How to Wash Baby Clothes and Nursery Items Safely

New parents have enough to worry about. Washing baby clothes shouldn't be stressful. Here's how to keep your little one's clothes clean and safe — whether at home or at the laundromat. At Polanco Laundry in Arleta, we're a family-friendly laundromat with amenities designed for parents.

Why Baby Clothes Need Special Care

Babies have sensitive, delicate skin that's more prone to irritation than adult skin. Here's why their clothes need extra attention:

• Sensitive skin — Babies are more susceptible to rashes and allergic reactions from chemicals, fragrances, and dyes in detergents.
• Chemical sensitivities — Residues from harsh detergents or fabric softeners can cause eczema flare-ups and discomfort.
• Smaller items that tangle — Tiny socks, onesies, and bibs can get lost or tangled in larger loads, leading to uneven washing.

Choose the Right Detergent

Not all detergents are created equal when it comes to baby clothes. Look for:

• Fragrance-free formulas — Artificial fragrances are one of the most common irritants for baby skin.
• Dye-free options — Dyes can leave residues that irritate sensitive skin.
• Hypoallergenic detergents — These are specifically formulated to minimize allergic reactions.

Tip: Avoid fabric softeners for babies under 1 year old. Softeners can reduce the absorbency of cloth diapers and burp cloths, and the chemical residues can irritate your baby's skin.

Wash Before First Wear

Always wash new baby clothes before putting them on your baby. New clothing can carry:

• Manufacturing chemicals and dyes
• Dust and allergens from storage and shipping
• Residues from other shoppers handling the items

A quick wash with a gentle, baby-safe detergent is all it takes to make new clothes safe for your little one.

Sort and Wash Separately

For the best results, wash baby clothes separately from adult clothes:

• Sort by color — Separate whites, lights, and darks just like you would with adult laundry.
• Use warm water — Warm water (not hot) is ideal for sanitizing baby clothes without causing shrinkage.
• Gentle cycle — Use the gentle or delicate cycle to protect the soft fabrics of baby clothing.
• Extra rinse — Run an extra rinse cycle to make sure all detergent residue is removed.

Don't Forget Nursery Items

Baby clothes aren't the only things that need regular washing. Keep these nursery items clean too:

• Crib sheets — Wash weekly or whenever soiled.
• Baby blankets — Wash every 1–2 weeks.
• Burp cloths and bibs — Wash after every use or every few uses.
• Stuffed animals — Wash monthly or after illness.

Our larger machines — from 25 lb to 50 lb capacity — are perfect for nursery loads like crib bedding, blankets, and stuffed animals. Check out our full range of self-service machines to find the right size for your load.

Drying Tips

How you dry baby clothes matters just as much as how you wash them:

• Low heat or air dry — Delicate baby fabrics can shrink or become damaged in high heat.
• Check labels — Always follow the care instructions on the tag. Some items are best air-dried.
• Remove promptly — Take clothes out of the dryer as soon as the cycle ends to reduce wrinkles and prevent mildew.
• Skip dryer sheets — Like fabric softeners, dryer sheets leave chemical residues that can irritate baby skin.

Need to save on drying costs? Visit on Tuesdays or Wednesdays for Free Dry Days — wash in any machine and dry for free, all day.

Why Parents Love Polanco Laundry

We know that doing laundry with little ones in tow can be a challenge. That's why we've made Polanco Laundry a place where families feel welcome:

• Kids zone with a slide — Keep your children entertained while you wash.
• Snacks and cold drinks — Refuel without leaving the laundromat.
• Free Wi-Fi — Stream shows, check email, or browse while you wait.
• Clean, well-maintained facility — We take pride in keeping our laundromat spotless.
• Free parking — No hassle getting in and out with kids and laundry.

Learn more about our laundromat or read our first-time visitor guide to see everything we offer.

We proudly serve families across the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles, including neighborhoods like Arleta, Panorama City, Sun Valley, Pacoima, and beyond.

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Visit Us

Polanco Laundry is located at 14429 Van Nuys Blvd, Arleta, CA 91331 — open seven days a week, 6 AM to 10 PM. Free parking, free Wi-Fi, a kids zone with a slide, snacks, cold drinks, and a purified & alkaline water store.

Questions? Call or text us at (818) 267-8552.