How to wash Cloth Diapers

How to wash Cloth Diapers

If you use cloth diapers on your baby eventually you'll have to wash them. Don't worry, you CAN have fresh, clean diapers with a minimum of effort! Washing cloth diapers requires a little more care than washing clothing, but it's easy once you find a routine and a detergent that work for you. To find your perfect routine, start with a couple of basic steps then try different variations to fit your circumstances, or whenever you want to try something different. The proper detergent is essential for washing cloth diapers, so be sure to pick a good one. Finally, browse our tips and tricks for more ways to make washing your cloth diapers easy!

                
 

Do you Know the Right Way to Wash Cloth Diapers?

If you ask one hundred families how to wash cloth diapers you'll probably get ninety-nine different answers. What works for one family may not work for another, so how do you know which routine is the right one? Actually, the only "right" way to wash diapers is what works for your family. Your laundering routine will depend on what kind of diapers you have, what kind of water you have, what kind of detergent you use, what kind of washing machine you have, and other variables.

To help you find a routine that works for you we've compiled a list of basic rules to get you started. Once you've mastered those you can experiment with some variations, and incorporate our tips and tricks too. Soon you'll be an expert and everyone will be asking YOU how to wash cloth diapers!

How to Wash Cloth Diapers - New Diapers

We know you're itching to get your new fluff washed and on your little one, but before you start up the washer take a moment to read these tips:

• Try the diaper on your child before washing; use a wipe or other barrier to keep the diaper clean in case it doesn't fit.
• Remove any construction marks with plain cool water - detergent or heat may set the marks.
• Remove inserts from pocket diapers. Ensure all buttons to be unbutton before washing the cloth diaper

How to Wash Cloth Diapers - The Basics

These are the bare-bones basics; follow these rules and you'll have a good start in creating a washing routine that you'll love.

• Remove as much solid matter as possible if your child is not exclusively breastfed.
• Place soiled diapers in the diaper pail.
• Wash every 2 or 3 days to avoid smells and excessive staining.
• Start with a cold rinse.
• Wash in hot water.
• Use the highest water level your machine allows.
• Use 1/4 the amount of detergent recommended by the manufacturer.
• Rinse in the warm water.
• Do an extra final rinse.
• Hang outside for extra freshness and to bleach stains.
• Do NOT use bleach or fabric softeners, including softener sheets.

 How to Wash Cloth Diapers – Variations

This is where it gets tricky, or fun, depending on your perspective. Start by trying one variation for a while and if that one doesn't work, try something else.

• Add baking soda to the initial cold rinse to fight stains and odors.
• Use 1/2 to 1 cup of white vinegar in the final rinse to soften your diapers and remove odors.
• Try adding 1/2 C lemon juice to the wash cycle to help remove stains.
• Bac-Out has been said to help eliminate odors and stains.
• A sunny window will work as well as hanging outside if you can't hang your diapers outside.

Tips and Tricks for Washing Your Cloth Diaper

 

Finally, some hints to help you wash your cloth diapers with ease. If have a great tip or trick not listed here please let us know so we can add it.

• Don't wash more than two dozen diapers at a time.
• Avoid Desitin and other zinc oxide diaper creams as they will stain your diapers.
• Use flushable diaper liners with zinc oxide rash cream, or to make it easier to get rid of solid matter. Avoid laundry "soaps" as they may leave a residue on your diapers. (Dreft and Ivory Snow are detergents and OK for diapers)
• Avoid detergents with "brighteners" or "enzymes" as these will break down your diapers and may cause a rash.
• Take a "sniff test" after washing. If your diapers smell like detergent do another hot rinse, or try stripping to get all the detergent out.
• Use a Downey ball to dispense vinegar in your rinse cycle if you don't do an additional rinse.
• Apply lemon juice to stains before sunning to help get rid of stains then rewash those diapers before use.
• If your diapers are "crunchy" after drying outside toss them in the dryer on the fluff cycle for 10-15 minutes to soften them up.
• Running an extra spin cycle will help your diapers - or any laundry - dry faster.

All things considered, it's just as easy to wash cloth diapers as it to do any other laundry. In fact we think it's easier to wash cloth diapers than our delicates - and with all the bright colors and prints on our diapers it's a lot more fun too!

Laundering Mistakes!


Chlorine Bleach - Yes it is great for killing germs, but it is bad for cloth diapers, covers and your family. It will actually eat away at the fibers in your diapers, leaving holes and frayed edges. It also decreases their durability and absorbency. It may adversely affect the waterproofing in certain cloth diapers. Baking soda and oxygen bleach are great whiteners to use in its place.


Pure Soaps - Pure soaps are the more natural choice in the world of cleaners, but will leave a residue on your diapers and covers similar to the soap scum you find in your tub. Soap scum on diapers makes them repel moisture rather than absorb it. It is also harsh on the laminates used in your diaper covers, making them absorb rather than repel water. The best choice for washing your diapers is to use a natural clothes detergent.


Fabric Softener - This product is equated with super soft and fresh smelling clothing, so it is only natural that you would want to use it on your cloth diapers. This would be a serious mistake. Fabric softener, either in liquid or sheet form, leaves a water-repelling residue on your diapers, making them less absorbent and useless in the very purpose that they serve. It also coats your diaper covers and can deteriorate their water-proof laminate.

Happy Cloth Diapering !!!!