How to Wash Cloth Diapers
Cloth diapers are the most effective and environment-friendly alternative to disposable diapers. Cloth diapers are not just easy to use but are also easy to take care of. However, many recoil at the idea of taking regular care of the cloth diapers to keep them clean and spotless. In fact, it is easy to take care of the cloth diapers, but only if you know how. Just follow these simple instructions to ensure hygienic and clean cloth diapers.
Required Materials
- A mild detergent
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Diaper pins
- Borax
- Disinfectant
Required Tools
- A pail
Instructions
- Cleaning the solid waste: Hold the diaper under running water to flush the solid waste away.
- Preparing for wash: Put the cloth diapers into a pail filed up to its halfway mark with water, and add one fourth of a cup of borax or vinegar to it.
- Soaking the cloth diapers: Put the cloth diapers into the mixture, and soak them until satisfied. Take them out for washing when done.
- Washing the diapers: Wash the cloth diapers in a mixture of hot water and detergent, and rub with your hands to remove the dirt.
- Rinsing the diapers: Rinse the diapers in clean cold water to remove the soap. Repeat if necessary.
- Checking for stains: Check the diapers for stubborn stains before putting them into the dryer. Repeat the wash if necessary; drying them instead could make the stains permanent.
- Disinfecting the diapers: Disinfect the diapers by soaking them for a couple of minutes in a disinfectant solution.
- Drying the diapers: Dry the cloth diapers in a dryer set at high heat, or under natural sunlight.
Tips and Warnings
- The instructions provided here are meant for general cloth diapers. Different diaper fabrics come with their own specific washing instructions. Also, washing particulars vary from one manufacturer to the other. Read the diaper label well for washing instructions to ensure the best wash.
- It is recommended that you use a pair of washing gloves to protect against any potential infection while washing the cloth diapers.
- If you are using a washing machine, it is recommended that you presoak the cloth diapers for some time. This will help loosen the dirt and stains before the actual wash.
- Add some baking soda to the prewash cycle for effective cleaning of the cloth diapers.
- Sundrying is recommended for cloth diapers; it will help remove stains better and keep the diapers smelling fresh.
- Keep the prewash solution (water and vinegar solution) out of children's reach. Contact might harm the kids.
- Use a mild detergent to clean the cloth diapers. Using a heavily scented detergent or soap might irritate the baby's skin.
- It is recommended not to use fabric softener on the cloth diapers as it may reduce the absorbability of the diapers.
- For best results, it is best to avoid washing too many cloth diapers at a time.
