How to wash your baby's clothes: a practical guide

Irene · May 25, 2026 · 7 min

A newborn's skin is about 5 times thinner than an adult's and more easily absorbs whatever stays in the fabric: detergent residue, scented fabric softeners, harsh bleaches. That's why washing your baby's clothes isn't like doing the regular laundry. Two rules guide everything: always follow the care label and use gentle detergents. Here's how to put them into practice, step by step.

1. The first wash: always, before wearing the garment

Even new clothes, even certified ones, should be washed before their first use. During manufacturing, transport and display in the store, fabrics build up sizing agents, dust, processing residue and traces of substances used to keep them “in shape”. A first wash removes them and softens the fibres.

This applies to bodysuits, onesies, sheets, towels, hats — anything that will come into contact with the skin. The only exceptions are outerwear that doesn't touch the skin (jackets, heavy snowsuits), for which an initial wash is still recommended but less urgent.

2. Read the care label: the symbols that matter

The care label is the garment's official guide. For newborn laundry, focus on three pieces of information:

Wash temperature. The tub with the number indicates the maximum degrees. Newborn clothes are ideally washed at 40-60 °C: hot enough to remove bacteria and organic residue, while respecting the indicated limit. If the label says 30 °C, don't exceed it or you'll ruin the garment.
Bleaching. The triangle tells you whether you can use bleaching agents. Crossed-out triangle = no chlorine bleach. Empty triangle (on whites) = yes to oxygen bleach, never chlorine-based on newborn clothes.
Drying and ironing. The square indicates the tumble dryer (inner circle) and the iron indicates the ironing temperature. Many technical or stretch fabrics shouldn't go in the dryer at high temperatures.

Golden rule: when in doubt, always choose the gentlest treatment indicated. Better a garment washed at a lower temperature than a ruined fabric.

3. Choose a gentle detergent

This is the most important point. The right detergent for a newborn must be gentle, free of strong fragrances and easy to rinse out. Look for these features:

A formula specifically for newborns or sensitive skin, dermatologically tested and hypoallergenic. Search for newborn detergents on Amazon
No intense fragrances, no dyes and no optical brighteners.
No harsh enzymes and no known allergenic substances (some preservatives such as MI/MCI).
Liquid is better than powder: it dissolves completely and leaves less residue in the fabric.

Use less than you think: too much detergent is one of the main causes of residue on the skin. For a load of newborn clothes only, half the recommended dose is often enough.

4. Fabric softener and fragrances: better to avoid them

Fabric softener leaves a film on the fabric that reduces breathability and can irritate. For the first few months it's best to avoid it altogether. If you want softer garments, use half a cup of white vinegar in the fabric softener compartment: it softens naturally, neutralises odours and helps dissolve detergent residue (the vinegar smell disappears completely during drying).

5. The extra rinse: the secret against irritation

If your washing machine allows it, set an extra rinse. It's the most effective way to remove every trace of detergent from the fabric — far more important than the type of detergent itself. A well-rinsed garment washed with a regular detergent is safer than a poorly rinsed garment washed with a “bio” detergent.

6. Wash separately (at least at the start)

In the first few months it's best to wash the baby's clothes separately from the adults' laundry. It reduces the transfer of scented detergent residue, fabric softeners, pet hair and tougher dirt. Once the baby's skin has strengthened (around 6-12 months, barring known dermatitis or allergies) you can gradually combine the loads.

7. Tackling the most common stains

Milk, spit-up, baby food, poo: newborn laundry is a daily challenge. How to deal with stains without harsh products:

Milk and spit-up: rinse immediately with cold water (never hot: heat sets the proteins). Then pre-treat with Marseille soap or a gentle detergent rubbed in by hand.
Poo: remove the bulk, rinse in cold water, pre-treat with Marseille soap. For stubborn stains, leave the garment in the sun: it's a very powerful and safe natural bleach.
Baby food (carrots, fruit): cold water + a baking soda paste on the stain, then a normal wash.
Avoid generic adult spray stain removers: often too harsh. There are pre-treatments specifically for newborns. Search for Marseille soap and gentle stain removers

8. Drying

Air-dry, ideally in the sun. The sun dries, sanitises and bleaches naturally. Perfect especially for white bodysuits and stained cloths.
Tumble dryer: convenient, but check the care label. Use gentle low-temperature programmes; high temperatures shrink cotton and ruin the elastic.
No damp garments in the wardrobe. Residual moisture encourages mould and bad odours: make sure they're perfectly dry before storing them.

Quick newborn laundry checklist

✅ First wash before using any new garment.
✅ Always follow the care label symbols (temperature, bleaching, drying).
✅ Gentle detergent, reduced dose, no fabric softener.
✅ Extra rinse to remove residue.
✅ Separate laundry in the first few months.
✅ Stains: cold water right away, Marseille soap, sun.

In summary

Washing your baby's clothes is simple if you follow two principles: respect the care label and use gentle, well-rinsed products. Always do the first wash, use a specific detergent in a reduced dose, no fabric softener, an extra rinse and — whenever you can — the sun as a natural ally. These are small precautions that protect your baby's skin and make their clothes last longer.