Cloth Diaper Washing and Care DON'Ts:
- Don't use bleach—breaks down cotton fibers.
- Don't use Fabric softeners (including DRYER SHEETS) these products will affect the absorbency factor.
- Don't leave poop in your diapers for several days it will break down the cotton fibers. (Use a separate fleece liner or the flushable / disposable liners to remove waste easily. Don't forget a diaper sprayer!)
- Don't wash more than two dozen diapers at at time.
- Don't use detergents with enzymes or additives, they can give your baby a rash / and or cause detergent build up.
NEW DIAPERS: Before You Start – Very Important!
- Try it on before washing to make sure it fits. Use a wipe or fleece liner to protect the diaper, in case you end up needing to return it.
- Wash your diapers in hot water with a small amount of zero residue detergent before first use to make them absorbent.
- If your diapers are made of unbleached fabric, you will need to wash and dry them at least three times to remove their natural oils and waxes (wash other products separately).
- Test your diapers’ absorbency by pouring a small amount of water onto one. If the water beads at all, you will need to wash again.
Please check carefully the washing instructions for the product you have purchased as they may differ from these.
Dirty Cloth Diaper Storage
Dirty diapers and diaper covers can be stored dry in a diaper pail for 2-3 days before washing. Lining your pail with a washable bag can make transport to the washing machine easier.
- Flush stools down toilet and place soiled cloth diaper in diaper pail (use a flushable liner or diaper sprayer to make this easy!) Some people have two buckets; one for poop diapers and another for pee diapers.
- Just rinse in COLD WATER first (so stains don't set), wring, and drop in the pail.
- Dirty diaper covers can go in the pail too (never soak them!) Secure any velcro type tabs by sticking them to the fold back tabs (on the inside back of the diaper cover or diaper)
- If there's any stains or soiling, soak diapers (not diaper covers!) in the sink/washing machine(cold water) with baking soda (neutralizes urine & brightens) or Amaze, then put it through a cold rinse cycle.
- Then wash normally in really hot water.
DIAPER COVERS:
- Diaper covers can be re-used until soiled or smelly. Simply rinse off any urine residue in the sink and air dry in between uses. Rotate your covers after each change.
- Check the individual product for detailed instructions by brand, because it does vary depending on brand and style of cover. Care is often listed on the tag of the cover.
- Nylon diaper covers (such as the Bummi Original or Whisper Pant) will need to be washed separately by hand or in a cool wash cycle.
- Always close the Aplix™ or velcro closures before washing
- Don’t use bleach or whitening agents. They will breakdown the fibers of your diapers and covers and are also very harsh on your baby’s skin and the environment
- Never soak your covers! This will interfere with their waterproof qualities.
- Avoid the dryer if possible, hang-drying is best. If you do use your dryer check the manufacturer's tag—most state low/med heat or air dry.
Cloth Diaper Washing TIPS:
Unfold your diapers before washing, and separate any liners or inserts. Nylon diaper covers (such as the Bummi Original or Whisper Pant) will need to be washed separately by hand or in a cool wash cycle.
- Run a cold pre-wash (or a short cycle with no detergent).
- Do a regular wash in hot water with zero residue detergent (stick to the lower end of the recommended amount if you have a front loader or HE machine.) If you are using anything other than zero residue detergent, use a maximum ½ of what the detergent package tells you to use (1/4 if you have a front loader or HE machine.)
- Rinse diapers in lots of water to avoid build-up of detergent, bacteria or urine.
DRYING:
- Dry cloth diapers on medium setting for half of the drying cycle and then hang damp diapers to dry for the balance.
- Avoid drying diaper covers if possible, hang-drying is best. If you do use your dryer check the manufacturer's tag—most state low/med heat or air dry.
- If possible, dry outside on a clothesline - sunlight is a natural brightener and disinfectant!
- Reduce drying time by doing an extra spin cycle and/or throwing a dry towel or dryer balls into the dryer with your diapers.
Once washed, your diapers should not smell like urine or detergent! If they smell of detergent, wash them again in plenty of hot water and less detergent. If they smell like urine, either straight out of the wash or once your baby wets them, make sure that you are using enough hot water and enough detergent.
You may need to adapt your washing routine to your washing machine, water supply etc. Always check the care instructions on the label of your products, and follow manufacturers’ washing guidelines if they vary from these.
