|
HOW TO WASH CLOTH DIAPERS
|
Wet Pail Method (soaking) - not recommended for covers or pocket diapers
|
Dry Pail Method (no soaking)
|
|
The advantage to this method is easier stain removal and less frequent laundering.
1.
Fill your pail ½ full with cold water and ¼ cup of white vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide liquid or powder or a few drops of tea tree oil.
2.
Dispose of the flushable liner or shake off excess poop into the toilet.
No rinsing is necessary.
Put wet/soiled diapers, reusable wipes and unsoiled diaper liners in the pail.
3.
After about 3-4 days or 2-3 dozen diapers empty the contents of the diaper pail into the washer and spin out the excess liquid.
4.
Proceed with washing instructions below.
NOTE: If you use this method make sure your pail lid is securely fastened and inaccessible to children.
|
The advantages of this method are a lighter pail and no diaper soup!
1.
Sprinkle baking soda at the bottom of the pail and line the pail with a washable bag for easy transport to the washing machine.
2.
Dispose of the flushable liner or shake off excess poop into the toilet.
No rinsing is necessary.
Put wet/soiled diapers, reusable wipes and unsoiled diaper liners in the pail.
3.
After about 2-3 days empty the contents of the diaper pail, including the washable bag, into the washer and run a cold-water rinse cycle so as not to set in any stains.
4.
Proceed with washing instructions below.
|
|
WASHING INSTRUCTIONS
(for both methods)
|
|
1.
Wash
diapers on a regular cycle (hot or warm water) at the highest water setting with about one quarter to one half the recommended amount of laundry detergent. We recommend an unscented, bleach-free detergent.
2.
Dry in your dryer or outside on a clothesline – sunlight is a natural brightener and disinfectant!
3.
Occasionally
add ¼ cup of vinegar to the first rinse cycle in order to remove any residual detergent.
This deodorizes, sanitizes and brightens your diapers.
|
CARING FOR YOUR DIAPERS
DOS and DON’TS
●
Do wash and dry your new cloth diapers at least 3 times before using them.
In the case of prefolds, they will shrink about 10% and become fluffy and absorbent.
Hemp will continue getting more and more absorbent with each wash, probably reaching its peak absorbency after 8 or so washes.
●
Don’t use bleach or whitening agents.
They will break down the fibers of fabrics and destroy your diaper covers.
And they are very harsh on your baby’s skin and the environment.
●
Don’t use fabric softeners, including liquids or dryer sheets.
They will leave a waxy residue on your diapers and covers and lead to leaking.
●
Don’t use any natural cleaning products that contain oils or softeners which may coat the fibers of your diapers or covers.
People have reported problems with the following:
All Free and Clear (and other Free and Clear detergents)
Dr. Bronner’s Soap
Some versions of Bio-Kleen
7th Generation
Dreft
Ivory Snow
Most “pure soap” products
●
Don’t use detergents that contain perfumes, dyes, chlorine bleaching agents or any stain guard ingredients.
●
Don’t use too much detergent in your wash as this can lead to stinky, ineffective diapers and covers and skin irritations.
●
Do be careful with diaper rash ointments, especially those with fish oils as they can stain your diapers and covers, make them smelly and ruin their performance.
Use all ointments sparingly.
Flushable liners are a good barrier for creams.
●
Do use the highest water levels in your washing machine to ensure complete rinsing of diapers and covers.
Any detergent residue will affect the performance of your diapers.
●
Do unfold your diapers before soaking or washing to allow complete cleaning.
●
Do occasionally add ¼ cup of vinegar to the first rinse cycle in order to remove any residual detergent.
This deodorizes, sanitizes and brightens your diapers.
Don’t over use or use in the final rinse as it will have the opposite effect and your diapers may become smelly.
Don’t use vinegar on your diaper covers.
●
Do use an extra spin cycle after washing.
This can reduce drying time up to 25%!
●
Do throw a dry towel in the dryer with your diapers.
This will also reduce drying time.
Better yet, dry your diapers outside when possible.
Sunshine will naturally whiten and brighten your diapers, as well as save energy.
| 
