Strip washing cloth nappies used to be recommended as a means to help remove stains and build up in nappies that may be affecting the absorbency of inserts. This was done through a means of soaking nappies with laundry soap and laundry boosters before washing and sanitising with the use of chlorine bleach.
However, we have since learnt that strip washing is not necessary and the process of using chlorine bleach both sanitises and removes stains when using the right concentration of chlorine bleach.
How do I know if I need to sanitise?
If you are washing your nappies properly throughout your regular/daily washing routine sanitising does not need to be part of your regular routine. However, if you perhaps have been away and not been able to use warm/hot water for washes or used inefficient washing detergent, your nappies are getting stinky, have stains, are leaving a rash or redness on your child, plus if your child has had fungal or bacterial infections then sanitising will help remove ammonia and deal with any problems.
Santising is usually a good option too if you've bought second hand nappies.
How do I sanitise my nappies?
The current recommendation is either using chlorine bleach or 90/95°C sanitise cycle in your washing machine.
The Clean Cloth Nappies website is continuously updated and a very helpful resource with wash routines and santising options. They have created a chlorine bleach table that calculates the quantity of chlorine bleach you need to sanitise for a variety of applications and problems. You can find more info here.
Please note that PUL and items with elastics cannot be washed in a 90/95°C sanitise cycle as they can delaminate or become damaged. So be sure to take note of the recommendations for these items.
Bottom creams/nappy balms/barrier creams
Barrier creams and nappy balms are usually oil or fat-based. Even some natural oils that some parents use like coconut oil, will build up in the nappy. Build-up is often more noticeable if you always wash with cold water. This is because oils and fats can't break down in cold washes. A hot (check your brand's washing tips but generally this needs to be at 60 degrees) wash occasionally can help to break down some of this build-up.
When using cream/oils on your baby's skin it is a good idea to regularly wash on a warm cycle. This helps to prevent oils and creams from building up in the nappy fabrics. Or if you prefer you could use a nappy liner while using creams - there are both disposable as well as reusable options.
There are some simple tests to see if you have build-up in your nappy.
For pocket nappies - hold the cover under a dripping tap (with the water dripping onto the inner lining where your baby pees). For inserts/absorbent layers - try holding that under a dripping tap.
You will know if you have build-up If the water beads on the top of the fabric and does not get absorbed.
It is important to realise that if the pocket nappy cover has build up it will affect the moisture getting through to the absorbent inserts and may cause you to have leaks and other problems.
It is worth noting that barrier creams are usually not necessary with cloth nappies provided you have a good wash routine that is thoroughly cleaning your nappies each wash.
Fabric Softeners
Fabric softeners or any detergent that has fabric softener in it, is likely to reduce the absorbency of your nappy inserts. This is because it puts a coating on the fabric to make it soft and then this coating prevents the fabric from being absorbent, especially if it is used regularly.
For this reason fabric softeners are not recommended to be used when washing reusable cloth nappies.
Final note:
Please be very careful if you do choose to do things like strip washing your nappies. If you use harsh products (like vinegar) it can drastically shorten the lifespan of your nappies and may void your warranty. Always check the manufacturer's information first as they may have another option for getting their specific brand clean.
If your nappies are just really smelly it may pay to just hot wash them (generally up to 60 degrees) with an extra rinse cycle and hang them outside to get them a bit fresher. If this doesn't seem to help them check out what options you have for sanitising your nappies.