The Ultimate Washing Tips For Cloth Nappies (Cloth Diapers)
A lot of parents who are thinking of using cloth nappies (cloth diapers) ask if cloth diapers are difficult to use and care for. They see all the benefits of using them–baby’s health, savings and eco-friendly–but they’re still unsure if they want to invest the time it takes to properly care for them. In this article, I’ll give some important care and washing tips for cloth nappies. I’ll run down tips for each type.
First, It’s Really Not So Difficult
Really, washing cloth nappies is not that difficult. Much like washing clothing, you have to check the labels to make sure of any special care instructions. For example, a lot of pocket diapers, like Fuzzibunz cloth diapers, require you to use 1/4 of the recommended amount of detergent. This is to avoid detergent build-up in the synthetic lining which will result in odors. So, you will have to think for the first few washes you do, to be sure you’re doing it right. But shortly thereafter you will be able to wash them in your sleep (which is likely if you are a new parent :)).
General Tips
- Hang Dry any cloth nappies to extend their life, especially AIOs, wool covers and Pocket nappies.
- Pre-wash big messes if possible. Yes, this is an extra step, but it will save you from stains. Do not scrub too hard. I recommend checking out a company called Potty Pail, which makes this step so easy!
- Try a natural laundry soap rather than detergent. We use Charlies Soap.
- Occasionally run the nappies through 2 loads without any detergent. This will reduce detergent build-up which causes odors.
- Strip washing with vineger occasionally is a good idea if there is a lot of detergent and odor build-up. Do not use vinegar on pocket nappies or AIOs if they have synthetic linings.
Prefolds
Prefolds are pretty easy to deal with. Wash warm. Try an extra soak. They may take a bit longer to dry. Try drying in the morning sun if possible. The sun is known to “bleach out” stains.
- If using wool covers, follow specific care instructions, including lanolizing occasionally, and not putting in dryer.
Fitteds
- Machine wash fitted cloth nappies hot with no bleach or fabric softener.
- Machine or hang dry.
- If there is a snap-in you must remove it before washing. This is perhaps the one downer of fitteds. But it’s not so bad.
Pocket Nappies
- As I said earlier, you’ll want to use 1/4 of the typical amount of detergent.
- Never run these in the dryer or you will ruin the waterproof cover.
- Try not to get diaper rash ointment on these because it will cause them to repel. If you do get some on there, wash regularly and then try applying dishwashing liquid with a soft brush to the affected area.
- A lot of the pocket nappy companies say you can use bleach on the inserts only. I would avoid bleach altogether. Instead…
- I highly recommend pre-washing big messes using some all-purpose spray like Charlie’s Soap.
All In Ones (AIOs)
- It is especially important to hang dry AIOs.
- As with pocket nappies, putting AIOs in the dryer will likely cause them to use their waterproofing.
- They are safe to wash in hot water.