This isn't the huge task many mothers perceive it to be. It may seem a bit daunting at first, especially when you read all the different methods advised by different people, although it's all common sense and no more difficult than any other family laundry. Don't worry about it, you will soon find a method that suits you and your circumstances and the whole process will soon become part of your routine with your baby. It takes up surprisingly little of your time, especially with an automatic washing machine and tumble drier. The following is the method I use but also check Kooshies web site for their own recommended method. The Real Nappy Association also can supply a leaflet detailing various washing methods.

First things first, all nappies, no matter what type, need washing before use. The fabric has been coated at the manufacturing stage and this significantly reduces the absorbency of the nappies. Therefore they will need washing at least three times in a hot, 60 degree wash, with non-bio detergent and no fabric conditioner. If you try to use them before washing properly you will be disappointed, so please follow the instructions carefully. You don't need to dry between the washes, just run the wash cycle again.

Changing - Remove the wet/dirty nappy. Peel away the flushable liner (if used) with any solids and flush away own the toilet. Wet liners can be flushed if you wish, but they will wash several times before developing holes. The paper liners will hold most of the solids, so you shouldn't need to sluice the nappy in the toilet. If the nappy is a bit messy you can always put it in the washing machine and set a quick rinse. It's not entirely necessary though.

Storing - No need to soak if you don't want to. I rarely did. Just place the nappies in a lidded bucket, a beer brewing bucket is great for this, holds several days nappies and has a firm press down lid that is fairly toddler proof. Beer brewing buckets seem to be harder to obtain these days, so oherwise, try a shop like Poundstretcher or Wlkinsons. They often have quite cheap storage bins, with a lid, that may not have been specifically designed as a nappy bucket, but they are usually larger than a standard nappy bucket and will do the job very nicely. They generally cost between £2.00 and £5.00. If you do soak, a few drops of tea tree oil added to the water is best, never use any kind of steriliser, or bleach with nappies that have a waterproof coating, as it will shorten the life of the nappy, it can break down the PUL coating and the same applies to nappy covers of all types.

Washing - You can choose how often to do this, every day, or if you bought enough nappies then every two or three days. Remember to allow time for the nappies to wash and dry, that could be 24 hours if you are line drying in cool weather, so make sure you wash while you still have a days supply of clean nappies.

If you have soaked, then tip the solution down the toilet or sink, put the nappies in the machine and spin once. This will remove excess solution and prevent damage to your washing machine door seal.

If you have stored the nappies "dry", put them in the machine and set a quick rinse cycle, such as the one for adding conditioner at the end of the wash.

Then either way, you are ready to wash. Only use Non-Bio detergents and no steriliser or bleach. Wash on a 60 degrees cotton wash cycle. When the wash has finished, I set a second complete rinse cycle to be sure that all detergent residues are gone. Do not use fabric conditioner as this leaves a coating on the nappies, reducing their absorbency.

If you wish to wash the flushable liners, then just put them in with the rest of the nappies. I usually separate them before the nappies go in the drier and pull them out to a flat shape before ironing them back to original condition. Ironing sterilising them as well, although most germs will be killed at 60 degrees.

Put the nappies in the drier and dry for on hot. Putting a dry towel in with the nappies helps them to dry faster. Before drying, make sure the Velcro tabs are all firmly folded down on themselves. Tumble drying fluffs the nappies nicely but may reduce their life slightly. Radiators can be used for the prefolds although they leave the nappies a bit hard, but can be useful in the winter if no tumble drier is available. Line drying in the sun is especially good as the sun has a natural bleaching and sterilising effect and a breezy day leaves the nappies lovely and soft. Line drying ( in or out of doors) is to be recommended if you expect to pass the nappies onto another child.

That's it. Sounds a bit much right now, but this is my one of own routines.

Morning - Put the kettle on! While waiting for it to boil, reset the washing machine for a second rinse cycle. Make cup of tea and carry on with usual breakfast routine.

When the rinse and spin has finished (about 40 minutes later in my case), transfer the nappies to the dryer or line.

Throughout the day, just add nappies to the bucket.

Evening - while still in the kitchen clearing after dinner, put the nappies in the washing machine and set a short rinse and spin (about 10 minutes in my case). By the time the washing up, dishwasher loading etc. is done, the rinse is finished. Some time before bed time set the machine for a cotton 60 degree wash and go to bed.

Get up next morning and start the routine again. You can do this every day, or as I do, about every 2 or 3 days.

That's all there is to it.