Baby Care: Cloth Diapers & Laundry Tips

The Experience of Being a First Time Mom: Baby Helpful Tips

Prepping Diapers

Before putting those new cloth diapers on your baby, it is important to prep them for use by following the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, instructions for synthetically-based diapers will differ from those that use natural fabrics such as hemp, unbleached cotton, and bamboo.

·        Natural Fiber Cloth Diapers — anything containing hemp, bamboo, or natural cotton needs to be washed and dried around 3 to 6 times before first, so lots of patience is required. This rinses out the natural oils contained in the fibers. On this note, be sure to prep natural diapers separately from synthetics to avoid natural oils from getting into the synthetics.

·       Synthetic Cloth Diapers — Mainly microfiber-based, these only require one washing with detergent before first use, so the getting started process is much easier. Although synthetic isn't typically as absorbent as natural fibers, they wick well and typically soak in urine quicker, so are nice for babies with a heavy, quick stream.

What to do with dirty diapers

·        Remove diaper and wrap from baby.

·        Remove inserts from the pocket diapers.

·        Flush away flushable liner or shake off excess poop into the toilet if there is any. Let it soak overnight. Spray off remaining solids with water.

·        If your baby is exclusively breastfed, there is no need to shake excess poop into the toilet as it will wash out easily.

·        Put wet or soiled diapers in a pail or a hanging diaper bag. Dirty wraps can be stored with your dirty diapers.

·        Wash every 2-3 days. Polyester wraps can be washed with your diapers; nylon and wool wraps should be washed separately.

Before you start using your diapers – very important

If you plan to wash the diapers yourself, start by checking the directions provided by the manufacturer on the label or packaging. Some require special handling. (For example, most wool covers need to be hand washed, lanolized, and air dried.) Laundering instructions vary among manufacturers. Following each can certainly maximize their lifespan and absorbency, but if you have assorted brands, instructions will vary sometimes by quite a bit.

Keep it simple! This routine has proven to work well for most people, regardless of what type of machine or cloth diapers you use.

Washing Diapers Regularly and for First time Wash

·        Begin a cold, pre-wash with water only and no detergent.

·        After a cold rinse, run a regular wash cycle: Cold/Cold Wash using detergent.

·        Use only ½ or mostly 2 or 3 tbsp. of recommended of preferred detergent.

·        Use Gentle/Hand Wash cycle

·     Follow up with an extra rinse. Rinse diapers in lots of water to avoid build-up of detergent, bacteria and urine.

·        Also, water plus added

·        Wash no more than 12-24 diapers at a time.

·     For first time wash, repeat the procedure and wash it two or three times without drying.

·      If possible dry outside on a clothesline (check the label of your product, as some products should only be hung to dry). Sunlight is a natural brightener and disinfectant!

Drying

Every brand of cloth diaper has specific drying instructions. Some recommend air-drying the cover but machine-drying the insert. Some allow the whole thing to be machine-dried, but usually on low or medium heat. Once machine dried, let cloth diapers cool before stretching via folding or stuffing to maintain laminate and elastic integrity. Avoid drying cloth diapers containing waterproofing, elastic, or velcro/hook and loop closures on high heat as this will degrade them much quicker.

·        Lay the diaper in a flat surface to allow it to dry. Line drying in the in the sun is the best possible. Only after 1 hour of drying. Or let it lay dry overnight.

·        Avoid hung dry. If it is hung, the weight of the diaper may stretch and pull it down.

When to Wash

Get that cloth diaper laundry done every 2 days if possible, 3 days max. If you wait any longer, urine-soaked diapers will lock in ammonia and microorganisms have greater opportunity to grow creating persistent odor issues and potential for diaper rash. Furthermore, once ammonia and stink lock in, it is harder to remove.

Note:

·     Don't use fabric softener, EVER. That will coat the fabric fibers and prevent them from fluffing to full absorbency.

·        Don’t use bleach often it will cause yellowing.

·        Don’t use baking soda.

·        Separate washing the diaper cover and its inserts.

