Laundering Cloth Diapers

Laundering / Washing Instructions for Cloth diapers

Pretreating Sprays
Pre-treating sprays are not necessary, unless you want perfectly pristine diapers, and even then, still maybe not necessary, but if you choose to use one, be careful of your choice. Many have enzymes, which can be harsh on baby's skin when the residue mixes with urine. I'm not really recommending a pre-treating spray, but if you choose to use one, Biokleen's Bac-Out is an option. We sell this in our Knoxville Store.

Washing Cloth Diapers
I have tried several different washing methods, but the following has worked best for me. After removing the bulk of the poop, I run a rinse cycle in my washer. I recommend running one cycle above what you would for regular laundry. For example, if you have a medium sized load, run water for a large load so that there is plenty of water to swish those diapers around. I allow my diapers to soak for 10 minutes before closing the lid and allowing the cycle to run. Next, I run a hot cycle and add 1/3 of the recommended amount of detergent. I have tried several detergents, but have found that Tide works well for me. Be careful not to use products with any strong fragrance such as Dreft or Baby All. Tiny Bubbles & Bumgenius detergents work well and are environmentally friendly. Regular Tide & Arm & Hammer Essentials are good mainstream detergents. Also, don't use bleach or Oxyclean as they will break down the diapers, destroy the waterproofing, and often void the manufacturer's warranty. Finally, I run another rinse cycle.

Cloth diapers will have a longer life if you can line dry them. In fact, some brands require it for warranties to stay in tact. Bumgenius does. Grobaby by Natural Baby Company does not require line drying but does recommend it for their diapers. In addition, the direct sunlight will fade out any staining that remains after washing. Plus, you will save money on your electric bill. BUT, if you are like me, and don't have that kind of time, a dryer is your friend. I recommend drying all diapers on low heat. Some diapers, such as Happy Heiny's can tolerate high heat, but many cannot. Velcro will melt, and warranties go out the window. Again, the best thing for your diapers is to line dry them, but if you must use a dryer, use the low heat setting, and NO DRYER SHEETS. They will cause the diapers to repel urine rather than absorb it. Diapers should smell clean, with no hint of urine or detergent. If they do not, wash them again with less detergent and run an extra rinse cycle.

Stripping Cloth Diapers
And no, I am not referring to the peep show your toddler insists on giving at naptime. Stripping is the process used to remove detergent build up from cloth diapers. The best and only product to use for this is Original Dawn liquid dish detergent-the blue stuff. Dawn has long been and is still used on animals victimized by oil spills because it is safe and effective at removing grime.

For a large load, use 1/3 cup of Dawn and soak diapers in large sink of hot water for 20 minutes. Agitate with hands a few times during soak. Drain soapy water. refill sink with cool water and soak diapers for another 20 minutes. Then proceed with your regular wash routine-Cool Rinse-Hot Wash-Cool Rinse *without detergent during hot wash*. During final rinse, check to make sure that your diapers are not 'sudsing' in the washer. Once diapers have completed final rinse, smell them and make sure they don't smell like Dawn. If they do, I recommend running another rinse cycle with 1/2 cup of vinegar. It is important to get all of the Dawn out of your diapers as it may irritate your baby's skin.

Free & Clear detergents tend to leave a build up on diapers, which makes stripping necessary more often. If you begin to notice that your baby's diapers have a strong amonia odor (even when diapers are clean), or sudden repelling/leaking diapers, then you probably need to strip your diapers. If you do not experience these issues, then stripping is not necessary at this time.

Wash Frequency: I recommend washing diapers every two to three days if possible. I wash diapers everyday out of necessity, but it is definitely harder on the diapers. Failing to wash ever 2-3 days will result in a stinky diaper pail, more ammonia and bacteria build-up in your diapers, and sometimes mold and mildew problems, none of which are desirable. Many people succeed in washing less frequently, but it has not worked for me.

Instructions for Washing New Prefold Cloth Diapers
Prefolds arrive stiff, starched looking and anything but soft. This is normal. Be sure to wash all new diapers 4 or 5 times with an extra rinse each time before use, to remove natural oils that might irritate baby's bottom, and to fluff diapers. Some parents prefer to do 2 complete wash cycles (rinse/wash/rinse) with a drying cycle, and then repeat all. This process will increase the absorbency of your diapers. Quilting and slight shrinking are normal & expected. Once the diapers are quilted and fluffy, you know they are ready for baby’s bottom.

Wool care
Caring for your wool diaper covers & nursing pads is easy with Sheepish Grins Wool Care Products. If you use Sheepish Grins Foaming Wool Wash, your wool will be midly lanolized. You may find it necessary to lanolize separately for heavy wetters. We recommend using Sheepish Grins Spray Lanolin, or their Liquid or Solid Lanoilin. Wool covers should air out between uses to prevent odors. Wash as seldom as possible, only when the wool begins to feel stiff, or has odors, or is soiled. It is normal to only was every 2 weeks or so. Hand wash wool covers in lukewarm water with just enough soap to make the water sudsy, do not rinse out the lanolin soap, roll in a towel to squeeze out excess moisture, and hang to dry.

You may also use baby shampoo and warm water to wash your wool products. Again, only use enough soap to make water slightly sudsy. Allow covers to soak for 15 minutes. Be sure to rinse baby shampoo from your covers. Rinse covers. In final rinse add 1 tsp vinegar.

Drying Wool Covers
Gently squeeze cover--do not wring. Roll in a towel to squeeze out excess moisture. Hang dry away from intense heat and sunlight.

Cloth diapers & Cloth Diapering Accessories

Laundering / Washing Instructions for Cloth diapers