What to wash newborn clothes with: rules for caring for baby clothing

Hygiene for a newborn starts with clean clothes

A newborn’s skin is much more sensitive than an adult's, so even small amounts of chemical residues in the fabric can cause irritation, dermatological conditions, or allergies. This is why special attention is paid to washing baby clothes. Let's take a closer look at how to prepare clothing for a newborn and what to use for washing baby clothes in the maternity hospital and as the baby grows.

Why is it important to wash new clothes after buying them?

Even if clothes are brand new and appear completely clean, they should be washed before being put on the baby. During the manufacturing process, fabrics are treated with various substances — from dyes to anti-static agents. Additionally, clothes may come into contact with different contaminants:

• Dust
• Dirt
• Warehouse surfaces
• Hands of many people

Before the first wash, it is important to remove all tags and check the seams. If necessary, rinse the fabric again. These steps help minimize the risk of irritation.

Safe detergents for washing baby clothes

Newborn clothes should not be washed with regular laundry detergents. They contain aggressive surfactants, fragrances, phosphates, and other substances that are difficult to wash out and may negatively affect the delicate skin of the baby.

The best choice would be:

• Special detergents that are free from phosphates and chlorine, with natural components
• Gel-based detergents — they rinse out better from fabric without leaving residues

Baby clothes should be washed without fabric softeners, as these create a film on the fabric that can trigger allergies. If you want to soften clothes, you can add a little citric acid to the water or use natural vinegar for the final rinse.

Can household soap be used?

When choosing what to wash newborn clothes with for the maternity hospital, many people remember the advice of older generations and opt for household soap. It seems to be a hypoallergenic, time-tested option. However, it is not always the best choice for several reasons:

• Alkaline composition. Household soap has a high pH (9-11), making it harsh for fabrics and skin. Soap residues may not rinse out well and can irritate the newborn's skin, leading to dryness, irritation, or even allergic reactions.
• Poor rinsing. Unlike modern baby gels and powders, household soap forms a dense soap film, which is difficult to remove even after several rinses. Soap residues on clothes can trigger skin rashes in the baby.
• Fatty base. Soap contains animal or plant fats, which do not dissolve well in cold water. These components can leave a residue on the fabric, especially with frequent use.
• Insufficient antibacterial effect. Many mothers use household soap for disinfection, but it does not kill bacteria and viruses as effectively as specialized products. For disinfection, it is recommended to wash at high temperatures or use boiling (if fabric permits). You can also use cleaning agents with disinfecting properties.

Instead of household soap, it’s better to use hypoallergenic gels. They are gentler on fabrics, rinse out well, and do not irritate the baby.

Choosing detergents for a newborn

Since the baby’s skin is especially vulnerable in the first days of life, preference should be given to hypoallergenic detergents without fragrances. When choosing a detergent for newborn clothes, pay attention to Chistolain Expert — a specialized washing gel. This hypoallergenic product has several advantages for washing baby clothes, including:

• Free from phosphates, chlorine, and aggressive surfactants
• Easily rinsed out, even in delicate washes
• Soft antibacterial effect
• Suitable for both hand and machine washing
• Economical to use
• Balanced pH, safe for the delicate skin of the baby

Also, Chistolain Expert is free of fragrances, which makes it stand out from other detergents for babies.

Main rules for preparing newborn clothes

To ensure that clothes stay clean and, importantly, safe for the baby, it is important to follow the proper washing technique. Let's see how to wash newborn clothes in a washing machine. Modern washing machines have delicate settings suitable for baby clothes. Optimal conditions:

• Water temperature 30-60°C (depending on the fabric type)
• Additional rinsing to completely remove detergent
• Washing separately from other clothes, especially in the first six months of the baby’s life

When thinking about how to wash new clothes for a newborn, consider that some fabrics require special care. Hand washing remains relevant. It's better to use warm water (up to 40°C) with well-dissolved detergent. After washing, it’s important to rinse clothes thoroughly several times to remove detergent residues.

Temperature settings for different types of clothing

Many parents wonder at what temperature to wash diapers and other baby clothes. Experts recommend the following:

• Diapers, undershirts, and linen — 60°C, if the fabric allows (boiling may be used if necessary)
• Rompers, leggings, caps — 40°C or 60°C for cotton items
• Wool and delicate fabrics — up to 30°C

Always consider the manufacturer’s recommendations. The label typically indicates the appropriate washing temperature.

Preparing clothes for the maternity hospital: what to consider

Before childbirth, it’s important to prepare the clothes in which the baby will spend the first days. All clothes that the baby will need in the first days should be washed in advance. The optimal option is hand or machine washing at 60°C with double rinsing. After washing, the clothes should be thoroughly ironed on both sides with a hot iron for additional disinfection.

How to effectively remove stains from newborn clothes

Stains on baby clothes are inevitable — these may be from milk, fruit purees, spit-up, or creams. It’s important not to use aggressive stain removers, chlorine bleach, or strong chemicals. Safe ways to remove stains include:

• Soaking in soapy water immediately after staining
• Natural stain removers: lemon juice, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide for white fabrics
• Boiling (for cotton) in water with household soap
• Using high-quality detergents, such as Chistolain Expert

If a stain doesn’t come out, don’t use aggressive chemicals — it’s better to repeat the procedure several times.

Taking care of the baby’s clothes requires attention and a careful approach. Using safe detergents and thorough rinsing will help protect the baby’s skin. Proper washing reduces the risk of irritation and allergies. With the right choice of detergents, the newborn’s wardrobe will stay fresh and safe for their health.