Washing Cloth Diapers

Posted September 1st, 2008 in diapering, Milagros News

Families new to the world of cloth diapering often ask one simple question: how do you wash diapers? I must admit that for much of Mila s diapering days we were spoiled by the services of Tidee Didee and we just needed to wash soiled covers.

Shortly before Mila was out of diapers I began laundering on my own and was surprised at how easy it was. Every couple of days I would start a load at bedtime, then dry the next day. Rhythm was definitely the key.

But how to actually wash? It is tricky to decide how to wash diapers and covers when there are so many different recommendations by the various makers, and then the general belief that the natural detergents should be avoided (due to natural oils that may leave residue), yet we want to be friendly to the earth aaaarrrr! So, I ll share what has worked for us.

Before you begin: No need to dunk the diapers of babies who aren t yet eating solids. But once they are eating solid foods, shake those poopy diapers out over the toilet to get the solid poop off, or consider using biodegradable flushable liners (we carry two sizes at Milagros) or attaching a sprayer to your toilet.

Step 1: Cold rinse spin with Bac-Out (about a cup, or two). This will do wonders to prevent stains. The only time I did encounter stains after washing was the time I didn t rinse

Step 2: Warm -warm or hot wash with Bi-O-Kleen Laundry Detergent (tip: use less soap then you think you need) Through two kids I have never had negative results from using this detergent on either the diapers or covers. Occasionally I will do an extra rinse. Too much soap can linger.

Pocket diapers can conceivably get a build up of the natural detergent over time, suddenly making them seem leaky. Now, I haven t had this happen from washing, but did indeed experience a leaky pocket a couple of times after needing to use rash ointment on my son. I followed stripping suggestions on the Happy Heinys website and they worked fine.

To strip I essentially took the cover that was leaking (really I believe it s that the pee sort of glided on the surface of the fleece and out the side ) and did a mini hand wash of the center of the fleece in super warm water, rubbing it against itself. Sometimes with a bit of regular liquid soap (have used both hand and dishwashing). Then washed as usual and things were back to normal.

If you have a front loading washer, remember to really use less soap than you think you need (sort of the general rule for diapers anyway, but especially so with front loaders). Be sure not to overload the washer because the diapers need to move in the water and those washers are so efficient that they are often not giving as much water for the diapers to move in anyway. And if you can do a second rinse you can ensure that any extra detergent is gone.

Step 3: Dry diapers and all in ones in the dryer, or once summer has decided to stay, air dry! The sun really does remove lingering stains! Dry covers per manufacturer s instructions. If it says I can dry them I do, but I also often just air dry the covers since they are generally made with quick drying fabrics. I also have a general feeling that it will prolong the life of the cover.

You may find some more tips at diaperpin.com

Happy diapering!