How To Wash Cloth Diapers

Washing cloth diapers is easy! The basics of how to wash cloth diapers include a cold water rinse, warm/hot water wash, and a second rinse. No bleach, and no fabric softener. Here are the details:

1. If baby is exclusively breastfed, you will not need to rinse the dirty diapers. Just throw them in the diaper pail. For babies on formula or solids, shake the poop into the toilet and dunk or spray if necessary.

2. Using a dry diaper pail (without water) is safe and easy. If you choose to soak your diapers, use a pail with a locking lid for safety.

3. Dump your diapers in the washer and do a cold rinse and spin. You may add baking soda or vinegar if you prefer. Do not wash more than two dozen diapers at a time and set your water level to the highest setting.

4. Wash the diapers in warm or hot water with about 1/2 of the recommended amount of detergent. Rinse thoroughly with cold water. A second rinse may be necessary so that all of the detergent rinses out to prevent irritating baby's skin. We prefer Allens Naturally.

5. Avoid detergents with enzymes or whitening enzymes such as Arm & Hammer® FabriCare® Advanced Detergent (also called Arm & Hammer® Powder Laundry Detergent). Some babies are very sensitive to the enzymes.

6. Do not use chlorine bleach or a detergent with chlorine bleach additive. Bleach will break down the fibers and drastically shorten the life of your diapers.

7. Do not use fabric softener or a detergent with a fabric softener additive. It will affect the absorbency of your diapers. Instead use ½ cup of vinegar in the first rinse cycle if needed. Vinegar will soften your diapers, adjust the pH, and remove detergent residue.

8. Dry your diapers in the dryer on "normal" or line dry in the sun. The sun will help remove any stains, leaving your diapers bright and white. You may wish to throw sun-dried diapers in the dryer for a few minutes to soften them. You can also try hanging two flat diapers together on the line. They will flap against each other in the breeze, and this helps keep them softer.

9. Wash new diapers a few times before first use to reach full absorbency. Your new white Chinese prefolds will need two washes to "quilt up" nicely before first use. Kissaluvs and natural Chinese prefolds will need approximately 4-5 washes before using.

10. Natural Chinese prefolds need to be washed a few times in VERY hot water to remove the cotton's natural oils for best absorbency. Here are some tips:

    • Try Tide. We do not recommend Tide for daily use because it is harsh, but it does seem to help remove this natural wax more quickly. Natural soaps and detergents will not work well for these initial washes.

    • Turn up your water heater for a few washes or carefully add boiling water to your washer to raise the water temperature.

    • Boil them on the stove! We have had some moms boil their diapers on the stove (15-20 minutes) with great success.

    • The number of washes needed to remove the wax will vary depending on the quality of your water (softer water requires more washes) and the water temperature. If your water is very hot you may only need to wash 3-4 times. In other cases, you may need to wash a few more times. Rest assured, this natural wax will always come out!

    • If you are having leaks and your prefold is only getting wet in one or two spots instead of all over, don't blame your cover. Simply wash your diapers a few more times.

11. Do not use washing soda as it can be harsh on fibers. If you wish to use baking soda, try 1/2 cup in your wash. Baking soda helps maintain an optimal pH blalance necessary for detergent to work well, and it neutralizes odors. 1/2 cup in the rinse will work as a deodorizer.

12. Never soak your diaper covers! They will lose their waterproofing. Other no-nos for covers: no chlorine bleach, OxiClean, or any other whitening agents.
    

How To Wash Cloth Diapers Cover

For daily use, Polyurethane Laminate (PUL) cloth diaper covers should be allowed to air dry between wearing. Diaper covers need to be washed twice a week or when soiled. Once the diaper cover has been soiled it should be rinsed off under cold water and washed with other clothes.

Fasten Velcro (hook and loop) type closure closed prior to washing. This will prevent lint build-up or diaper covers from sticking together.

Do not wash the diaper covers with cloth diapers as the urine PH in the cloth diapers with break down the waterproofing.

Do not soak the diaper cover as this will cause it to lose it's waterproofing. Most diaper covers can be tumble dried on low; making sure your dryer is on the lowest setting. Only leave the diaper cover in the dryer for 20 minutes or less. To save money and extend the life of the diaper covers hang them to dry. Please avoid chlorine bleach or any other whitening agents. Some diaper covers require special care such as wool covers and cotton covers.