Why Do Reusable Nappy Inserts Go Stiff?

Have you noticed your reusable nappy inserts, especially hemp boosters, drying hard and misshapen after washing? This can make it tricky to stuff them into pocket nappies and less comfortable for your baby.

Luckily, there are some simple tricks to keep your reusable nappy inserts soft and flexible every time.

Quick Fix: Tumble Dry for 3–5 Minutes

As soon as your cloth nappy wash cycle finishes:

  1. Remove all the inserts while they’re still damp.

  2. Pop them into the tumble dryer on a low heat for 3–5 minutes.

  3. Set a timer so they don’t stay in too long.

This short tumble softens natural fibres like hemp and bamboo, leaving them pliable and easy to use.

👉 Works with:

No need to tumble dry microfibre inserts — they dry quickly and stay soft naturally.

Care Note: Be Cautious with PUL Nappies

If you’re tumble drying AIO nappies or anything with a PUL waterproof outer layer, only keep them in the dryer for a few minutes. Prolonged heat exposure can damage PUL fabric. After softening, hang to air dry outdoors or on a clothes horse.

Alternative Ways to Soften Cloth Nappy Inserts

No dryer? No problem. Here are quick alternatives:

  • Rub damp inserts together between your hands.

  • Rub them against your jeans or fabric to loosen fibres.

  • Lightly rub on carpet to reduce stiffness.

These tricks work well for hemp and bamboo cloth nappies when you’re line drying only.

Conclusion: Softer Inserts, Happier Baby

With this simple tumble or rub trick, you can keep your hemp and bamboo cloth inserts soft, comfy, and long-lasting. It makes pocket nappies easier to stuff and keeps baby’s nappy comfortable against their skin.

Shop EcoKinly’s Nappy Care Essentials

Ready to refresh your cloth nappy routine? Explore our reusable essentials:

Make reusables simple, sustainable, and family-friendly with EcoKinly.

 

Lean more

This section doesn’t currently include any content. Add content to this section using the sidebar.