Keeping baby clothes clean and gentle on sensitive skin takes more than just tossing them into the washer. Babies drool, spit up, and explore the world with all sorts of adorable messes, but their skin is also delicate and easily irritated by harsh detergents or rough fabrics.

However, bashing baby clothes doesn’t have to be tricky. This guide walks through the most important do’s and don’ts when washing baby clothes, plus when it’s best to leave the laundry to a professional laundry service or dry cleaner.

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✅ Do: Wash Before the First Wear

New baby clothes may look spotless, but they often contain residues from manufacturing or store handling, such as dyes, chemicals, or dust.

Give every new baby item a gentle wash before your little one wears it. This helps remove irritants and softens the fabric, making it safer for delicate baby skin.

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✅ Do: Use a Mild, Baby-Safe Detergent

Regular detergents can leave behind residues or fragrances that trigger rashes. Instead, choose a detergent labeled “baby-safe”, “gentle”, or “hypoallergenic”.

These formulas are free from harsh chemicals, brighteners, and synthetic scents. If the baby has extra-sensitive skin, fragrance-free options are best.

Read also: The 3 Best Laundry Detergent for Babies in Singapore

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✅ Do: Separate Baby Clothes from the Rest of the Laundry

It may be tempting to wash everything together to save time, but baby clothes should be washed separately, especially during the first few months.

Adults’ clothes can carry oils, sweat, and bacteria that might irritate a baby’s skin. Separating laundry ensures that the baby’s garments stay hygienic and free from strong detergent residues or lint from heavier fabrics.

If managing multiple loads feels overwhelming, trust Tumble Laundry to handle the load. Our laundry experts make sure every baby's clothing stays soft, clean, and safe for delicate skin.

Read also: The Best Way to Sort Laundry (and Why It Matters)

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✅ Do: Choose the Right Washing Method

Different fabrics call for different care, so always start by checking the care label before tossing anything into the wash. Some materials, especially organic cotton or bamboo, can shrink or lose shape under high heat.

There are two gentle methods you can use, depending on the fabric and how delicate the item is:

Machine Wash: Use the delicate or gentle cycle with cold or lukewarm water (not hot), depending on the fabric type.

Hand Wash. Perfect for small or fragile pieces like mittens, bonnets, or lace-trimmed outfits that need extra care.

After washing, rinse thoroughly to make sure no detergent residue remains, because even the mild ones can irritate sensitive skin.

And if you’re unsure or short on time, Tumble Laundry offers a helping hand. Our laundry experts know exactly how to handle delicate fabrics like baby clothes.

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❌ Don’t: Use Fabric Softeners or Bleach

Fabric softeners might make clothes feel smoother, but they often contain chemicals that can coat fabric fibres and irritate the skin. Similarly, bleach (even “gentle” or “oxygen” types) can be too harsh for baby clothes.

Instead, to keep clothes soft and fresh naturally:

• Add a half-cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle. It helps neutralise detergent residue and odours without leaving a scent.

• Dry clothes in the open air when possible. Sunlight naturally freshens and disinfects fabrics.

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❌ Don’t: Ignore Stains

Milk spills, baby food, and diaper leaks are inevitable, but quick action helps prevent stains from setting. Here’s how to tackle them safely:

• Act fast. Rinse or blot as soon as possible with cold water.

• Use mild stain removers. A mix of water and gentle baby detergent or baking soda works well.

• Avoid scrubbing harshly. It can damage delicate fibres. Instead, soak for 15–30 minutes before washing.

If the stains are too stubborn, professional services like Tumble Laundry can help. We know how to remove even the toughest baby stains while keeping fabrics gentle and skin-safe.

Read also: The Complete Guide to Stain Removal

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❌ Don’t: Overload the Washer

Cramming too many clothes into one load can stop them from rinsing properly, leaving detergent residue behind. Always give baby clothes room to move freely in the wash. This helps them come out cleaner and softer.

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❌ Don’t: Use Too Much Detergent

When it comes to washing baby clothes, more detergent doesn’t mean cleaner. In fact, using too much can leave a soapy residue that’s difficult to rinse out and can irritate a baby’s sensitive skin.

Always stick to the recommended amount (or even slightly less). Modern washers and baby detergents are concentrated enough to clean effectively without overusing.

If clothes feel stiff or smell soapy even after washing, it’s a sign that detergent build-up might already be happening. When that happens, run an extra rinse cycle or switch to a gentler detergent to help fix it.

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Final Thoughts

Washing baby clothes is all about keeping them clean, soft, and safe for sensitive skin. By using gentle detergents, avoiding fabric softeners, and washing them separately, parents can keep their little one’s wardrobe cozy and irritation-free.

And when time is short, Tumble offers baby-safe laundry care using mild detergents and gentle washing techniques.

Book a laundry service at Tumble today so you can spend more time with your little ones and less time in the laundry room.