I think out of everything I was most nervous about when I started cloth diapering figuring out a wash routine was the thing I had the most questions about. In reality this was the easiest step to learn.
There are only a few basic points to remember when you are washing your diapers. I recommended always checking the instructions for your specific brand of diapers before washing but if you are using bumGenius One-Size Snap Closure Cloth Diaper 4.0, GroVia Hybrids (Organic Cotton Soaker Pads
Curious about the different types of cloth diapers we have used and which types of diapers we like best? Click HERE.
To see a detailed list of the products/brands we like to use to help us care for our diapers check out last weeks post Cloth Diaper Accessories.
PREPPING YOUR CLOTH DIAPERS
Before you use your cloth diapers for the first time be sure to read the instructions for prepping that particular diaper. Any brand new cloth diaper will need to be washed before your child can wear it. In general if you are using any type of cotton diaper containing natural fibers they will need to be washed with hot water at least 5 times using a small amount of detergent.
HOW TO HANDLE YOUR DIRTY CLOTH DIAPERS
Cleaning your cloth diapers is fairly easy to do. For diapers that have no solid waste inside of them carefully remove any inserts and place the diaper inside your wet bag or diaper pail.
It is really easy if you are exclusively breastfeeding your child because there is no need to rinse solid waste into the toilet before placing the diaper cover/inserts into your wet bag or diaper pail. If your child has begun to eat solid foods or is formula fed you can use a diaper sprayer that attaches to your toilet to remove any solid waste.
WASHING YOUR CLOTH DIAPERS
We wash our cloth diapers every other day following the steps listed below. For reference we have a front loading washer.
• Cold rinse and spin, or presoak and spin.
• Hot wash with detergent.
• Rinse.
• Dry in dryer on low-medium heat or line-dry.
Cloth diapers require adequate room to agitate and lots of water to get clean. Fill your washer no more than half-full of diapers, but run it as a full load.
Be sure that all inserts from any pocket diaper have been removed prior to washing.
Only a very small amount of detergent is necessary, usually less than 2T of detergent, half for HE washers.
Make sure to close tabs and unfasten all snaps to ensure diapers are able to fully open during the wash.
Diaper covers may last longer if washed separately on gentle cycle, and hanged to dry.
DEALING WITH STINKY DIAPERS (EVEN AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN WASHED)
Overtime your cloth diapers may begin to hold odors, reek of ammonia so bad your eyes will water, or start to decrease in functionality and leak. It is normal for diapers to buildup leftover residue from degerent and your diapers will need to be stripped. We strip our diapers every other month. I like to use Rockin Green Cloth Diaper and Laundry Detergent (Funk Rock Ammonia Bouncer) for stripping but there are lots of other products that are available for this same purpose.
To strip you diapers using Funk Rock place 4 tablespoons into to warm or hot water for up to twenty diapers. The diapers should soak for thirty to sixty minutes. They must then be rinsed and then washed as usual with detergent. You can place your diapers in a large bucket, bathtub, or let them sit in a top loading washer.
WANT TO CLOTH DIAPER BUT DON’T WANT TO DO THE WASHING?
Originally when I had drafted this post I had not even thought to mention cloth diapering services. Thankfully my husband brought this to my attention several weeks ago and I am so glad he did. For those of you who want to cloth diaper but don’t have the time, desire, or ability to wash your child’s diapers this is the perfect solution!
There are companies that will drop off clean fresh diapers at your door each week and pick up your dirty diapers at the same time. How cool is that! Depending on your area prices will vary. I have never used this type of service myself but I think it is a fantastic idea!
Do you have any helpful tips to add? I would love to hear them!