How to Wash Cloth Diapers Green World for Babies

How to Wash Cloth Diapers

Information about caring for and washing cloth diapers

How to wash and care for Cloth Diapers

After changing your baby's diaper if there are solids, dump them into the toilet or if your baby is breastfed there is no need to do this.Then give your diapers, covers, and inserts a quick rinse with warm water.

Place the dirty covers, diapers, wipes and inserts in the washer or use a dry diaper bag to store them until you have enough to wash a full load. I personally use a large zippered diaper bag (Planet Wise is a good brand) to store all my diapers until I wash them (every 2 to 3 days.)

Dump all cloth diapers, diaper bags, covers, inserts, and wipes into the washing machine.

Use a natural detergent with no chemicals, bleach, oils, additives, enzimes or fragances. I use Charlie’s soap, which I highly recommend.

Do a Rinse Cycle, Pre-wash, or Soak with no detergent.

Then use a Hot water wash cycle with 1/4 to 1/2 of the recommended additive-free detergent.

Don't use bleach or fabric softener (this includes dryer sheets).

Hang dry or dry in the dryer.I dry mine in the dryer on the medium to high heat setting.

First Rinse/ Pre-Wash or Soak:

Detergent:

Choose your detergent wisely- choose something that will wash out completely, leaving no residue, but that will clean your diapers effectively. Aim for no brighteners, no fabric softener, no soap, no plant oils, no fragrances, no stain guard, no enzymes, and no bleach alternatives. Generally, the least expensive store brand will be good.

Steer clear of "Baby Detergents". The majority of them have more additives than regular detergents and make certain that the detergent you choose doesn't contain "enzymes". The enzymes that are helpful in getting clothes clean may activate again when your baby wets and start "eating" your baby's skin causing irritation.

So what do we use or suggest... I personally suggest Charlie's Soap, Ecos (Can find it at Costco) or Planet. You can also use: Allen's Naturally Powder/Liquid Standard & HE compatible, Mountain Green Free & Clear Standard & HE, Mountain Green Free & Clear Baby Standard & HE, Nellie's All Natural Laundry Soda Standard & HE, Planet Ultra Liquid, Planet Ultra Powder Standard & HE compatible and Planet 2X Ultra Standard & HE. Use 1/2 to 1/4 of the amount you'd normally use and plenty of water. But vary the amount or detergent depending on your load size. You can choose which water temperature you'd prefer, though cold water is fine and saves more energy. We prefer to rinse on cold, but use a Hot water wash. Some diapers specify what temperature you are to wash them. We've experimented with 'suggested' water temperatures and our conclusion is that- it's better to do what the manufacturer suggests in preventing any problems with the diapers.

Charlie's Soap:

If you are using Charlie's Soap on your diapers, but another detergent on your clothes, you may need to clean the washing machine out with Charlie's Soap before you wash your cloth diapers. There can be a residue from the other detergent left in your washer and because Charlie's cleans so well, it may end up on your diapers, causing some problems. If you suspect this, wash a large load of towels or rags with some Charlie's Soap in the washing machine and add an extra rinse cycle. Or wash your diapers three (3) times, (3 wash cycles and add an extra rinse in the end) with Charlie's Soap and all should be well.

Stains and Stripping!

Stains: Diapers will get stains... they are diapers. Please DO NOT use bleach. It is harmful for the diaper material, the environment, and not pleasant on your baby's behind. Using bleach will also void any warranties you may have with your diapers. The sun is a great tool for eliminating and fading stains naturally. If the stains ae very bad you can also put a bit of lemon on the inserts or diapers after you have washed them and then you can sun them for 3-4 hours until they are completely dry. Another option is an oxygen bleach soak. Wash your diapers first. A few (like 2 or 3 ) full scoops with some HOT water overnight (4-6 hours) your diapers should look like new. Continue with another wash cycle (no detergent) and a rinse. Result: *Sparkly diapers*

Here's a sample wash cycle from one of our moms with a Front Loader:

Pre-wash (no detergent) and a Rinse

Wash with 1/4 detergent of what you'd normally use

Extra Rinse

If you suspect that you are using too much detergent, but your diapers haven't entered the residue state yet, the solution to the problem is easy. Just wash and rinse your diapers without detergent until the water is suds-free. This may require several washings/ rinsings so be diligent and patient. Perseverance is worth it! If your problems are a result of residue and diaper creams, this step is a bit more involved and requires some elbow grease. First, we need to tell you that if diaper creams are the culprit, depending on which one(s) you've used, your diapers may never be the same. We recommend you use a fingernail scrub brush and dish gloves. Scrub with hot water an a little bit of dish soap (We recommend Dawn, because of it's grease cutting ability). Dish soap will get the grease and residue out. Rinse well until there are no more suds. You may even want to do a rinse cycle in your washing machine.

Links to Other Resurces:

Diaper Jungle

ehow - 'Wash Dirty cloth diapers"

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