how to care for your cloth diapers

Following the instructions below will help extend the life of your diapers and ensure that your diapers function optimally day-to-day.

prepping cloth diapers before first use

synthetics materials like (microfiber, microterry & microfleece):

  • Wash one time on hot with detergent before use.

natural materials (cotton, hemp & bamboo):

  • Wash 5-6 times on hot to strip the natural oils out (this enables the material to become absorbent).
  • Note: Prep natural diapers separate from synthetic diapers to avoid passing the oils from the natural fibers onto the synthetic ones.

washing your cloth diapers

  1. Remove solid waste from diapers (if exclusively breastfeeding, you can skip this step as the waste is water soluble).
  2. Use your machine's pre-wash setting or run a rinse cycle on warm to rinse the urine from the diapers (using small amount of detergent during this step is optional). If rinsing diapers by hand soon after changes, then you can skip this step. Just remember to leave rinsed diapers damp, not soaking wet, between washes.
  3. Wash on hot (120 degress MAX) with a cloth diaper safe detergent.
  4. Run the diapers through a second rinse cycle.
  5. Machine dry on low heat or hang dry. Hook and look closures must be hung dry, and elastics will last longer if hung dry.

how to NOT ruin your diapers

  • Washing in scalding hot water can burn out elastic. Make sure your water temperature does not exceed 120 degrees.
  • Do not put hook and loop closures in the dryer
  • Only use cloth diaper safe rash creams as others may contain ingredients that make your diapers unabsorbent.
  • Avoid fabric softeners and fragrances as these will affect absorbency and can cause irritation

stripping your diapers

Stripping, or deep cleaning, your diapers can remove mineral, urine, or detergent that has built up over time. 

Your diapers may need stripping if you notice that they are smelly even after cleaning or immediately after being soiled. 

Another indicator that your diapers need stripping is if they are leaking regularly.

stripping instructions

  • Wash a maximum of 12 diapers at a time with 1/3 cup of bleach, and add an extra rinse cycle.
  • Alternatively, wash your diapers in RLR or Mighty Bubbles (deep cleaners) following the instructions on the package.

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