Washing Cloth Diapers

First of all we think it is worth mentioning that laundering cloth diapers is not rocket science. If you know how to operate your washer and dryer you can easily launder your cloth diapers. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you out.

Your Diapers will need to be washed once prior to their first use

Pee Diapers - Before Washing

Go straight into the diaper pail until wash day. If you notice the pail smelling you can throw some baking soda in there, it is also a good idea to give the pail a quick wash out once a week or so. I use pine sol, Detol is another good disinfector commonly used in hospitals, you can use whatever cleaner you like.

Poop Diapers - Before Washing

From birth to 6 months we recommend either putting the dirty diaper into the toilet to soak (clean toilet) or have a large tub in your bathtub or laundry room half full of cold water to throw the dirty diapers in until washing. Next give them a quick rub together, wring them out a bit and into the washer they go. Give the tub a quick rinse and re-fill; you can throw in some baking soda before re-filling if you find the tub smells at all. After the introduction of solid foods you can shake the poop off into the toilet then give the diaper a rinse in the sink and if you like wash it out with whatever bar of soap you have handy then into the pail.

Washing

With 36 diapers you will be washing on average every 3 days, probably every other day in the very beginning then every 4 days or so after 6 months. If for some reason you are going longer than 4 days between washings it is a good idea to pre-soak your diapers in cold water before washing. Next (this is your first step if not going longer than 4 days) wash them in hot water with about 1/2 the recommended amount of detergent unless specifically baby friendly on the longest wash cycle with the highest water level.

About every second wash add ¾ cup of vinegar to the first rinse which acts as a natural deodorizer, sanitizer and brightener and also helps to maintain the Ph balance in the diapers. I put mine in the downy ball or fabric softener dispenser.

Drying

Throw the diapers in the dryer with a large white towel. This helps cut down the drying time. That's it you're done!

Diaper safe Detergents

Tide, Purex, Sunlight, Norwex and many store brands are good choices. Apparently Ivory Snow is not the best choice. I used Ivory Snow because my baby was prone to eczema and I wasn't taking any chances, I did switch to Tide after 6 months and all was fine. The decision is yours do whatever you are comfortable with and whatever you think is best for your baby. We recommend Norwex for newborns over the others. Biggest thing with detergent is to make sure it is properly rinsed out to avoid build up.

DO NOT USE BLEACH OR FABRIC SOFTENERS, BLEACH ATTACKS THE FIBERS OF YOUR COTTON DIAPERS SHORTENING THEIR LIFE AND REDUCING ABSORBENCY, FABRIC SOFTENERS BUILD UP ON THE DIAPERS CAUSING REDUCED ABSORBENCY.

Avoid using diaper creams containing zinc oxide, they are difficult to wash out, instead try applying olive oil with a cotton ball to your baby's bottom. If the rash is bad and looks painful to heck with the diapers use the cream it will not ruin your diapers.