How to Wash Baby Clothes

Laundry takes on a whole new meaning when you have a baby. Between spit-up, diaper leaks, and food spills, you'll be washing tiny clothes more often than you ever imagined. The good news? Washing baby clothes doesn't have to be complicated. With the right approach, you can keep your little one's wardrobe fresh, clean, and gentle on their sensitive skin.

Why Baby Laundry Needs Special Attention

Your baby's skin is much more delicate than yours. It's thinner, more sensitive, and can react to harsh chemicals, fragrances, and residues that wouldn't bother adult skin. Clean doesn't always mean using the strongest chemicals or hottest water. Often, gentle methods work just as well while protecting your baby's sensitive skin.

Washing New Baby Clothes Before First Use

Always wash new baby clothes before your little one wears them. Brand-new clothes may contain dust, manufacturing residues, or fabric treatments picked up during shipping and storage.

Quality Matters, But Washing Is Still Essential: While premium baby clothing brands like Lullaby Locks may use higher quality materials and stricter manufacturing standards, all new clothes should still be washed before first use. Even clothes made with careful quality control can accumulate dust during shipping and storage. Think of that first wash as your final quality check.

Focus on washing clothes sized newborn through 0-3 months first. As your baby grows, wash the next sizes as needed. This prevents washing items your baby might outgrow before ever wearing.

Looking for guidance on which clothes to buy? Check out our guide to the best baby clothes for newborns.

Choosing the Right Detergent

The detergent you choose matters more than you might think. Look for detergents labeled as gentle, hypoallergenic, or free from dyes and fragrances. You don't necessarily need special baby detergent if your baby doesn't have sensitive skin. Many families successfully use regular detergent, as long as it's free from added fragrances, dyes, or harsh chemicals.

Always follow the measurement guidelines on your detergent bottle. Using too much can leave residues that irritate your baby's skin. If you notice any redness or irritation after introducing a new detergent, switch to something gentler.

How to Wash Newborn Baby Clothes

Newborn clothes require gentle care with a few extra considerations during those early weeks.

Temperature Matters: Wash most baby clothes in cold or warm water (around 30-40 degrees). According to Connecticut Children's pediatrician Dr. Patricia Garcia, baby clothes and bedding can be washed in the washing machine just like regular clothing. Hot water isn't usually necessary unless dealing with heavily soiled items.

Sorting Strategy: Sort baby clothes by color as you would your own laundry. However, separate heavily soiled items (those with poop or significant stains) to wash at higher temperatures if needed.

Machine Settings: Use a normal or gentle cycle depending on the fabric. Select an extra rinse cycle if your machine offers one to ensure all detergent residue is removed.

Drying Methods: Tumble dry on low heat to prevent shrinking. Delicate items may benefit from air drying on a rack or clothesline.

Can You Use Disinfectant for Baby Clothes?

Many parents wonder whether they should use disinfectants like Dettol or other antibacterial products when washing baby clothes.

Regular Washing Is Usually Enough: For most situations, the CDC states that cleaning fabric materials through regular machine-washing and drying provides adequate sanitization. The combination of detergent, water, agitation, and heat from the dryer effectively removes most germs.

When Disinfecting Might Be Helpful: Consider additional disinfecting when your baby is sick, if someone in your household has an illness, or for cloth diapers and heavily soiled items. The CDC recommends sanitizing fabric articles by machine-washing and drying them after each use, noting that hot water temperatures during washing and drying provide antimicrobial action. 

Safe Disinfecting Options: If disinfection feels necessary:

• Wash heavily soiled items at the highest safe temperature for the fabric
• Use hot water if the care label allows
• Dry items completely in a hot dryer
• Add white vinegar to pre-wash soaks (rinse thoroughly)
• Use laundry sanitizers designed for baby clothes

Be Cautious with Strong Disinfectants: Strong household disinfectants like Dettol aren't typically necessary for baby laundry and may leave chemical residues that irritate sensitive skin. If you use any disinfectant product, ensure it's designed for laundry, follow dilution instructions carefully, and rinse clothes thoroughly.

Dealing with Common Stains

Diaper Blowouts: Rinse off solid waste under running water. Pre-treat the stain, then wash separately using the warmest water safe for the fabric.

Spit-Up and Formula: Rinse immediately with cold water (hot water sets protein stains). Apply detergent directly to the stain, let it sit briefly, then wash.

Food Stains: Scrape off excess food, rinse with cold water, and pre-treat before washing. Some stains may need multiple washes.

Quick Tip: Treat stains as soon as possible for best results. If a stain remains after washing, don't put the item in the dryer as heat can set stains permanently.

What to Avoid

Fabric Softener: Skip it on baby clothes, especially sleepwear. It can reduce flame resistance on treated fabrics and may irritate sensitive skin.

Dryer Sheets: Like fabric softener, these leave residues that can bother sensitive skin.

Harsh Stain Removers: Choose gentle, baby-safe stain treatment options instead of industrial-strength removers.

Washing Cloth Diapers

Cloth diapers need special attention. Rinse thoroughly to remove solid waste. Run a cold rinse cycle first, then wash in hot water with appropriate detergent. Avoid fabric softener as it reduces absorbency. Add an extra rinse cycle to ensure all detergent is removed.

Making Baby Laundry Easier

Create a Dedicated Spot: Keep a separate hamper for baby clothes to make grabbing a load easier.

Wash in Batches: Wait for a full load rather than washing tiny amounts. This saves water, energy, and time.

Keep Supplies Handy: Store baby-safe detergent and stain remover in an accessible spot.

Don't Stress Perfection: Your baby won't care about faint stains or wrinkles. Clean, comfortable, and safe are what matter.

The Bottom Line

Washing baby clothes is simpler than it seems. Use gentle detergent, pre-treat stains quickly, and wash in warm or cold water. Regular washing and drying removes most germs without needing special disinfectants. When in doubt, check the care label and choose the gentler option.