Washing your baby’s clothes seems simple enough — throw them in the machine, add detergent, press start. But when it comes to caring for your little one’s delicate skin and preserving those tiny outfits, there’s a lot more to consider. Baby clothes need extra attention to avoid damage, irritation, or even health risks.
If you’ve already learned how to wash baby clothes, it’s equally important to know what not to do. Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when washing baby clothes — and how you can fix them easily.
Table of Contents
1. Using Regular Laundry Detergent
One of the biggest mistakes parents make is using the same detergent for the baby’s clothes as they do for the rest of the family. Regular detergents often contain harsh chemicals, strong fragrances, and dyes that can irritate a baby’s sensitive skin, leading to rashes or allergic reactions.
Solution:
Choose a gentle, fragrance-free detergent specially formulated for babies or for sensitive skin. Look for labels like “hypoallergenic” or “dermatologist-tested.”
2. Skipping The Pre-Wash For New Clothes
Brand new baby clothes may look clean, but they can carry residues from manufacturing processes — including chemicals, dyes, and dust. Putting them directly on your baby without washing can expose them to unwanted irritants.
Solution:
Always pre-wash all new clothes, blankets, and towels before your baby wears or uses them. It’s a small step that offers big protection.
3. Overloading The Washing Machine
We get it — life with a baby is busy, and it’s tempting to wash as much as possible at once. But stuffing the washing machine can prevent clothes from getting properly clean and rinsed, leaving detergent residue behind.
Solution:
Wash baby clothes in small, manageable loads. This ensures thorough cleaning and rinsing, plus it’s gentler on the fabrics.
4. Using Fabric Softeners Or Dryer Sheets
While fabric softeners and dryer sheets can make clothes smell great and feel extra soft, they often leave behind a waxy coating. This coating can irritate your baby’s skin and reduce the fire-retardant properties of certain baby garments, like sleepwear.
Solution:
Skip the softeners. If you want clothes to feel softer naturally, try adding a half cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. It softens fabric without chemicals and won’t leave a lingering smell.
5. Washing Baby Clothes With The Rest Of The Household Laundry
Mixing baby clothes with adult clothing might seem harmless, but it can transfer dirt, bacteria, and harsher detergent residues onto your baby’s delicate items.
Solution:
Whenever possible, wash baby clothes separately using a baby-safe detergent. If you must mix loads, make sure everyone’s clothes are lightly soiled and that you use a gentle wash cycle.
6. Not Treating Stains Immediately
Baby clothes are prone to all kinds of stains — milk, formula, poop, spit-up, fruits, and more. Waiting too long to treat stains can make them much harder to remove later.
Solution:
Pre-treat stains as soon as possible. Gently rinse the stained area with cold water and use a baby-safe stain remover or a paste of baking soda and water before tossing the item in the wash.
7. Washing At The Wrong Temperature
Some parents automatically opt for hot water, thinking it will kill all germs. However, hot water can shrink delicate baby clothes, fade colors, and damage fabrics.
Solution:
Check the care label on each item. Most baby clothes wash well in cold or warm water. Save hot washes for heavily soiled items like cloth diapers.
8. Ignoring The Care Labels
Baby clothes often come with specific washing instructions, especially if they have special materials like organic cotton, bamboo fibers, or fire-resistant treatments. Ignoring these labels can lead to ruined clothes or unsafe wear.
Solution:
Take a minute to read the care label before washing. Following the recommended settings extends the life of each garment and ensures they stay safe for your little one.
9. Drying Everything On High Heat
High heat can shrink baby clothes and break down delicate fabrics over time. This is especially true for garments with elastic, embroidery, or decorative elements.
Solution:
Air-dry baby clothes whenever possible or use a low heat setting in the dryer. If you’re drying outside, make sure delicate items aren’t in direct harsh sunlight for too long, which can fade colors.
10. Forgetting To Sanitize The Washing Machine
If your washing machine isn’t clean, it could harbor mold, bacteria, or leftover detergent residues that transfer onto your baby’s clothes.
Solution:
Run a monthly cleaning cycle with hot water and white vinegar or a machine-cleaning product. This keeps your machine fresh and safe for all loads, especially your baby’s.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your baby’s clothes doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you understand how to wash baby clothes properly and avoid these common mistakes, you’ll keep their outfits soft, safe, and adorable wash after wash. A little extra care now means more comfort for your baby — and fewer ruined onesies for you!
