Washing in More Detail:

Diaper Pails:
We recommend that you store the used diapers (except wool) in a DRY diaper pail with or without a pail liner, though the pail liner is very helpful with keeping odors down and cuts down on the number of times you need to wash out the actual pail. A dry pail is WAY better than having your diapers sit in raw sewage until washday. It's harder to get them clean when the fibers and threads are soaked thru with waste.

Money Saving Tip: We've found that a 52-quart trashcan with a lid, works just as well as the more expensive options.

Minimize the potential of your washer clogging (especially is you have a front loader or HE) with solid waste- Knock off as much as possible in the toilet before putting the diapers in your pail. Another good way to reduce solid waste in your washer is to use the Flushable/Biodegradable liners. Please, be sure to wash your hands.

First Rinse:
This first rinse is somewhat of a preliminary wash without the detergent. What was generally done by hand or by dunking in the toilet in years past, your washing machine works well for this; and you don't get your hands wet.

Detergent:
Choose your detergent wisely- choose something that will wash out completely, leaving no residue, but that will clean your diapers effectively. Aim for no brighteners, no fabric softener, no soap, no plant oils, no fragrances, no stain guard, no enzymes, and no bleach alternatives. Generally, the least expensive store brand will be good.

Steer clear of "Baby Detergents". The majority of them have more additives than regular detergents and make certain that the detergent you choose doesn't contain "enzymes". The enzymes that are helpful in getting clothes clean may activate again when your baby wets and start "eating" your baby's skin causing irritation.
So what do we use or suggest...
We suggest Charlie's Soap, Planet, and Country Save (www.countrysave.com)

Use 1/2 to 1/4 of the amount you'd normally use and plenty of water. But vary the amount or detergent depending on your load size. You can choose which water temperature you'd prefer, though cold water is fine and saves more energy. We prefer to rinse on cold, but use a Hot water wash. Some diapers specify what temperature you are to wash them. We've experimented with 'suggested' water temperatures and our conclusion is that- it's better to do what the manufacturer suggests in preventing any problems with the diapers.

Food for Thought: Try not to add too many "things" to your wash/ rinse cycles. Just remember, the less you use the less likely you'll have a problem.

*Resource to look up: A great resource for us when we started was pinstripesandpolkadots [dot] com. This site gives you the results of extensive testing on Detergents as well as Diaper Creams for cloth users.

Note to Charlie's Soap Users:
Some babies have experienced sensitivity with Charlie's Soap. The manufacturer is working on solving the problem.

Food for Thought using Charlie's Soap-
If you are using Charlie's Soap on your diapers, but another detergent on your clothes, you may need to clean the washing machine out with the Charlie's Soap before you wash your cloth diapers. There can be a residue from the other detergent left in your washer and because Charlie's cleans so well, it may end up on your diapers, causing some problems. If you suspect this, wash a large load of towels or rags with some Charlie's Soap or wash your diapers three (3) times, (3 wash cycles) with Charlie's Soap and all should be well.

Is the Extra Rinse REALLY necessary?
This is an optional step, but it will help to ensure there is no residue left in your diapers. Residue could cause rashes on your baby's bottom, leakage in your diapers, or funny smells when your baby wets.

Diaper Service:
If you opt to leave the cleaning to someone else, we recommend Good Natured Baby Diaper Service in Cincinnati, OH.
They're fast, effecient, and great people to work with. You will not be disappointed- and if you order your supplies through us, they will deliver them to you on your next diaper delivery. How's that for a sweet deal!

 

Stinks, Stains, and Stripping...Oh, My!

Stains:
Diapers will get stains... they are diapers. Please DO NOT use bleach. It is harmful for the diaper material, the environment, and not pleasant on your baby's behind. Using bleach will also void any warranties you may have with your diapers. The sun is a great tool for eliminating and fading stains naturally.
Another option is an oxygen bleach soak. Wash your diapers first. A few full scoops with some HOT water overnight (4-6 hours) your diapers should look like new. Continue with another wash cycle (no detergent) and a rinse. Result: *Sparkly diapers*

Stink Problems:
Inevitably, your diaper pail will probably start to stink. Control odor by limiting the solid waste going into the pail. By using Flushable/ Biodegradable Liners in the diapers, the solid waste gets flushed and never goes into the pail. You can also try a sprinkle of baking soda on the bottom of the pail with or without a pail liner.

Front Loaders and High Efficiency (HE) Washers:
Water efficiency at its best, but sometimes more water is needed to get the diapers clean. Our HE moms think the key to clean diapers is using an extra rinse or two. Try yours out first it may work great, but if you decide you need an extra rinse- you are still using less water than with a top loader.
Here's a sample wash cycle from one of our moms with a Front Loader:

• Pre-wash (no detergent) and a Rinse
• Wash with 1/4 detergent of what you'd normally use
• Extra Rinse

Stripping Diapers:
If you find that your diapers are wicking or repelling (diapers that are not very wet, but clothing that is) or have a residue build-up on them, it could be that you've used too much detergent.

Wicking is the process of moving liquid from a water hating fiber to a water loving fiber. If the diapers or covers have a residue on them, the fibers become coated and therefore, water hating.

If you suspect that you are using too much detergent, but your diapers haven't entered the residue state yet, the solution to the problem is easy. Just wash and rinse your diapers without detergent until the water is suds-free. This may require several washings/ rinsings so be diligent and patient. Perserverance is worth it!

If your problems are a result of residue and diaper creams, this step is a bit more involved and requires some elbow grease.

First, we need to tell you that if diaper creams are the culprit, depending on which one(s) you've used, your diapers may never be the same.
We recommend you use a fingernail scrub brush and dish gloves.
Scrub with hot water an a little bit of dish soap (We recommend Dawn, because of it's grease cutting ability). Dish soap will get the grease and residue out.
Rinse well until there are no more suds. You may even want to do a rinse cycle in your washing machine.
*If your child has sensitive skin, just to be safe, do a full wash cycle without any detergent.

Stripping your diapers will not cause your diapers any harm. Do not do it too frequently, as it may cause your diapers to wear out prematurely. It also, eats up a lot of your time and energy.

A word about Wool:
Washing wool is not tricky if you use the right method.
Do NOT wash wool with the rest of your diapers.

First, only wash your wool covers when they start to get smelly or about every two weeks. Unless they are poopy, then you need to wash them more frequently, but less washing is preferred so keep your Wool Covers lasting longer.

Next, choose a Wool Wash that does the washing and the lanolizing in one step. We recommend the Northern Essence Wool Wash and Eucalan Wool Wash (unscented). Eucalan is Non-toxic, Biodegradable, and is Lanolin enriched. You will need to hand wash your wool and hang to dry or dry flat.
Never, ever strip Wool!

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