How to wash baby clothes in 5 easy steps

Laundry is one of those household chores that seems to multiply tenfold when you have a baby. Because washing clothes isn't necessarily one-size-fits-all, it can be tough to know the right way to clean your baby's clothes. But there are some general guidelines that can help you figure out the best approach for you and your little one.

Here's a step-by-step guide to washing baby clothes.

1. Choose a laundry detergent

Research showsOpens a new window that babies have more sensitive skin than adults, which might make you wonder if regular detergent is too harsh for your baby's clothing. In fact, there are dozens of baby detergents on the market that claim to leave less residue and cause less skin irritation.

But according to the American Academy of PediatricsOpens a new window (AAP), unless your baby has allergies or very sensitive skin, it's safe to use regular detergent on your baby's clothes. Use a liquid detergent – they tend to rinse out more thoroughly, especially if you have hard water. Powders can leave flakes on fabric that might irritate your baby's skin.

If you're not sure whether your baby's skin is too sensitive for regular detergent, do a test by laundering one or two articles of your baby's clothing along with the rest of your family's wash. If your baby's skin seems fine when they wear those items, go ahead and toss in your baby's clothes with the rest of your laundry.

But if your baby's skin seems irritated (especially if it's marked by red spots) or they seem uncomfortable or itchy, try a detergent that's free of fragrances and dyes. If you still notice a reaction, try double rinsing your baby's clothes, or use baby detergent until your child is at least a year old.

If your baby has eczema, talk to your pediatrician about a bathing and skincare regimen. Children with eczema can be particularly sensitive to the ingredients in lotions and soaps.

2. Sort the laundry

You don't necessarily need to wash your baby's clothes separately from the rest of the family's, though you certainly can if you want to. If you're using a baby detergent, you might opt to wash your baby's clothing separately, especially if the baby detergent is more expensive than regular detergent.

Another time it might make sense to wash your baby's clothes separately is if anyone in the family is sick and you want to reduce the risk of spreading germs. In this case, you could also use a warmer water temperature or a laundry sanitizer approved by the Environmental Protection AgencyOpens a new window to kill germs and help prevent the spread of illness.

3. Remove stains from your baby's clothes

For the most part, any standard stain remover is fine to use on your baby's clothes. Opt for a stain remover that includes enzymes, which can help break down tough stains from formula, breast milk, spit-up, or poop.

If you'd rather steer clear of traditional stain removers, you can also try dabbing the stain with white vinegar and letting it soak for several minutes before washing. You can also make a paste with baking soda and a few drops of vinegar and apply that to the stain.

The best way to get rid of stains is to treat them as soon as possible – which, of course, is easier said than done when you've got your hands full with a baby. But even just wiping the stain with a wet rag or baby wipe as soon as you can makes a difference. Soaking the clothes in water before washing can also help lift stubborn stains.

Whatever method you use, make sure all laundry products, detergents, stain removers, and other cleaning chemicals are kept out of your baby's reach. These can be dangerous when ingested, so store them somewhere your baby can't get to them.

4. Wash the clothes

Baby clothes are smaller and typically more fragile than adult clothes, so taking special care when washing them can help extend their wear. Some families might choose to hand-wash their baby's clothes for this reason, but it certainly isn't a necessity.

Following the clothing label's care instructions is your best bet for properly caring for your baby's clothes. But between feedings every few hours and constant diaper changes, reading clothing labels might not be feasible for you (and that's okay!).

In general, wash your baby's clothes in cold or cool water and use a gentle cycle setting. Avoid fabric softener, dryer sheets, and bleach, since they can irritate your baby's sensitive skin.

5. Dry the clothes

Whether you toss your baby's clothes into a dryer or hang them to air dry is up to you. Either way is effective and safe for your baby.

For particularly delicate items (and certain fabrics, such as silk or lace), air drying can help extend the life of the clothing. Air drying can also help reduce shrinking. However, most baby clothes, particularly cotton ones, can be tumbled dry on a low setting.

How to wash newborn clothes

In general, you can wash newborn clothes the same way you'd wash an older baby's clothes – in cool water on a gentle cycle setting with regular detergent. If you're worried about your newborn's sensitive skin, you can opt for a baby detergent or any dye- and fragrance-free detergent to start out.

Whether you use regular detergent or baby detergent, it's important to wash your newborn's clothes before putting them on your little one. Washing your baby's clothes and other items, like blankets and swaddles, reduces the risk of skin irritation from dyes and chemicals left behind from the clothing manufacturer.