Laden, Panasonic, Thomson, Vedette.
Not recommended for washing washable nappies
These models often have cycles that are too short or use too little water, making diaper washing ineffective:
- Candy, Hoover, Whirlpool (6th sense), LG, Samsung (EcoBubble), Valberg, Proline, Miele.
FAQ – Washing machines and washable diapers
What washing machine capacity is needed to wash washable nappies?
A capacity of 8 to 9 kg is ideal for a family with one child. For larger families, choose a 10 kg drum for optimal mixing.
Can washable nappies be washed with the rest of the laundry?
Yes, but only with light-colored laundry and without fabric softener. Avoid towels or fluffy fabrics that could stick to the inserts.
What washing temperature should I choose?
A 40°C wash is sufficient for everyday use. Increase to 60°C for heavily soiled diapers or for monthly deep cleaning.
Are the "Eco" cycles suitable?
No. Eco programs use little water and insufficient agitation. Opt for longer cotton cycles for a thorough clean.
Is my washing machine using enough water?
If your diapers still smell after washing, it's often due to insufficient water. Activate an extra rinse cycle or reduce the drum load.
Conclusion
Choosing a washing machine designed for cloth diapers guarantees effective washing, perfect hygiene, and extended durability. Opt for models offering long cycles, thorough rinsing, and customizable settings—your diapers will thank you!
👉 Are you a beginner? Also read: how to wash your washable nappies effectively .
Tip: opt for a machine with long cycles and powerful spin for consistently impeccable diapers.
This article is based on feedback from the group Les couches lavers: On parle des vraies affaires (Europe - Pacific) .
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