·        Choose a detergent that does not contain any of the following additives, as they can create residue problems. Detergent residue will lead to leaking, absorbency issues and more likely to cause leaks, stinky and rashes.

·        Fabric softeners

·        Natural oils

·        Perfumes

·        Dyes

·        UV brighteners

·        Dryer sheets

·        Stain guard ingredients

·        Enzymes (they will not affect performance, but may cause rashes on some babies’ skin)

Liners

We recommend using either flushable or re-useable liners for poop management. They will reduce the amount of clean up that is necessary as well as aid in minimizing stains and repelling issues. Stool should always be flushed down the toilet!

·        Flushable Liners

With a flushable one, the majority of poop will come off with the liner, and can be flushed right down most toilets. A dose of caution here as most flushable liners are not compatible with either septic systems or old, weak plumping. In this situation, a flushable liner should be thrown in the garbage once the solids have been flushed down the toilet.

·        Reusable Cloth Liners

With washable liners, there is a bit more dirty work to be done. You will have to remove the poop from it before tossing it into the dry pail. Although it is best to use cloth safe diaper creams, it is occasionally necessary to use those thick, pasty, white ones containing zinc oxide and petroleum. In this circumstance, it is very important to use a liner and preferably a re-useable, washable liner which is thicker than a disposable liner. Diaper cream is very difficult to remove from cloth diapers and will cause repelling and leakage.

What is “Stripping”?  

Stripping refers to the removal of any soap, minerals, and stink that sometimes accumulate over time in the fibers of cloth diapers.  All fabrics cling to these things during the wash but unlike cloth diapers, our sheets and clothes don’t need to hold liquid so this isn’t usually a concern.  When stripping diapers there are several approaches, some of which could void the warranty of your diapers, so do your research and understand what you are getting into.  

The simplest form of stripping just involved repeated HOT WASH CYCLES with no detergent.  The hot water will remove the built up soap and rinse it away.  Other stripping methods will recommend using Original Blue Dawn (just a drop…) and bleach.  If someone tells you to strip your diapers using your dish washer- DON’T DO IT.  This is extremely unsafe since a diaper could land on a heating element inside and start a fire.  Not only that, but you can potentially ruin your diapers.

Detergents for Cloth Diapers

* = Do Not Use for Cloth Diapers
** = Uses fragrance/dyes/enzymes/brighteners
*** = Pretty Good
**** = Thumbs up!

Remember that even the detergents that have been given four stars will work differently based on the water, washing conditions, and individual children. Do some experimentation and find the option that works best for your family and your routine.

