- How will I clean my cloth diapers?
- Is it going to take more time?
- Is washing cloth diapers hard?
Prepping Your Diapers
Before using cloth diapers for the first time, you need to wash them. Like any absorbent fabric, this first wash helps wear them in and prepare them for some thirsty work ahead. This doesn’t take long. See our simple 3 step process below. If you want to (or have time up your sleeve waiting for bubs) you can repeat these washing steps 2-3 times with your inserts to maximize absorption.
- Soak your inserts overnight in warm water.
- Wash both inserts & covers with mild detergent.
- Completely (air) dry inserts and covers (in shade).
Washing Routine Basics: Here’s how to clean cloth diapers in 4 simple steps.
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Remove solids. Drop poo in the loo and store the used cloth diaper in a dry pail.
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Pre-wash cycle. Run a pre-wash cycle 100-140 degrees with mild detergent daily, no bleach. This removes the majority of soiling and gets your diapers ready for the main-wash. Store diapers in a dry pail until the main wash.
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Main-wash cycle. Run a long main-wash cycle 100-140 degrees with mild detergent every 2-3 days. Do not use bleach, whiteners, boosters, softeners or oxidized bleach additives.
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Hang to dry. Air dry diaper shells in the shade by hanging the center of the diaper crotch over the line to distribute weight evenly. Leave until they are completely dry. Air dry inserts and boosters until completely dry. If you want more drying tips, check out our 7 simple tips to help you dry cloth diapers, even in winter, here.
A Note on Poo
Many first-time users of cloth diapers wonder what to do with poo, again, it’s not as bad as you might think - we have written a blog all about dealing with number twos here if you want a little extra guidance. For extra help making number two changes easier we recommend trying our Mess Free Compostable Liners.
Sample Washing Routine
Families have a variety of washing routines to suit their lifestyle and preferences. You’ll soon develop your own rhythm that works best for you. But to demonstrate how easy it is, here’s an example washing routine that many families follow, especially if using cloth diapers overnight.
- Every morning Run a pre-wash cycle containing yesterday's used diapers and last night’s night diaper. Do not add bleach to your pre-wash. Place pre-washed diapers into a dry pail once finished.
- Every second night Run a main-wash cycle containing all pre-washed diapers from the dry pail. Make this a long wash at 40-60 degrees. Do not use bleach, whiteners, boosters, softeners or oxidised bleach additives. Hang to dry (center of diaper crotch over the line) the following morning.
The Don'ts of Cloth Diapers Washing & Care
Although there are various opinions on cleaning cloth diapers, it's important to note that our washing guidelines are designed specifically for our eco-diapers. It's advisable to avoid following the care guidelines of other brands or organizations, as doing so can potentially shorten the lifespan of your diapers by causing degradation to the elastics and PUL lining. Please be mindful to exclude the following from your care routine:
- Do not use bleach
- Do not use fabric softener
- Do not use whiteners, chlorine bleach, oxygen-based bleaching agent, dyes, perfumes, or essential oils.
- Do not use detergent containing additives (whiteners, chlorine bleach, oxygen-based bleaching agent, fabric softeners, dyes, perfumes, essential oils) or natural soap
- Do not tumble dry
- Do not was in temperatures exceeding 140ºC
- Do not soak
