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How to Wash Cloth Diapers
Cloth Diaper Washing Instructions and Storage Tips
A baby is the most important thing in a parent's life. One of the best things you can do for the new baby is to use cloth diapers. Washing cloth diapers is easy! Cloth diapers are healthier for the baby, softer and more comfortable than disposables, kinder to the environment, and will save you thousands in the first few years of your baby's first few years.
- You must use laundry detergent to wash their diapers. If your cloth diapers smell bad after washing, to use MORE detergent in your wash.
- If your cloth diapers smell good after washing, but then once the baby urinates in the diapers they begin to smell bad, then use LESS detergent OR rinse the diapers MORE THOROUGHLY (My Baby First, LLC recommends washing with the correct amount of detergent for your load size, then running 1-2 extra rinse cycles once the full washing cycle is complete).
- Please do not soak your cloth diapers in a solution or add any additional solution to your washer. These additives can be damaging to cloth diaper components.
- ALL cloth diaper companies offer the same washing instructions, of which the most important part is DO NOT USE ADDITIVES OF ANY KIND when washing cloth diapers. We cannot give you a full list of things that people may try to add to when washing diapers and accessories, but we can let you know that a partial list includes: bleach, whiteners, borax, RLR, Oxyclean, and any "oxi" products in general. USE OF THESE PRODUCTS VOIDS ANY PURCHASE WARRANTY.
Some of our companies offer warranties, which are for defects, and are NOT for damage. While there are different ways to inadvertently damage a cloth diaper, it is done mainly by how you wash and care for your cloth diapers.
1. Washing Cloth Diapers ~ Accessories to make it easy
* Diaper Pail Liners ~ 15 colors and fits most large diaper pails. This item is perfect for storing dirty diapers.
* Detergents ~ Charlie's Soap and Allen's Liquid are both good options to consider to clean your cloth diapers. Gentle, cleans thoroughly, and leaves no residue.
* Wet Bags ~ Great for cloth diapering on the go.
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2. Washing Cloth Diapers ~ Dry Pail Method
This option is excellent for wet (pee) diapers. Its simple, take diaper off baby and drop it in the pail. After two to three days run the diapers through a rinse cycle, and then through a full wash cycle. So easy! If you find smells are lingering, we recommend running an additional 1-2 rinse cycles following the wash to 'mini strip' your diapers.
* Plastic Pail/Container with Lid ~ You can find these at any local hardware/department store. A 20 to 24 qt will hold about two to three days worth of diapers.
* Large Grilling Tongs ~ These are perfect for grabbing dirty diapers at the bottom of the pail. If you have a front loading washer you wont be able to dump the dirty diapers directly into the wash, this is why might consider tongs.
* Essential Oils ~ A small amount of essential oil on a paper towel in your diaper pail will help mask the smell of your diapers. We offer wet bags with a sewn-in piece of cloth specifically designed for you to drop a few drops of your favorite essential oil on it!
**Tip-If you have a large amount of diapers you can keep a small plastic can in the nursery and empty it out into a large pail at the end of the day. This will allow you to store your large pail hidden outside or in a basement where you wont have to worry about smell if you dont have time to launder them every other day.
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3. Washing Cloth Diapers ~ Wet Pail Method
This method is good for poopy diapers. Drop the poop into the toilet (if you have a newborn the poop isn't solid, simply take a baby wipe and wipe off what you can with toilet paper and drop into toilet). Put the dirty diaper to the wet pail. Add water and a small amount of detergent. Use the scrubber to swish and sink your diaper into the water. The next day dump the dirty water into the toilet & repeat the process. By day two your diaper should stain free. Put on your gloves, wring it out and toss diaper into
your dry pail. There is little to no smell with the wet pail method.
* Bucket With Handle ~ Any small bucket will do, a small plastic trash can or small mop bucket works fine. A handle makes easy carrying when ready to empty.
* Rubber Gloves ~ Use gloves if you like to avoid touching dirty diaper water.
* Dish scrubber with bristles ~ You can find these at any grocery store. They are very helpful for making sure your dirty diaper is fully covered by the soapy water.
**Note-The wet pail method may seem icky but once you get started on it and develop a routine, its really easy & remember you are saving a ton of money and keeping your baby healthy & comfortable.
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2. Washing Cloth Diapers ~ Wash Day
On wash day take your dry pail and empty its contents into the washer. Run a quick rinse only cycle. Then run a full cycle with the diaper detergent of your choice. After the spin cycle ends remove your clean diapers and hang on a drying rack.
*Stains If your diapers still have stains let them sit in the sun, its a natural way to bleach the diapers without chemicals.
*Smells From time to time you may notice your diapers still smell after the wash. If this happens run them through a couple full cycles without soap. This is called stripping the diapers and is an easy solution to the problem.
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