How to wash children's bedding and textiles: a material-based guide

Folded baby textiles: muslin, knitted blanket, and waffle fabric

Baby bedding, sheets, muslin blankets, bumpers, and waterproof pads all require different care. The foundation is the care symbol on the specific product label, as the same material name does not necessarily mean the same filling or finish.

Quick answer: wash colored baby textiles separately, with similar shades and in a drum that is not overcrowded. Zip up zippers, remove detachable parts, and select the temperature, spin speed, and drying method exactly according to the label.

Washing by material

  • —Cotton and poplin – more durable fabrics, but the print and color may limit the temperature. Turn bedding inside out, close zippers, and wash with similar colors.
  • —Cotton sateen – choose a gentler program and the lower spin speed specified by the manufacturer. Wash inside out to reduce friction on the smooth surface.
  • —Muslin and waffle – do not wash the delicate structure with hooks, Velcro, or rough textiles. Shape the product while drying; the natural texture does not need to be ironed.
  • —Velour and products with filling – wash bumpers, braided bumpers, or nests on a delicate cycle only if the instructions allow it. Remove detachable parts and allow the filling to dry completely.
  • —Waterproof textiles – do not iron or dry the protective layer at high temperatures unless specified otherwise by the manufacturer. Fabric softener can impair the function of the layer for some products.

Practical steps before washing

  • read the label and sort textiles by color, material, and allowed temperature;
  • close zippers, loosen strings, and remove mattresses or other removable filling;
  • use an appropriate amount of detergent, do not overload the drum, and reshape the product after washing;
  • let all layers and fillings dry completely before using again.

Important: do not automatically adopt the temperature from another product. The cover material, filling, print, and waterproof membrane may have different maintenance limits.

Frequently asked questions

Should new baby textiles be washed before use?

Follow the manufacturer's information provided on the label or in the instructions.

Can all products be washed at 40 °C?

No. The permitted temperature depends on the overall construction of the product, not just the name of the fabric.

How to wash a braided bumper?

If the manufacturer allows washing, choose their recommended program and spin speed; then dry the braided bumper thoroughly and reshape it.

Related article: cotton, sateen, muslin, or waffle: which material to choose for a baby.

This article is for informational purposes only. When selecting and using products, always follow the manufacturer's data and instructions.