Rating	Image	Detergent Brand and Name	Cost Per Load	Enzymes	Brighteners	Dyes	Fragrances	Softeners	Bleach
**** HE		Ruby Moon Purchase	N/A	No	No	No	Some varieties	No	No
**** HE		Charlie's Soap Purchase	$0.19	No	No	No	No	No	?
**** HE		Charlie's Soap Purchase	$0.19	?	No	No	No	No	?
**** HE		*Mountain Green Free and Clear Purchase	N/A	No	No	No	No	No	?
*** HE		*Mountain Green Baby Detergent A PETA acceptable product	N/A	No	No	No	Yes	No	?
****		Mollie's Suds Laundry Power	?	No	No	No	No	No	No
****		Honest Company Laundry Detergent	?	No	No	No	No	No	No
***		20 Mule Team Borax	$0.25	No	No	No	No	No	?
***		All Free and Clear	$0.18	No	Yes	No	No	No	?
**		All Baby Care Plus	N/A	No	Yes	No	Yes	No	?
Rating	Image	Detergent Brand and Name	Cost Per Load	Enzymes	Brighteners	Dyes	Fragrances	Softeners	Bleach
*** HE		All Small and Mighty	$0.23	No	Yes	No	Yes	No	?
****		Allens Naturally Powdered and Liquid Laundry Detergents	$0.26	No	No	No	No	No	?
*		Arm & Hammer FabriCare	$0.23	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	?
**		Arm & Hammer FabriCare Free	N/A	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	?
****		Arm & Hammer Essentials Free Note: The Mountain Rain edition has fragrance and dyes	N/A	No	No	No	No	No	?
Rating	Image	Detergent Brand and Name	Cost Per Load	Enzymes	Brighteners	Dyes	Fragrances	Softeners	Bleach
***		Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin	$0.20	No	Yes	No	No	No	?
***		Bio-O-Kleen Laundry Powder	$0.20	No	No	No	No	No	?
***		Bio-O-Kleen Free & Clear Powder	$0.24	Yes	No	No	No	No	?
**		Bio-O-Kleen Premium Plus Laundry Powder	$0.22	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	?
****		Bio-O-Kleen Liquid Laundry Detergent	$0.20	No	No	No	No	No	?
*** HE		Caldrea Sweet Pea Laundry Detergent Note: Contains plant-derived surfactants, Borax and essential oils of Geranium, Orange, Jasmine, Coriander, Rose and Bergamot. HE (front loader) compatible	$0.50	No	No	No	Yes	No	?
*		Cheer Cheer	N/A	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	No	?
***		Cheer Free and Gentle	N/A	Yes	No	No	No	?	?
****		Country Save Country Save Liquid	$0.19	No	No	No	No	No	?
Rating	Image	Detergent Brand and Name	Cost Per Load	Enzymes	Brighteners	Dyes	Fragrances	Softeners	Bleach
**** HE		Country Save Country Save Powdered Detergent	$0.16	No	No	No	No	No	?
**		Dreft Dreft	$0.27	Yes	Yes	No	No	?	?
**** HE		Dropps Liquid Laundry Pacs	$0.31	No	No	No	No	No	?
***		Earth Friendly Products Baby Hypoallergenic Laundry Soap Vegetable & Coconut Based Soap...may not be strong enough to launder cloth diapers	N/A	No	No	No	No	Yes	?
**** HE		Ecos Free and Clear Liquid	N/A	No	No	No	No	No	?
*** HE		Ecos Magnolia & Lillies, Lavendar & Lemongrass Scents Note: scented Ecos contains coconut based surfactants and softeners as well as essential oils	$0.22	No	No	No	Yes	No	?
Rating	Image	Detergent Brand and Name	Cost Per Load	Enzymes	Brighteners	Dyes	Fragrances	Softeners	Bleach
***		Ecos Powdered Laundry Deteregent	N/A	No	No	No	No	Yes	?
***		Ecover Non Bio Laundry Vegan Approved	$0.47	No	No	No	Yes	No	?
****		EnviroRite Laundry Detergent Ingredients: Deionized Water, Vegetable-Based Cleaning Agents, Surfactacts, Microbiostat	$0.19	No	No	No	No	No	?
*		GAIN GAIN	$0.45	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	?
* HE		GAIN GAIN HE Powder	N/A	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	?
Rating	Image	Detergent Brand and Name	Cost Per Load	Enzymes	Brighteners	Dyes	Fragrances	Softeners	Bleach
**		Ivory Snow may not be strong enough to launder cloth diapers	$1.20	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	?
**		Kirkland's Kirkland's Signature (Costco brand) This product is nearly identical to Tide	N/A	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	?
**		Kirkland's Signature Environmentally Friendly contains vegetable based surfactants including those derived from coconuts	N/A	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	No
** HE		Kirkland's Free and Clear (HE) Costco brand	$0.15	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	?
****		Lifekind Naturally Safer Triple Concentrated Note: contains Seed & Pulp Extracts, Orange Peel Extracts, Surfactants from Coconuts.	$0.23	No	No	No	No	No	?
**** HE		Maggie's Soap Nuts Maggie's Soap Nuts Note: 100% natural - Grows on Trees!!!	N/A	No	No	No	No	No	?
Rating	Image	Detergent Brand and Name	Cost Per Load	Enzymes	Brighteners	Dyes	Fragrances	Softeners	Bleach
