How To Clean Cloth Diapers Properly: Essential Guide

Quick Summary:
Properly cleaning cloth diapers involves a simple pre-rinse, a wash cycle with a good detergent, and thorough drying. Following a consistent routine prevents buildup, odor, and keeps diapers fresh for your baby’s delicate skin. This guide breaks down the process easily for new cloth diapering families.

Welcome to the wonderful world of cloth diapering! If you’re new to this eco-friendly and often budget-saving choice, you might be wondering about the laundry. It’s not as overwhelming as it seems! Keeping your cloth diapers clean and hygienic is straightforward once you have a good routine. We’re here to guide you step-by-step, making sure your diapers stay fresh, absorbent, and perfectly safe for your little one’s skin. Forget the stress; let’s get those fluffy bums clean!

Why Proper Cloth Diaper Cleaning Matters

Choosing cloth diapers is a fantastic decision for both your baby and the planet. But just like any baby item that comes into contact with… well, baby messes, they need to be cleaned effectively. Proper cleaning isn’t just about appearances; it’s crucial for several reasons:

• Hygiene: Effectively removing all waste ensures that harmful bacteria are eliminated, protecting your baby’s sensitive skin from rashes and infections.
• Absorbency: Buildup from detergent, fabric softeners, or minerals in your water can prevent diapers from absorbing as well as they should. This means leaks and more frequent changes.
• Longevity: Taking good care of your cloth diapers means they’ll last longer, saving you money and allowing them to be used for subsequent children or even passed on.
• Odor Control: Proper washing and a good routine will keep those “diaper smells” at bay, making laundry day much more pleasant.
• Baby’s Comfort: Clean, soft, and absorbent diapers are essential for your baby’s comfort.

It might seem like a lot, but the process is quite simple once you get into the rhythm. We’ll cover everything from what to do with a soiled diaper to the best washing machine settings and drying methods.

Essential Tools and Supplies

Before we dive into the washing process, let’s gather what you’ll need. Thankfully, you don’t need a lot of fancy gadgets!

• Diaper Pail or Wet Bag: For storing dirty diapers until wash day. A pail with a lid helps contain odors, while wet bags are perfect for on-the-go.
• Diaper Sprayer (Optional but Recommended): Attaches to your toilet to rinse solid waste off diapers before washing. This makes the process much cleaner and easier.
• Washing Machine: Most modern washing machines work well. Front-loaders are generally more water-efficient, but top-loaders can also be very effective.
• Cloth Diaper Safe Detergent: This is crucial! You need a detergent that cleans well without leaving residue that can harm absorbency or baby’s skin. Look for options free of fabric softeners, optical brighteners, and strong perfumes. Brands like RLR, Rockin’ Green, or even a plain, highly-rated powder detergent can work.
• Stain Remover (Optional): For stubborn stains, especially on lighter colored diapers. A natural option like a lemon juice and sun or a dedicated cloth diaper stain remover can be effective.
• Drying Rack or Clothesline (Outdoor/Indoor): For air drying, which is the gentlest and most effective method for preserving elastics and absorbency.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Cloth Diapers

Let’s break down the washing process into easy-to-follow steps. Consistency is key here!

Step 1: Pre-Washing or Rinsing Soiled Diapers

This step is for soiled diapers (poopy!).

For Breastfed Babies: Breast milk stools are water-soluble. You can generally just place the diaper directly into your diaper pail or wet bag without any pre-rinsing. The washing machine will handle it.

For Formula-Fed or Mostly Solid Babies: This is where the “scrape and rinse” comes in. Solid waste needs to be removed before washing.

1. If you have a diaper sprayer, use it to spray the solids into the toilet.
2. If you don’t have a sprayer, you can scrape most of the solids into the toilet with a spatula or toilet paper. Some families also use a dedicated toilet/pot scraper.
3. Once the majority of the solids are off, you can toss the diaper into your diaper pail.

What about Urine?

Urine is generally fine to go straight into the wash. The goal is to remove solids that can cause stains and potential harm if not washed out properly.

Step 2: Storing Dirty Diapers

Keep your dirty diapers in a designated diaper pail or a wet bag until wash day. Most families find washing every 2-3 days to be ideal. This prevents odors from becoming overwhelming and ensures you have enough diapers for the cycle.

