Candy, Hoover, and Samsung Ecobubble washing machines are known for their low water consumption. However, this advantage can become a disadvantage when washing cloth diapers , which require intensive agitation and thorough rinsing. Here's how to adapt your washing routine for these water-efficient models to achieve perfectly clean and odor-free diapers.

Why a specific routine for Candy, Hoover and Samsung Ecobubble machines?

These machines use little water to optimize energy consumption, but cloth diapers require longer, wetting cycles to properly remove urine and detergent residue. Without adjustments, this can lead to leaks or buildup.

If your diapers come out poorly rinsed, slightly smelly or less absorbent, it's time to review your washing routine .

Precautions and options to activate

• Extra rinse : activate it to increase the volume of water and remove any detergent residue.
• Intensive rinse : adds an extra rinse that is essential for absorbent textiles.
• Minimum spin speed 1200 rpm : essential to properly remove water and avoid moisture stagnation.

💡 For more advice, see our detailed article on energy-efficient machines and their impact on washing cloth nappies (coming soon).

The three recommended routines

1. Four-step routine (the most effective)

• Quick cycle without spin (5 min, without detergent) to saturate the layers with water
• Cotton cycle at 20–30 °C with 1200 rpm spin speed + “extra rinse” option
• Quick cycle without spin (5 min) for a second soak
• Cotton cycle at 40–60 °C with 1200 rpm spin speed + “extra rinse” option

2. Routine with the “Cotton Prewash” cycle

• Pre-wash cotton 20–30 °C
• Then pre-wash cotton at 40–60 °C

3. Routine with the integrated “Prewash” option

• Cotton with pre-wash option at 20–30 °C
• Then main cycle at 40–60 °C

Dosage and choice of laundry detergent

Calculate the correct dose

The dosage depends on the weight of your diapers and the concentration of the detergent. You can check this with our online detergent calculator .

• Cycle 1 : total dose ÷ 2.25 (e.g.: 68 ml ÷ 2.25 = 30 ml);
• Cycle 2 : full dose recommended for 4–5 kg of heavily soiled laundry, adjusted to the weight of the diapers.

Recommended laundry detergents

• Epsil (Leclerc) and Tandil (Aldi): excellent cleaning power;
• Formil (Lidl): good performance, adjust according to water hardness;
• Super U Freshness : effective if the drum is well filled.

Laundry detergents to avoid

• Le Chat Bicarbonate : inconsistent results;
• Ariel : often too foamy for energy-saving machines.

Swoosh Test: Check washing efficiency

The Swoosh Test confirms that your diapers are properly rinsed:

1. Fill a basin with clean water.
2. Immerse a dry insert: if the water foams, there are still detergent residues.
3. Adjust the dosage or rinsing accordingly.

Find our complete tutorial: How to perform the Swoosh Test .

Conclusion and practical advice

Adapting your cloth diaper washing routine to your Candy, Hoover, or Samsung Ecobubble washing machine is essential for optimal results. These settings will help prevent buildup, ammonia odors, and loss of absorbency.

• Activate the “extra rinse” and “intensive rinse” options;
• Use the correct amount of laundry detergent depending on your water and your washing machine;
• Check your results with the Swoosh Test ;
• Maintain your machine regularly with a monthly empty cycle (see our complete guide) .

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