Washing and Care

These are some basic care and washing instructions for cloth diapers.  These instructions apply to most diapers but if a particular brand has manufacturer's instructions you should always follow those.

Pre-Washing

 Prefolds wash before use to help them attain maximum absorbency (3-5 full wash and dry cycles for bleached, 5-7 cycles for unbleached)

Contours and Fitteds wash once before using, to attain maximum absorbency

Covers, Pocket Diapers, AIOs, Inserts, and Wipes wash once before using

Hemp wash separately the first few times

 

Diaper Changes

1. Knock or shake any solid poop into the toilet. You can use a diaper sprayer or wipe if you like. Breast milk poop can stay on the diaper.
2. Fasten any velcro closures.  Some styles have special laundry tabs for this.  Be sure to use them if they are there!
3. Remove all inserts from pocket diapers.
4. Toss in your diaper pail

 

Washing

1. Do a pre-rinse cycle first.  If you want you can use a 1/2 cup of baking soda (great to use if you have a left over urine smell).  This will get the majority of the poop out before the main wash
2. Wash on hot with a cold rinse.  Use 1/2 the recommended detergent.  There is a great chart on detergents at Diaper Jungle click here to find the right one for you.  I personally use Arm and Hammer Essentials with Baking Soda.
3. If you need to disinfect or have hard water use 1/2 cup of white vinegar in the rinse.  Just put in a downy ball or in your softener dispenser.
4. Always use an extra rinse cycle.  Residue is your enemy
5. Most brands can be put in the dryer.  If one can't or if you prefer you can hang dry.  They are softer if you use the dryer, but if you have stains (breast milk poop stains) then hanging them to dry in the sun really really helps
6. Do not re-stuff your pocket diapers until they are completely dry.  This helps the elastic last longer.

Now this is not a comprehensive guide but a really good basic.  If you have any questions or concerns ask me.