Washing and Drying Tips
Extend the life of your ergoPouch
All ergoPouch pouches are double-stitched and dyed with a non-toxic water-based dye, and certified to be free from formaldehyde, phthalates and lead. Cared for properly, this product will last several years and can be used for more than one baby. Our TOGs don't lose their warmth ratings over time, but a gentle fluff up in the dryer on a low setting helps maintain the fibre's loft, allowing air to circulate through more effectively. If you've received a second-hand ergoPouch, check for loose threads, stable zips and any stretch around the neck before using.
Washing
Delicate/gentle cycle
Cold water
Mild detergent
Do not soak or bleach
Our Pouches are machine washable, but we recommend using a gentle cycle or delicate wash in COLD water with mild detergent. If the item comes out wet, an extra spin cycle is recommended.
We recommend washing our winter TOGS in a garment wash bag. Not only does it preserve the delicate fabric, but it also provides a protective layer between your bag and the other items in the wash. This will help maintain the shape and save your clothes from damage while giving them a good wash.
High temperatures from sources such as hot water, the dryer, or ironing can cause fading and damage to the product, as they accelerate the dye's and fabrics breakdown process. To prevent this, always wash with cold water and tumble dry on low.
Heat can also cause a garment to shrink so please always wash with cold water and tumble dry on low.
Do not soak or bleach the item.
We recommend washing you ergoPouch product with a full load, but we advise against washing with towels or bedding, as they can become heavy on the garment, particularly on the filling in your 2.5 or 3.5 TOG bags.
Drying
Tumble dry on low setting or Dry in direct sunlight inside out.
When hanging the bag outside to dry, please do not use a coat hanger or hang it by the neck, as this may stretch the neckline. If hanging outside in the sun, ensure they are inside out to prevent fading. Please bring inside once dry and avoid all day direct sunlight especially in Summer, as this could potentially cause shrinkage or damage to the product.
We suggest air drying your pouch initially, and finishing it off on a low tumble-dryer setting to help fluff up the fibres.
We also suggest tumble drying to maintain the loft of the Organic Cotton filling (i.e. 2.5 / 3.5 TOG Sleeping Bags & Suits, Pillows & Quilts) and if you don't have a dryer then drying your garment in direct sunlight to release any moisture.
Uneven distribution of filling can occur during a non-delicate wash cycle. To rectify this, you can tumble dry on a low setting to maintain the loft. This should assist in dispersing the filling more evenly.
If you are still having issues with it after trying this, please reach out to us again for further assistance.
Caring for your ergoPouch
The high-quality organic materials in ergoPouch are designed to last and be passed down from child to child, next-door neighbour to distant friend. How you store, wash, and remove stains will determine how well your ergoPouch sleepwear and sleep products will hold up.
Of course, no one wants to pass down stained and dirty baby clothes, so we’re giving you our top sleepwear care tips to get the most out of your purchase.
How to wash baby clothes
Detergents and washing liquid: What to wash with
First and foremost, our natural fibres are reviewed by the eczema association as a skin-friendly product.
To maintain this, we always recommend using a natural and gentle washing detergent or liquid, especially for babies and children with sensitive skin.
Washing temperature and setting
Always put your garment in a cold, delicate wash with a full load of clothing. This will help maintain the colour, distribute around the machine easier and is gentle on the natural materials of your bag or layer. Bonus: cold water uses less electricity. Never wash your garment in hot water as this will agitate the fibres.
Once washed, hang it out to dry.
How to remove pesky stains
To remove a stubborn stain like baby poop or baby vomit, we recommend:
1. Creating a paste by mixing washing powder and water. Alternatively, if you have a washing detergent that can be applied directly to the stain, use that instead.
2. Apply the mixture to the stain using your fingers and rub it in.
*test this method on a hidden part of your pouch or layer prior to use to ensure this method is suitable for your garment
Top stain-fighting tip: You can also apply white vinegar (undiluted) directly to the area of concern. Rub it in and wash immediately afterward. After that, wash the product as usual, following the tips provided above. Store-bought stain removers are traditionally quite harsh on ergoPouch products, so use this approach instead.
If your swaddle, sleeping bag or layer is light-coloured, it's best to hang it in the sun as this will help remove any remaining stains. However, if the product is dark-coloured, avoid hanging it in the sun as it may cause the colour to fade. Instead, hang it indoors to dry or in the shade. Ensure that the stain has been removed from your wet garment before drying, as heat could set the stain.
How to store your baby clothes
Before storing your ergoPouch product, ensure you have washed and dried the garment as per the washing instructions.
Afterwards:
· Store it in an airtight container
· Place it in a cool and dry area
Watch out: Heat will bring out old stains, so a cupboard is an ideal spot for your ergoPouch to sit. Ensure it’s not placed in a cardboard box.
When it comes time to pass on your garment, take it out of storage and use the paste method above if there are any visible stains. Then, wash and dry according to its colour (light-coloured garments in the sun, dark-coloured items indoors or in the shade).
More Washing Tips
We found that popping your sleeping bag in a full load of washing is better. Do not put in with towels or bedding. The full load distributes the water evenly rather than your sleeping bag absorbing most of the water. We suggest air drying your pouch initially, and finishing it off on a low tumble-dryer setting to help fluff up the fibres.
This can sometimes occur with our organic cotton filling after its first wash. The reason for this is that tiny (and random) bits of organic cotton bud get trapped inside the filling of some ergoPouch sleeping bags when they are made. As the organic cotton filling in ergoPouch sleeping bags do not go through any type of chemical bleaching, the pigment from these tiny trapped buds come out and onto the material when the sleeping bags are washed for the first time. ergoPouch have tested using a stain remover and 99% of the time the marks come out straight away. Understandably if chemicals don't want to get used, Bicarb Soda works just as well. If the stains choose to be stubborn and don't want to come out, please contact us.
All our products have undergone and passed TOG rating tests. These tests include the stability of warmth over time. During the life of the pouch, the loft of the filling may change due to many variables - frequency of washing, the agitation of washing machines, how often it's worn etc - and can often cause the loft to flatten. This should not affect its TOG/warmth rating as long as the product is well cared for. Instances where the TOG rating may be affected is when the product is not handled or washed according to the care instructions and the filling is irreversibly affected by clumping. Clumping is where there is uneven distribution of the filling, leaving obvious bare spots, and the loft cannot be restored because of the damage from mishandling. Other than this, the TOG rating should be effective even if it appears to flatten out over time.