How to Wash, Dry, & Store Cloth Diapers



It's here!!  No, not the baby... the pail FULL of stinky, dirty
diapers.  What do you do now?  That's an easy question - if you've got
the right information.  :o)



This article will help answer your questions from the moment you take
that adorable (dirty) cloth diaper off the precious baby until the
moment you're ready to put the (clean) diaper back on him.  Now, here's
how to get from dirty to clean!



The first place you must begin is with a diaper pail.  There are two methods commonly used:



The Diaper Pail: Wet Pail



Some mamas use what is called a "wet" pail.  This means that each
diaper is rinsed immediately after it's soiled, then put into a pail of
water to soak.



Here's how to soak your diapers:

• Fill a pail half full of cold water.
• Add 1/4 cup of baking soda or vinegar (this helps control odor and stains).
• NEVER soak with detergent, soap or bleach!!  This will wear your diapers out *very* quickly.
• Please be sure to use a pail with a very securely closing or locking lid to prevent the danger of drowning.

Do NOT soak your covers with your diapers.  I also don't recommend
soaking AIOs.  It can cause the waterproof layer of some covers to peel
off.  If you are using a wet pail, you'll need to have two separate
pails: a wet one for diapers, and a dry one for covers.


The Diaper Pail: Dry Pail



Another method is called the "dry" pail.  Each diaper is rinsed (shake
the poop off into the toilet - you can use rubber gloves or a diaper
duck if you wish) after soiling, then it is placed into an empty, dry
pail.  I recommend shaking a bit of baking soda in the bottom of the
pail to help with odor.  Alternatively, instead of purchasing diaper
pail deodorizers, you can soak a cloth wipe in vinegar and place it in
the deodisk slot or in the bottom of your pail.



Rinse & Wash & Rinse



I wash diapers every 1-2 days.  Some mamas wash every 3-4 days.  I
don't recommend washing any less frequently since stains, mold, mildew
and other problems can occur if diapers sit wet or soiled for too
long.  Do not wash more than 2 dozen diapers per load.  If you have a
smaller machine, you'll want to wash fewer - they need enough room to
tumble around and get clean.      



Put diapers in washer. (If you are using a "wet" pail, the first step
in washing is to pour the ENTIRE pail into the washer.  Then set it to
"spin" the water out.)



Set washer to cold rinse (NO detergent).



When finished rinsing, add in 1/2 scoop of detergent and set your
washer for the fullest water level and longest wash (warm if washing
diapers & covers or AIOs; hot if washing only diapers; cold if
washing only covers).



Allow washer to run full cycle, including wash, rinse, spin, rinse, spin.



Set washer to one final rinse and add in 1/2 c. vinegar (optional, but recommended especially if your child has sensitive skin).



The Detergent Debate



Most mamas have a detergent that's their favorite to use on cloth
diapers, and a list of other hated ones.  Some will cause reactions on
some babies (diaper rash, skin irritations, and urinary tract
infections).  Most importantly, use what works for you!  Here are some
basic tips to help you select and use a good detergent:

• Use a detergent with NO phosphates and minimal additives (scent-free, etc.).
• Do NOT use one with fabric softener included.  It can irritate skin and make your diapers less absorbent.
• Use
  only 1/2 the recommended amount of detergent; this will get your
  diapers clean, yet rinse out more thoroughly than a large amount of
  detergent.
• Do not use chlorine bleach!!  It will cause premature breaking down of the fibers and wear your diapers out quickly.
• Diaper
  rash can be caused by your washing routine.  Watch your baby's bum
  especially closely any time you switch detergents or make other changes
  to your washing routine.

Getting Them Dry



Getting cloth diapers fully dry can be quite an interesting adventure. 
If you are using prefolds, it's quick and easy.  One cycle in the
dryer, or a few hours on a clothesline works great.  With thick
fitted's or fleece outer AIOs, it may take several cycles in the dryer
to get them dry.  To help your diapers dry faster, add a towel in with
them.



You can use the high-heat setting on your dryer UNLESS otherwise noted
on your tags.  Please don't dry your covers on high-heat.  You'll have
very leaky covers...



If weather and location permits, hanging your diapers and covers on a clothesline to dry does wonders for removing stains!



Diapers vs. Covers vs. AIOs



Do you need to wash your diapers, covers and/or AIOs separately?  It
depends.  CHECK YOUR TAGS!!  Always read the manufacturer's directions,
or check the WAHM's website to see what she recommends.  Generally,
most covers should NOT be put into the dryer, but hung to dry.  It's
best to wash them on cold or warm, but never hot.



If you are washing on warm for both diapers and covers, you may throw
them in together.  However, please do check your tags first.  If you
wash covers improperly, it can make them lose their waterproof-ness!



Caring for Wool Covers



When using a wool cover, it should be aired between each use.  It will need washing only once or twice a month or when soiled.



A wool cover needs to be HAND washed in lukewarm water.  You can use
baby shampoo or Eucalan Wool Wash.  Add 1 tsp. to the lukewarm water. 
Soak for 15-20 minutes.  Gently squeeze cover (do not rub or wring). 
If you are using baby shampoo, drain the sink and rinse the cover in a
sink full of lukewarm water with 1 tsp. vinegar added to remove any
soap left.  Roll in a towel to squeeze out excess water.  Hang or lay
flat to dry.



Every few months you may wish to lanolize your wool cover.  To do this,
fill your sink with hot water.  Add 1/8 tsp. of lanolin (you can use
Lansinoh, which is available at Wal-Mart or baby stores).  Soak your
cover for 10 minutes, but do not allow the water to get cold (warm is
okay).  Squeeze the cover, lay it on a towel, and roll it to squeeze
out excess water.  Hang or lay flat to dry.


Storing Your Cloth Diapers



Once they're dry, you'll need a place to keep your diapers until you
need them. There are many different ways to store your diapers. You can
use a nice traditional diaper stacker to match the decor in your baby
room, a cute wicker basket to blend with the living room, or just a
plain ol' laundry basket.



Some considerations to keep in mind when deciding how to store your diapers:

• You'll want to be able to reach them from your usual
  diapering spot. If you diaper at a changing table, be sure you put them
  near enough to the table that you can keep one hand on baby while
  grabbing a diaper.
• You need to be able to get them out
  with *one* hand. Trunks, lidded baskets or storage bins, and similar
  closed storage methods might seem appealing to hide the diapers, but
  with a wiggly baby, you may find it frustrating getting into them with
  one hand.
• Also, storing diapers in a closed container
  where air cannot circulate may cause a slight odor problem. You can
  find nice woven totes with lids that lie over the top, but don't
  actually close, which work well as a compromise.
• Cloth
  diapering should be enjoyable - don't store them in something that
  becomes an eyesore and annoys you. You'll resent it. You'd don't need
  those feelings to deal with, so find something that you love to store
  them in AND that is convenient.

There's no set rule of how diapers must be stored. Just do what works for you!



If you will be storing diapers for an extended period of time (such as
during vacations or other trips), be sure they are in a dry area where
they will not get damp and where the air can circulate freely.

div