Washing Instructions It really is easy!

 

 

A few things worth mentioning before we get to the washing...

• Always use the highest water level setting that your washer allows.  Water is your friend when cleaning diapers!
• Use a laundry detergent that is free of dyes, perfumes, enzymes, brighteners, bleach and softeners.  Laundry additives may prematurely break down elastic, hook & loop and waterproof material.  Follow diaper manufacturer recommendations when considering these.  (Recommended detergents: Country Save, or Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin)
• DO NOT use Dreft or Fabric Softeners - they will coat cloth diapers and decrease absorbency.

Okay, on to washing...

1. Cold water rinse with no detergent.  This will rinse any urine and solid residue.
2. Hot water wash cycle with detergent using half the amount of detergent you would use for regular laundry.  Do NOT use the sanitary cycle.
3. Do a second rinse and you can optionally add 3-4 drops of Lavender Essential Oil (this is a natural antiseptic).
4. Toss in the dryer - adding a dry towel can lessen the dry time.

A couple more tips...

• Keep a dry cloth diaper pail or hanging wetbag (wet pails require soaking diapers and can be messy and unsanitary).
• Dump any solids (use flushable liners to make it even easier!) or spray with a diaper sprayer before putting in pail or wetbag.  Breastfed newborn poop is water-soluble and can be put directly into the washer.
• Attach hook & loop closures to laundry tabs before washing to prevent snagging.
• Wash at least every 2-3 days for optimal stain removal.
• Add a wet towel to your HE washer to "trick" it into adding more water.
• Sunlight gets stains out and sterilizes cloth diapers.  (Do this periodically when time and weather allow.)
• Line/air drying diaper covers and pocket shells can help extend the life of the hook & loop closures as well as the elastic (bonus- saves energy!).
• Diapers made of natural materials (cotton, hemp. etc.) need to be washed and dried 5-6 times to prep them to become fully absorbent.
• Diapers made of synthetic materials (microfiber and covers) only need to be washed once before use.