Quick start guide

Prewash your nappies before using them for the first time. This will make them more absorbent.
You might want to check whether a particular coloured nappy will run before putting it in with your whites.

Put a liner inside the nappy (unless the nappy has a built-in liner). Make sure the liner is the right size for the nappy.
Fasten the nappy securely around baby.
Cover with a wrap (wraps can be reused unless dirty or if they have been in use for a day).
Check that none of the nappy or liner is sticking out of the wrap.

With baby lying on the changing mat, undo the wrap. If it's not dirty, you can use it with the next nappy.
Undo the nappy. Unless it's very dirty, you can leave it in place while cleaning baby's bottom.
If using a fleece liner and there is no solid waste on it, leave it inside the nappy. If it has solid waste, remove and place solid waste down the toilet. If using disposable liners, remove and dispose.
Wipe the baby (you can use cloth wipes with water and wash them with the nappies).
Put the wet or dirty nappy into your bucket or bag.

Any bucket with a lid will do as a nappy bucket.
A nappy mesh is a mesh bag that hangs inside the bucket so that you can lift out all the nappies together when you come to wash them.
Soaking nappies removes some of the waste before washing. However, you don't need to soak your nappies, especially if you're washing at least once every two days. Soaking with tea-tree oil or bleach will affect the colour of coloured nappies.
It is best not to soak wraps.

Check that velcro fastenings are folded down before washing, to prevent them catching on the nappies.
Take care to wash nappies and wraps at the correct temperature. Not all nappies and wraps can be washed at 60°C. A 60°C wash is adequate for reasons of hygiene. You don't need to boil-wash - in fact this damages wraps and the elastic in shaped nappies.
Do not use fabric conditioner it makes the nappies less absorbent.
Washing powders with bleach in them will affect the colour in coloured nappies.
Many people find that a non-biological washing powder is gentler on the baby's skin.
You might find a rinse or pre-wash helps keep the nappies looking bright, especially if you don't soak the nappies before washing.

Nappies can be dried like other clothes, but do not tumble-dry wraps or place them on a hot radiator.
Hanging nappies up outside makes them feel softer and uses less energy than tumble drying.
Ten minutes in a tumble drier will soften up nappies that have been hung up inside.