Diaper Pail Tips:

• Use a pail with a good lid to contain smells.
• Place a charcoal filter in the lid if odors are a concern.
• Line the pail with a waterproof PUL liner that can be washed with the diapers.

Step 3: The Pre-Wash (Also Called a Rinse Cycle)

This is the first part of your washing machine cycle. It helps to remove any remaining urine and loose particles from diapers before the main wash.

1. Empty your diaper pail into the washing machine.
2. Add any heavily soiled inserts or doublers.
3. Run a “rinse and spin” or a short, cold water wash cycle.
4. Use a small amount of detergent or no detergent for this initial rinse.

This pre-wash is like a quick shower for the diapers to get them ready for a proper bath.

Step 4: The Main Wash

This is the most important part of the cleaning process. You want to use enough water, the right temperature, and the correct amount of detergent.

1. Add Diapers: Load the pre-washed diapers back into the washing machine. Don’t overstuff the machine; diapers should have room to move freely.
2. Add Detergent: Use a good quality cloth diaper-safe detergent. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the load size and water hardness. For most HE (High Efficiency) machines, you’ll need about 1/4 to 1/2 scoop (or the recommended liquid amount). For older, non-HE machines, you might use a bit more, but err on the side of less to avoid residue.
3. Water Temperature: Use hot water for the main wash. A temperature of at least 140°F (60°C) is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for killing germs. Check your specific diaper brand’s recommendations, as some delicate materials might prefer warm.
4. Wash Cycle: Select a “heavy duty,” “long,” or “normal” cycle. A longer cycle ensures adequate agitation and rinse time.

Step 5: The Rinse Cycle (Optional but Recommended)

To ensure all detergent is removed and prevent buildup, an extra rinse is highly recommended. This is especially important if you have sensitive skin or hard water.

1. After the main wash cycle is complete, run an additional “rinse and spin” cycle.
2. Use cold or warm water for this rinse.
3. You can add a very small amount of vinegar (about 1/2 cup) to the rinse cycle about once a month to help with hard water and deterring odors. Avoid using fabric softener, as it coats the fibers and reduces absorbency.

Step 6: Drying Your Cloth Diapers

Proper drying is key to both hygiene and the longevity of your diapers.

Sun Drying is Best: If possible, hang diapers outdoors in direct sunlight. The sun is a natural disinfectant and a powerful stain remover! Even a few hours can make a huge difference.

Indoor Drying: If sun drying isn’t an option, hang them on a drying rack indoors. Ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew. This might take longer than outdoor drying.

Machine Drying (with Caution):

• Use a low heat or air-fluff setting.
• Avoid high heat, as it can damage the PUL (polyurethane laminate) waterproof layer and the elastics, shortening the diaper’s lifespan.
• Only dry inserts/boosters in the dryer on medium heat if they are made of cotton or bamboo.
• Line dry the covers or diapers with PUL.

Ensure diapers are completely dry before storing them for use. Dampness can lead to mildew and unpleasant odors.

Understanding Diaper Washing Machines & Detergents

Not all washing machines or detergents are created equal when it comes to cloth diapers.

Washing Machine Considerations

High-Efficiency (HE) Machines: These machines use less water, which can sometimes be a challenge for cloth diapers. To compensate:

• Ensure you are using an HE-compatible detergent.
• Don’t overload the machine; diapers need space to agitate and rinse properly.
• Consider running an extra rinse cycle to ensure all detergent is removed.
• Some HE machines have a “bulky items” or “deep fill” setting that uses more water.

Traditional Top-Loaders: These tend to use more water, which is generally good for cloth diaper washing. However, they can sometimes be harder on elastics due to the agitator. If you have one, consider:

• Using a lingerie bag for diaper covers to protect elastics.
• Ensuring you don’t use too much detergent, as it can be harder to rinse out in machines with less water control.

Choosing the Right Detergent

This is perhaps the most important choice you’ll make for your cloth diaper laundry. Residue build-up is a common culprit for absorbency issues and rashes.

What to Look For:

• Powder vs. Liquid: Both can work, but some find powders dissolve better and are less prone to leaving residue.
• Pure/Concentrated: Look for detergents that are highly concentrated and free from unnecessary additives.
• Free of: Avoid anything with fabric softeners, optical brighteners, dyes, and heavy perfumes. These can irritate baby’s skin and coat diaper fibers.

