Washing cloth diapers is something that cloth diapering parents will have to spend some time doing each day or week. However, knowing how to keep cloth nappies clean and soft as well as establishing a laundry routine will make things easier for new moms and dads. Here are some simple and effective cloth diaper care tips for new parents.
The Cloth Diaper Wash Routine
Since new babies will go through many diaper changes through the day, it is a good idea to do a load of cloth nappies every 2 to 3 days. Mark the days on a calendar and then, empty the diaper pail into the washing machine on those days. Another alternative is to simply run a load each time the pail gets full. In either case, keep time aside for doing the cloth diaper wash to save yourself the trouble of running out of nappies when you need them the most.
Cotton Cloth Diapers Washing and Cleaning Tips
Clean the nappy of solid waste before putting it into the diaper pail. You can opt for either a wet or dry diaper pails. Personally, I liked using a dry diaper pail. It seemed more hygienic and easy to maintain.
Choose a detergent that is free of dyes, enzymes and perfumes and is clean rinsing. Also, avoid using detergents with softeners, bleach and brighteners since they can cause build up and irritate baby’s sensitive skin.
Before loading the diapers, fasten the hooks onto fold back tabs and if the nappies don’t have these fold back tabs, turn them inside out and fasten them. This will prevent them from getting entangled with each other inside the machine drum.
On wash day, run a cold water cycle with plenty of water and a little amount (approximately half of what is recommended by the detergent brand) of nappy wash or detergent. Follow this up with a warm water cycle and once again, just add a little bit of detergent.
While these washing tips are general, it is essential that you read the care instructions on every cloth diaper since different brands may have a few brand-specific care tips. Also, wash instructions for wool diaper covers will be different.
Line drying diapers is eco-friendly and economical. The sunlight will naturally bleach most stains and also, disinfect the nappies. However, again check the label for any specific instructions.
Washing cloth diapers get easy once you’ve set a routine that works for you and your family and learnt any brand-specific care instructions that need to be remembered. Whether you use all in one diapers or prefolds, washing and caring for them can easily become a part of your daily routine. Find out more about shopping for baby on a budget and setting up a baby changing station that works best for your family.
Photo Credit: simplyla
