How To Wash Cloth Diapers

Ready to wash cloth diapers? I know when I first started using cloth that was one of the first things I thought about. It was a little nerve racking thinking about getting them clean enough and making sure my washer was going to be sanitary enough to wash my other laundry. I got my first diaper to try and just threw it in the washer on cold with some All Free & Clear. I have to laugh when I look back at that now. I didn't even follow the instructions from the manufacturer.

Now that I have more experience with cloth and have had my fair share of diaper washing dilemmas, I would like to help other parents jump right into an easy routine. No fuss, just clean diapers. When you wash cloth diapers it does not have to be complicated. As a matter of fact, the simpler you keep it the better results you will get.

Before You Wash

Before you wash cloth diapers there are a few things to help making washing easier.

* Remove solid matter from diapers.

* Exclusively breast or bottle fed babies poo does not need to be removed - it washes right out.

* Remove inserts from pocket diapers.

Basic Cloth Diaper Washing Instructions

There are many variations on how to wash cloth diapers, but this method is tried and true by many a mama.

* Always use highest water level allowed by your washer.

* Begin with a cold rinse, no detergent.

* After cold rinse run a regular wash cycle on hot, using 1/4 cup detergent or if your using a detergent made for cloth diapers, follow the instructions on package.

* Follow up with an extra rinse on cold.

Yes it really is that simple! The first cold rinse is to get all the nasties out and the second cold rinse is to get all the detergent out. Can you skip one of these steps? I don't recommend it, but if you were to skip something I would skip the last rinse. The first rinse will ensure that your detergent is going to really be able to do it's job getting your diapers clean.

Other Diaper Washing Tips and Tricks

I always say less is more when it comes to washing diapers, but here are a few options you can add to your diaper laundering process if you want to.

* 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.

Here are a few tips to help ensure your diapers stay nice. I wish someone had given me some of this info before I began washing my diapers!

* Always attach aplix closures to the laundry tabs. Otherwise your diapers will stick to each other and can make your diapers fuzzy or pilly.

* Desitin and other zinc oxide diaper rash creams will stain your diapers. If you need to use these put a liner in your diaper before putting it on your baby.

* 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. * Do not use fabric softeners on your diapers.

* Leaving your stained diapers (or any other clothing for that matter) out in the sun for a day can make stains magically disappear

Remember To Keep It Simple

If you have a problem with detergent build up, diapers repelling, or stink issues, the problem most likely is the detergent you are using. Every single time I have had a problem with my cloth diapers it has been traced back to the detergent. Using too much detergent or not getting it completely rinsed out can cause many problems with your diapers. Keeping your wash routine simple and using a detergent made for cloth diapers will help you keep your diapers clean and problem free.




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