How to Wash Baby Clothes

Babies are tiny. Their laundry piles are not.

At Hamlet Laundry Ltd, we wash everything from newborn onesies to toddler bedding every week here in London—and we see the same problems over and over: detergent residue that makes fabrics feel “stiff,” stains that get baked in by the dryer, and well-meaning routines that accidentally irritate sensitive skin. Pediatric guidance also emphasizes simple, practical steps (like checking washability and following care labels).

This guide shows you how to wash baby clothes in a way that’s realistic for real life: clean, soft, and gentle—without overcomplicating it.

Quick answer (for busy parents)

Wash baby clothes before first wear, use the correct detergent dose (more isn’t better), choose temperature based on the care+ stain type, and avoid drying anything that still has a mark on it. Pediatric and expert-led guides generally recommend gentle, thoughtful washing and detergent choices for baby items.

How to wash baby clothes (6 steps you can follow today)

1) Wash new baby clothes before baby wears them

New clothes can carry residues from manufacturing, finishing, storage, and handling. A study on early-life exposure to formaldehyde through clothing found a strong “washout effect”—washed samples contained no traces of formaldehyde after one wash in their testing.
Government review work also notes formaldehyde can be present in textiles and that dermal exposure is possible (especially relevant for people with sensitivities).

Hamlet Laundry tip: For first washes, keep it simple—one normal wash cycle following the careis usually enough.

2) Sort quickly (you don’t need perfection)

At minimum:

• Lights vs darks (to reduce dye transfer)
• Delicates vs sturdy cottons (to avoid pilling or stretching)

Many mainstream baby-laundry guides emphasize checking labels and separating where helpful.

3) Treat stains before they go in the machine

Baby stains become “permanent” mainly for one reason: time (and then heat).

• Rinse off what you can (especially for milk/formula or poop).
• Apply a gentle pre-treatment.
• Wash.
• Don’t dry until it’s gone (dryer heat can set many stains).

Whirlpool’s baby laundry guide focuses heavily on stain handling and choosing methods that remove tough stains while staying gentle.

4) Choose a detergent—and use less than you think

You don’t automatically need a “baby detergent.” What matters most is:

• Correct dosing
• Being cautious with dyes/perfumes if your baby has sensitive skin
• Rinsing well when needed

Dermatology research notes that a key route of skin exposure is prolonged contact with fabrics that harbor detergent residues, which may cause irritation—one reason dosing and rinse quality matter.

5) Pick temperature based on fabric + stain type (not habit)

Temperature matters, but it’s not the only factor. Overheating can shrink clothes and wear them out faster; too low can struggle with heavy soils.

(We’ll give a simple temperature table below.)

6) Dry gently—and never dry a stain you still see

Low heat or air-drying protects elastics, prints, and delicate fabrics. Many baby laundry guides also encourage gentle drying choices.

What detergent is best for baby clothes?

Do you need “baby detergent”?

Not necessarily. Experts often focus on baby skin being more delicate, and recommend extra care with detergent choices and what you skip.
If your baby is prone to irritation, many dermatology discussions emphasize dye- and perfume-free options for sensitive skin contexts.

The #1 mistake we see: overdosing

Baby clothes are small. Parents often pour detergent as if they’re washing adult jeans and towels.

Why it matters: the most common skin exposure route is fabric contact with detergent residue, which may irritate some people.

Practical rule that works:

• Start with the minimum dose recommended for your water type/load size.
• If clothes don’t come out clean, adjust gradually—not by doubling.
• If you notice itchiness, lingering scent, or “waxy” feel, try an extra rinse.

UK note: “non-bio” vs “bio”

In the UK, many families choose non-bio for sensitive skin households. This isn’t medical advice—just a common preference we see in London homes and among parents. If you’re unsure, keep your routine simple and watch how your baby’s skin responds.

What temperature should you wash baby clothes?

Here’s a practical guide we use in professional laundry decision-making. Always follow the care label first.

Mainstream guides focus on selecting a method that’s both stain-effective and gentle for baby skin, and Whirlpool emphasizes thoughtful washing methods and stain removal for baby items.

Important stain note: For protein-based stains (milk/formula/spit-up), treat or rinse first—then wash. Heat + time can make them harder to remove.

Should you wash baby clothes before first wear?

Yes—especially for newborn items that sit directly on skin.

• Research on early-life exposure to formaldehyde through clothing reports that washing can significantly reduce formaldehyde and other textile additives, and in their tested samples, washed items showed no traces of formaldehyde after one wash.
• A Government Accountability Office report reviewing formaldehyde in textiles explains formaldehyde has been used in some textile processes and that exposure can occur via skin contact, with allergic contact dermatitis being a concern for some people.

