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Choosing reusable cloth diapers is a big decision that can lead to a rewarding journey for you and your baby. But where do you start? Here are the most commonly asked questions on how to start your cloth diaper journey.

Nicki's Diapers is a family business founded by Nicki and later joined by her husband Jesse. As a husband and wife team, they worked together to ensure the highest quality products while following responsible environmental and social business practices. The company is now located in Akron, Ohio.

How to Clean & Wash Cloth Diapers

How to Wash Cloth Diapers

Remove solids: Knock solids from your cloth diapers into toilet, dunk and swish, or use a diaper sprayer to help.

Remove any snapped in or stuffed absorbency materials before washing, and unfasten any diapers so that they are completely open. If any diapers are hook & loop, fold the tabs over to avoid damaging anything else in the same load.

We recommend running a rinse cycle on cold before the main wash. This will rinse out any urine and solid residue from your cloth diapers. Do not use detergent for this cycle. If you have hard water, rinse with warm water and do not soak any diaper products for extended periods of time.

Run a full cycle wash on warm/hot with additive-free detergent. We recommend the use of powdered Tide detergent instead of liquid detergent, it can leave behind residue that impacts absorbency. 

For best results, run the reusable diapers through one more rinse cycle on cold. This will rinse out any detergent left in the diapers. If you have hard water, skip this step to avoid mineral buildup that causes diapers to leak.

Line dry or tumble dry cloth diapers on low heat. Dry towels or dryer balls can shorten the drying time. For best longevity, line dry any products containing PUL. Drying on hot settings will affect the longevity of your diapers over time.

baby learning how to wash cloth diapers

How to Wash your Cloth Diapers

Remove solids: Knock solids into toilet, dunk and swish, or use a diaper sprayer to help.

Remove any snapped in or stuffed absorbency materials before washing, and unfasten any diapers so that they are completely open. If any diapers are hook & loop, fold the tabs over to avoid damaging anything else in the same load.

We recommend running a rinse cycle on cold before the main wash. This will rinse out any urine and solid residue. Do not use detergent for this cycle. If you have hard water, rinse with warm water and do not soak any diaper products for extended periods of time.

Run a full cycle wash on warm/hot with additive-free detergent. We recommend the use of powdered Tide detergent instead of liquid detergent, it can leave behind residue that impacts absorbency. 

For best results, run one more rinse cycle on cold. This will rinse out any detergent left in the diapers. If you have hard water, skip this step to avoid mineral buildup that causes diapers to leak.

Line dry or tumble dry on low heat. Dry towels or dryer balls can shorten the drying time. For best longevity, line dry any products containing PUL. Drying on hot settings will affect the longevity of your diapers over time.

Prepping Your Cloth Diapers for Washing

Each reusable diaper manufacturer has its own guidelines for care and use, including detergent recommendations. Please check with your manufacturer to avoid problems with warranties! Generally speaking, we DO NOT recommend using bleach, stain removers, borax, Biz, Bac-Out, Biokleen, or Oxy-Clean as they may damage your diapers.

Trouble Shooting How To Clean Cloth Diapers

I Have a HE Washer, What do I Do Different to Wash Cloth Diapers?

With an HE washer the amount of water is limited to the weight of the laundry load. This often means that cloth diapers don't get the amount of water necessary to get clean, since they are so absorbent and soak up water that is meant to wash them! Make sure your washer is always set on the highest water setting as well and that you only use HE specific detergent, but steer clear of the heavy duty setting. Some users may find it more efficient to do two full wash cycles instead of the generally recommended rinse cycle.

My Cloth Diapers Smell, What Do I Do To Clean Them?

You may not be using enough detergent and you have urine buildup because your diapers are not getting clean. Add more detergent and make sure your washer's water level is set to the highest setting. You may also find it helpful to start your wash routing with a quick cold wash to ensure all urine and solid matter is flushed out prior to your full wash with detergent.

Please note: The same can also be true when using too much detergent! Our wonderful customer service team is more than happy to help you troubleshoot.

My Cloth Diapers Smell and They Are Leaking

You may have some buildup from minerals, creams or laundry additives. First do a deep cleaning of your diapers. Start with clean diapers and run several hot washes with 2x the amount of detergent you'd normally use. Follow with 2-3 hot wash cycles without detergent. We also do not suggest using any additives like fabric softeners, OxyClean, vinegar, or dryer sheets.

Didn't Answer your Question?
Our friendly customer service team is happy to help! Send an email to info@nickisdiapers.comfor safe and reliable wash and care help!