If you are using a nappy bucket (dry pailing your nappies), then whilst you don’t have to have a mesh bag, we suggest that you do. If you are using a large wet bag to store your dirty nappies then no, you do not need a nappy mesh bag. The reason is you can put the wet bag directly into your washing machine.
For cloth nappies, mesh laundry bags will hold all the dirty nappies in the bucket before you put into the washing machine. When you are ready to wash you lift the mesh bag out of the bucket and put it into the machine. I always open up the bag when putting it into the machine as then you don’t need to be touching dirty nappies.
Mesh bags for nappies needs to be much larger than normal mesh laundry bags which you might use for delicate garments etc.
What is a mesh bag?
“Can you tell me what a wash bag is?” you might query. Here’s what you need to know. Small zipped or drawstring bags made of mesh or netting (to allow water and soap to pass through) that are used to wash delicates are what they are named after. They are washed in the same manner as a sweatshirt or a pair of pants, but they are protected from the ravages of the spin cycle. In addition, stockings and bikinis will not stretch out and become tangled in your machine as they would with other machines.
Remember to read labels and save goods that need to be hand-washed or dry-cleaned for their proper laundering technique.
Why use a Mesh Laundry Bag?
With nappies, as stated above you will find live much easier if you are dry pailing to use a nappy mesh bag.
Even if you’re on Team Hand Wash All Your Delicates Even When You Don’t Have To, there’s one significant benefit to using wash bags that everyone can benefit from: You’ll never lose another sock to the strange washer-dryer monster that keeps your feet mismatched. If you wash your socks in a mesh bag, they won’t go lost, and you won’t have to search for them later while folding.
Laundry bags with loose mesh should be avoided and those with tiny, barely visible holes should be used instead. To avoid getting your bra hook caught in the bag’s holes, look elsewhere. Bags with finer netting are more resistant to ripping or getting caught. It’s a relief to know that these tried-and-tested wash bags will work.
Mesh laundry bags are a low-cost piece of laundry equipment that is incredibly useful. There are a variety of reasons why you should keep a few on hand when doing your own laundry at home, the most important of which are:
- To avoid strained straps or hooks damaging other items in the same load, place your unmentionables in a mesh laundry bag before putting them in the washer.
- Avoid losing socks by storing them in mesh laundry bags prior to washing.
- Avoid hand washing specific clothing by placing them in a mesh laundry bag and using the cold water ‘hand wash cycle. One thing to keep in mind here is that this may not work with all clothing. Before attempting, double-check the care label.
- Prevent snagging on sensitive clothes by placing them in mesh laundry bags prior to washing. This is especially true when loading with a mixture of weights.
Will mesh laundry bags affect the washing machine?
No, just the contrary. Using a mesh bag may really prolong the life of your washing machine. To avoid strained straps or hooks damaging other items in the same load, place your undies in a mesh laundry bag before putting them in the washer.
How do you use mesh bags for laundry?
You take your delicate garments, put them in the wash bags, close them up and pop them in your wash as normal. Bags with a zip opening are considered better for normal wash loads as the string won’t get caught up in your bra straps etc.
For nappy bags, a string bag is better as zip opening can damage the pul lining of water proof wraps or pocket nappies.
What can I use instead of a mesh laundry bag?
If you do not have a mesh bag or your last one is damaged, you can use a cotton bag or even a pillowcase. A mesh bag is better than these options though as they allow more water to pass through, and also dry very quickly. They are a good value investment into your laundry routine.
What should be washed in mesh bags?
For nappy loads, your nappies, covers, wipes, boosters, everything really!
For normal wash loads any delicate garments that need protection. Take them out of your basket add them to your mesh bag. Simply place all your garments into the bag and rest easy knowing your lingerie won’t be ruined the wash! No need to worry about bra straps catching on everything!
Can mesh bags go in the dryer?
Is it possible to transfer the bags from the washer to the dryer? They can, without a doubt. It is advantageous to use a laundry bag because doing so streamlines the washing process as well as the post-wash sorting when it is finished drying. However, it is not recommended that you put it in the dryer before washing it.
What is the best mesh bag?
For nappies, it’s the largest you can find. It will need to be able to fit about 15 dirty nappies in, a full wash load. We’ve found the Bambino Mio ones are a great size.
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For other wash loads here are a few suggestions to keep in mind when you are out shopping for mesh washing bags or when you are using them:
Bags with drawstrings should be avoided at all costs. The strings have a tendency to become knotted and entangled. Instead, opt for bags that have zippers.
Make sure you don’t overfill your tote bag. To be cleaned properly, garments must be able to move around.
Make sure you have a few different-sized bags on hand. You don’t want to have to stuff one small item into an extra-large bag, and you don’t want to have to stuff anything enormous into a small bag either. Plus, once you get into the practice of using the bags, you’ll find that you’ll end up needing more than one of them in the future.
For the best overall? To me a mesh bag is a mesh bag, look for one that is half price or has the fastest delivery.
This article was written by: Gian MIller – Full-Time Writer, Baby Whisperer & Dad of 3.
Gian spends a lot of his time writing. A self-proclaimed baby whisperer, Gian has been through it all with his own children and is passionate about sharing his hard-won wisdom with other parents. When he’s not writing or changing diapers, you can find him playing the guitar or watching baseball (or preferably both at the same time).
