Inexpensive Cloth Diapers - Cleaning & Washing Cloth Diapers

Many mothers opt for cloth diapers for their kids, instead of the disposal ones. Initially, they do find it troublesome to keep those soiled diapers in the pail, while thinking that they have to clean them too. However, going for cloth diapers is a very good choice since they are healthier for babies, as they lack chemicals and allow airflow as well. At the same time, they are very eco-friendly, since they be used over and over. Moreover, cloth diapers are budget-friendly, seeing that disposable ones are not inexpensive and cannot be used again. The only drawback with cloth diapers is that you have to clean them. If you ask me, cleaning and washing cloth diapers is not too difficult also. Check out some tips on cleaning & washing cloth diapers at home.

Cleaning & Washing Cloth Diapers

Regular Method

Each time you change the diaper, put the solid waste into the toilet and deposit the diaper into a diaper pail. It’s better to have pail made of plastic, along with a lid. You can add baking soda to the pail so as to avoid smell. Deposit the soiled diapers for not more than 5 days, or 20-25 diapers, at a time.
Pre-soak diapers in hot water and set the washing machine on double wash and double rinse. Use a mild detergent (not the one with fragrance) for washing diapers. The harsh chemicals present in detergents can be damaging for the fiber of the cloth diaper. They can also leave behind a soapy residue, which affects the absorption ability of the cloth.
After the machine goes through a complete cycle, take out the diapers and check for stains. If required, use a stain remover and rewash them with a load of regular clothes.
Put the diapers in a dryer with the heat set on ‘medium’, or line dry them. Remember that drying the diapers on high heat can make them shrink. If line dried, put the diapers for 10 to 15 minutes in the dryer, but make sure they get dry from inside.

Over Night Soak Method

Put all the cloth diapers in the washer and run them in cold water. This is done to make the cloth diapers release all the loose particles in the water.
The next step is to soak the diapers overnight. Refill cold water in the washer and add 1/2 cup baking soda, which acts as a base to neutralize the smell of urine in cloth diapers. Run the washer for 2 minutes and then, turn off the machine. Let the diapers soak overnight. Drain the water.
Next morning, empty the washer first, and then run the diapers in it, along with hot water, detergent and washing soda. During the first rinse, add 1/2 cup vinegar as well.
Double rinse the diapers. Do make sure to use just plain water in the second rinsing circle.
Take out the diapers from the washer and dry them on medium heat.

Caution

Many people use bleach to clean cloth diapers. However, bleach not only deteriorates the textile of the diaper; it may also irritate the sensitive skin of the baby. So, take care not to use bleach to clean the diapers.

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