*		Melaleuca MelaPower	N/A	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	?
**		Melaleuca MelaPower Scent Free	N/A	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	?
** HE		Method HE Laundry Detergent	N/A	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	?
***		Method Baby Laundry Detergent	N/A	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	?
*** HE		Method Free and Clear	N/A	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	?
Rating	Image	Detergent Brand and Name	Cost Per Load	Enzymes	Brighteners	Dyes	Fragrances	Softeners	Bleach
*** HE		Mountain Green Original Citrus A PETA acceptable product	N/A	No	No	No	Yes	No	?
****		Nature Clean All Natural Laundry Liquid	N/A	No	No	No	No	No	No
**** HE		Nellie's Nellie's Laundry Soda contains coconut oil based ingredients.	N/A	No	No	No	No	No	?
****		OXY-PRIME OXY-PRIME Powder	N/A	No	No	No	No	No	?
****		Penguin Sport-Wash Restores factory applied waterproofing (DWR). Contains biodegradable vegetable surfactants	N/A	No	No	No	No	No	?
***		Pink Solution	$0.12	Yes	No	No	No	No	No
Rating	Image	Detergent Brand and Name	Cost Per Load	Enzymes	Brighteners	Dyes	Fragrances	Softeners	Bleach
****		Planet Ultra Powder	N/A	No	No	No	No	No	?
**		Purex Purex	N/A	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	?
**		Purex Baby	N/A	No	Yes	?	Yes	No	?
***		Purex Free and Clear Note: Many moms have expressed satisfaction with this detergent.	N/A	No	Yes	No	No	No	?
**** HE		Rockin Green Classic & Hard	$0.20-.25	No	No	No	Optional	No	No
* HE		SA8 Sensitive	N/A	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	?
Rating	Image	Detergent Brand and Name	Cost Per Load	Enzymes	Brighteners	Dyes	Fragrances	Softeners	Bleach
* HE		SA8 BioQuest Concentrated	N/A	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	?
****		SensiClean SensiClean Note: Some burns and rashes have been reported by users of this detergent.	N/A	No	No	No	No	?	?
**		Seventh Generation Natural Laundry Baby	$0.53	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	?
**		Seventh Generation Free and Clear contains vegetable based surfactants and enzymes including those derived from coconuts	$0.53	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	?
**		Seventh Generation Natural Laundry	$0.46	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	?
Rating	Image	Detergent Brand and Name	Cost Per Load	Enzymes	Brighteners	Dyes	Fragrances	Softeners	Bleach
**		Shaklee Liquid-L Note: HE version has been linked with rashes	$0.38	Yes	Yes	?	Yes	No	?
****		Sport-Wash Residue Free Note: Some burns and rashes have been reported by users of this detergent.	$0.59	No	No	No	No	No	?
***		Sun Free Note: Many moms have expressed satisfaction with this detergent.	N/A	No	Yes	No	No	No	?
**** HE		Sun and Earth Deep Cleaning	$0.24	No	No	No	No	No	?
***		Sunlight Ultra Sensitive Skin	N/A	No	Yes	No	No	No	?
Rating	Image	Detergent Brand and Name	Cost Per Load	Enzymes	Brighteners	Dyes	Fragrances	Softeners	Bleach
*** HE		Sunlight Ultra Sensitive Skin HE	N/A	No	Yes	No	No	No	?
**		Surf Surf	N/A	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	No	?
**		Surf Aloha Splash	N/A	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	No	?
*		The Laundress The Laundress Baby Detergent	$1.21	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	?
*		Tide Tide	$0.25	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	?	?
Rating	Image	Detergent Brand and Name	Cost Per Load	Enzymes	Brighteners	Dyes	Fragrances	Softeners	Bleach
***		Tide Free	N/A	Yes	Yes	No	No	?	?
* HE		Tide HE	$0.33	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	?	?
****		Trader Joe's Cleanliness is Next to Godliness	N/A	No	No	No	No	No	?
***/ *		Vaska Herbatergent Lavendar and Non Scented Note: Contains plant based surfactants and lavendar contains essential oils	$0.32	No	No	No	optional	No	?
**		Wisk Free Clear Ultra	N/A	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	?
*** HE		Woolite HE Note: Woolite has an alkaline pH that may strip wool fibers so wool users should use caution.	$0.25	No	No	No	?	No	?

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