No panic needed—just a sensible first step.

Common baby stains: what we do (milk, spit-up, blowouts)

At Hamlet Laundry, stain success is usually about sequence, not secret products.

Milk & formula

1. Rinse with cool water
2. Apply a gentle stain pre-treatment
3. Wash as normal
4. Air dry or low heat; check before fully drying

Spit-up

1. Rinse
2. Pre-treat the mark
3. Wash promptly

Nappy blowouts

1. Remove solids carefully
2. Rinse from the back of the stain outward
3. Pre-treat
4. Wash—then inspect before drying

Whirlpool’s baby-clothes washing guide highlights stain removal as a key part of washing baby items effectively while remaining gentle.

If your baby has sensitive skin or eczema

First: if your baby has a persistent rash, speak with a clinician. (Laundry isn’t the only cause.)

From a skin-science perspective:

• Surfactants can interact with skin proteins and lipids, and irritation potential varies by surfactant structure and interaction with the stratum corneum.
• Dermatology research also emphasizes that fabric contact with detergent residues is a key exposure route and may be relevant for irritation.
• There’s also clinical research evaluating detergent tolerability in people with atopic dermatitis by having participants wear detergent-washed socks—an example of how researchers study real-world contact.

Practical “gentle routine” (what we recommend):

• Use one detergent consistently (avoid switching weekly)
• Consider dye/perfume-free options if irritation is suspected
• Dose correctly + consider an extra rinse if residue is likely
• Skip boosters and multiple additives until you know what works for your baby

FAQs

Can I wash baby clothes with the rest of the family laundry?

Usually yes—if the fabrics and colors are compatible and the load isn’t heavily soiled. If baby has sensitive skin, you may prefer baby items together so you can control detergent dose and rinsing. Expert guides focus on choosing methods that protect delicate skin and fabrics.

Do baby clothes need a special cycle?

Not always. Most everyday cotton baby clothes do fine on a normal or gentle cycle. Delicates (fine knits, bamboo blends) may do better on delicate.

Should I use an extra rinse?

If you suspect detergent residue (stiff feel, lingering scent, irritation), an extra rinse is a reasonable troubleshooting step. Dermatology literature highlights fabric contact with detergent residues as a potential route for irritation.

Is laundry detergent a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis?

Allergic reactions specifically caused by detergent ingredients may be less common than people assume; a dermatology review notes many potential detergent allergens are often reduced to clinically irrelevant levels by routine machine washing, and other diagnoses may need consideration when “detergent allergy” is suspected.
That said, irritation can still happen—especially with residue and sensitive skin—so it’s worth simplifying your routine.

London parents: when Hamlet Laundry Ltd can help (without the hassle)

If you’re in London and the laundry is becoming the thing you never catch up on—especially with newborn sleep schedules—we get it.

At Hamlet Laundry Ltd, we can take the pressure off with professional cleaning that’s:

• Care-label aware (so delicate baby fabrics stay wearable)
• Stain-focused (because blowouts happen)
• Consistent (the key to reducing “trial-and-error” stress)

If you’d rather spend that time resting, feeding, or just enjoying your baby, having a reliable laundry partner can be a surprisingly meaningful quality-of-life upgrade.

The simple takeaway

If you remember only three things:

1. Wash before first wear
2. Use the right detergent dose + rinse well when needed
3. Never dry a stain you can still see

That routine solves most baby laundry problems—without turning your week into a science project.

Ready to take laundry off your plate? Let Hamlet Laundry handle it 🧺✨

Newborn days are precious—and exhausting. If laundry is piling up faster than you can fold it, Hamlet Laundry Ltd is here to make life easier for parents across London.

We don’t just “wash clothes.” We care for them the way you would—only faster, more consistent, and without taking up your evenings.

Why London parents choose Hamlet Laundry:

• 🚚 Convenient pickup & delivery across London — no trips, no queues
• 👶 Baby-friendly washing routines — careful dosing, proper rinsing, fabric-safe drying
• 🧼 Expert stain treatment — from milk and spit-up to full-on nappy blowouts
• 🌿 Gentle on fabrics & skin — care-label aware, no unnecessary harsh processing
• ⏱️ Time back for what matters — rest, family time, and a little peace of mind

Whether you need help during the intense newborn weeks or just want a reliable laundry partner you can trust, Hamlet Laundry Ltd fits seamlessly into real London life.

👉 Let us handle the laundry—so you can focus on your baby, not the washing machine.
Visit Hamlet Laundry Ltd today and experience professional laundry care designed for modern families.