Recommended Detergent Types:

• Powders: TineCo, RLR Laundry Treatment, Rockin’ Green (use sparingly), Charlie’s Soap powder.
• Liquids: Charlie’s Soap liquid, Country Save, Allen’s Naturally.

Always follow the detergent manufacturer’s instructions for cloth diapers, as they may differ from regular laundry. If you have very hard water, you might need a water softener (like Borax or Calgon) in addition to your detergent. You can find information on water hardness and recommended detergent amounts from resources like ClothDiaper.wiki, a comprehensive community resource.

Troubleshooting Common Cloth Diaper Problems

Even with the best intentions, you might encounter a few bumps in the road. Here’s how to handle them:

1. Leaks

Causes:

• Poor Fit: Ensure leg elastics and waistbands are snug but not too tight.
• Absorbency Issues: Diapers might not be wicking moisture away effectively due to detergent residue or minerals.
• Inadequate Absorbency: Your baby may have outgrown the diaper’s or insert’s absorbency capacity.

Solutions:

• Check fit and adjust snaps/Velcro.
• Perform a “strip and clean” wash (see below) to remove buildup.
• Add extra absorbency with boosters or doublers.
• Ensure you are using hot water for the main wash.

2. Rash

Causes:

• Dampness: Baby being left in a wet diaper for too long.
• Residue: Detergent, fabric softener, or minerals clinging to the diapers.
• Sensitivity: Baby may be sensitive to the diaper material or detergent fragrance/dyes.

Solutions:

• Change diapers more frequently.
• Ensure diapers are thoroughly rinsed.
• Try a different, more natural detergent.
• Consider a diaper balm that is cloth-diaper safe (some balms can create a barrier that reduces absorbency).
• If you suspect a build-up issue, perform a strip and clean wash.

3. Odors

Causes:

• Incomplete Washing: Not enough detergent, too cold water, or not enough agitation.
• Storing Too Long: Letting dirty diapers sit for too many days.
• Buildup: Ammonia or mineral deposits.

Solutions:

• Increase detergent amount (within recommendations) or switch detergents.
• Ensure hot water wash cycle.
• Wash every 2 days.
• Add vinegar to the rinse cycle periodically.
• Perform a strip and clean wash.

What is a “Strip and Clean” Wash?

This is a deep-cleaning process to remove all accumulated residue from diapers. It’s helpful if you notice persistent leaks, odors, or rashes, or if your diapers aren’t as absorbent as they used to be.

1. Wash: Wash diapers through two full hot water cycles with a small amount of detergent.
2. Stripping Agent: Add a stripping agent to the tub. Common options include:
   • A small amount of Borax (1/4 cup)
   • Inserts from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggest evaluating all household cleaning components, so choose wisely.
   • A small amount of washing soda (1/2 cup)
   • A dedicated cloth diaper stripping product.
3. Rinse: Run at least two to three extra rinse cycles to ensure all stripping agent and loosened residue is completely removed.
4. Dry: Sun dry your diapers if possible after stripping.

It’s recommended to do a strip and clean wash only when needed, as it can be harsh on elastics if done too frequently.

Frequency of Washing and Load Size

Finding the sweet spot for wash frequency and load size is key to effective cleaning.

How Often to Wash?

Most families wash their cloth diapers every 2 to 3 days. This is usually enough to:

• Prevent odors from becoming overpowering.
• Ensure you have enough clean diapers for your baby.
• Keep the diapers from sitting too long in the pail, which can sometimes lead to mold or mildew in humid environments.

If you find smells are an issue, try washing every 2 days. If you have a very large stash or a baby who pees very little, you might get away with washing every 3 days.

Ideal Load Size

Your washing machine should be about 2/3 to 3/4 full for optimal cleaning. This means:

• Not too much: Overstuffing the machine prevents diapers from agitating properly and rinsing thoroughly, leading to residue and poor cleaning.
• Not too little: Washing only a few diapers at a time can lead to them not getting enough agitation or proper rinsing. Adding a few towels or burp cloths to the load can help increase the load size if needed.

Diapers should be able to tumble freely in the water. You should be able to see the diapers moving around the drum during the cycle.

Cloth Diaper Care Overview Table

Here’s a quick reference to help you remember the essential washing steps:

Step	Action	Notes
1. Soiled Diaper	Scrape/spray solids into toilet (for formula/solids fed baby). Breastfed stools can go straight Leave a Comment Cancel reply Comment Name Email Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.