How to Wash Cloth Diapers

Washing cloth diapers for the first time can seem like a daunting task. There is so much information out there about how to wash cloth diapers and everyone seems to have their own different method. Not to mention all of the controversy as to what detergents you should and should not put into your diaper wash. No need to worry though! I will get you started on the basics of washing your diapers and you will be a pro in no time!
                                     

Washing New Diapers

When you purchase new cloth diapers it is best to wash them before you use them. Here are a few simple tips to get you started.

• First, and most important, try the cloth diaper on your baby before washing. This way if it doesn’t fit, you can still return it.
• Remove inserts from pocket diapers. It is not necessary to take out snap-in doublers or inserts, just preference.
• Wash hand-dyed diapers separately a few times to ensure they don’t bleed on your other diapers.
• Read the washing instructions carefully from the manufacturer. Often time’s hemp products, such as inserts, may need to be washed several times before they reach maximum absorbency.

Wet Pail, Dry Pail or No Pail?

There are three basic methods for storing dirty diapers. The most popular way to store diapers is the dry pail or a hanging wet bag. Here are descriptions of each way so you can decide which method is right for you.
  

• The Dry Pail – A lidded container, usually plastic, in which you simply toss soiled diapers in. Often a pail liner or hanging wet bag can be used inside the pail to help transport dirty diapers to the washer. A deodorizing disc, essential oils, or baking soda can be added to help eliminate odors if necessary.
• The Wet Pail – A lidded container filled with water and accompanied by additives such as baking soda, vinegar, and other stain and odor removers. When you have a wet pail it is important to have a lid that seals in case the wet pail gets knocked over. You may need to use a separate dry pail, depending on the types of diapers you use.
• No Pail – Instead of storing soiled diapers in a pail, you can throw them directly into the washer, running short cycles or a rinse until you have enough to wash a full load. This method can be a great way to keep your dirty diapers stain and odor free.

Basic Cloth Diaper Washing Instructions

There are many variations on how to wash cloth diapers, but here is the most common method.
 

• Remove solids unless your baby is exclusively breastfed.
• Wash every 2 – 3 days to avoid stains and odors.
• Make sure you use enough water to cover the diapers completely.
• Begin with a cold rinse, no detergent.
• Continue with a regular wash cycle on hot, using 1/4 cup detergent.
• Follow with an extra rinse on hot.
• Dry in the dryer on low or medium or line dry if you choose.
• For quicker drying time, unsnap doublers and inserts.
• Do not use bleach or fabric softener sheets.

If this method does not work for you, try some of the following options:

• Add baking soda to the first rinse help fight stains and odors.
• A 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar will help soften hard water.
• Try Bi-O-Kleen Bac Out in your initial rinse for to eliminate tough stains and odors.
• OxyClean can be used in the hot cycle to kill bacteria and whiten your load.
• Leaving your stained diapers (or any other clothing for that matter) out in the sun for a day can make stains magically disappear.

Other Diaper Washing Tips and Tricks

Here are a few things I wish someone had told me before I began washing my diapers!

• Always attach aplix closures to the laundry tabs. Otherwise your diapers   will stick to each other and can ruin the aplix and cause pilling on your other diapers.
• Desitin and other zinc oxide diaper rash creams will stain your diapers.
• Washing more than two dozen diapers at a time can cause pilling of the diapers from too much friction.
• If your diapers are crunchy after drying in the sun, they can be softened in the dryer with a 15-minute “fluff cycle.”
• An extra spin cycle will help make your diaper drying process faster.
• Dyed diapers can leave color imprints if left lying out while wet.
• Never wash new hemp with anything else. The natural oils of the fiber will cause repelling in your diapers and inserts.

Choosing A Cloth Diaper Detergent

When choosing a laundry detergent, there are a few points to remember to give your cloth diapers a long life and keep them problem free.
  

• Most common laundry detergents contain “optical brighteners” – tiny particles that stick to the surface of your clothes, giving the effect of brighter colors. What does this mean for your diapers? Chemical residue is being left behind which can cause you diapers to repel or cause skin irritation.
• Enzymes in your laundry detergent are made to degrade protein molecules. This can be good for removing stains, but when the enzymes are not properly rinsed from diapers (or clothing), they will actually “eat” away at skin.
• Most don’t know this, but artificial fragrances are made from petroleum
• While chlorine bleach is great for killing germs, you won’t want to use it on your cloth diapers. Not only decrease their durability and absorbency, but it will also eat away at the fibers of your diapers.
• When buying detergent, keep in mind that liquid requires more additives than powder, to keep it in liquid suspension.
• Avoid any detergent that contains actual soap. It will leave a residue on your diapers that can cause them to repel moisture.
• Detergents that commonly known to cause problems for washing cloth diapers are: Arm & Hammer Fabricare, Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin, Cheer, Gain, Melaluca MelaPower, Nature Clean, SA8, The Laudress, Tide HE.

GUEST BLOGGER

Beth is a SAHM of 5 wonderful boys ages 2 months to 14 years. She has been cloth diapering for over two years and has a passion for helping other moms learn all about it. She also loves to write, sing and spend time with her loving family.

You can read more about Beth at her blog, The Diaper Cover.