Proper care for cloth diapers helps prolong their life, keep the smellies down and makes your job easier! In every case you should follow your manufacturers directions on washing and drying specifics, but here are a few tips I have discovered over the last year of cloth diapering!
Hang to Dry - whenever the weather permits, hang your diapers to dry. Of course with some this may take a full day - but the results are worth it! The sun will naturally bleach out the stains and the fresh air will of course freshen them up.
Vinegar - since fabric softener is a huge NO NO with cloth diapers (and liners) you may find that line drying and regular use leaves the diapers (and liners) slightly "crunchy". I have found that every few washes a cup of vinegar helps soften the fibers and remove any detergent build up. An added benefit is that vinegar naturally kills yeast bacteria.
Pre-soaking - I don't have the time or frankly stomach to pre-soak my diapers in a pail. Instead I take advantage of my washing machine! I let the machine fully fill with the diapers, some Borax and baby detergent and then just after it starts the agitation I turn the machine off. I let the diapers sit for about 20 minutes and then start it up again. I also make sure to use the extra rinse cycle to help get them really clean. This may seem like a waste of water but it takes no more then pre-soaking them in a pail.
Low Dry - it's important to dry your diapers on a low heat. Higher heat can break down the fibres or with All-In-Ones can break down the waterproofing. Again line dryer out doors is always best.
I have used Kushies (All-in-Ones) for three main reasons - they are inexpensive, they are 100% Canadian made, and they work for me! But the tips and tricks above can be applied to any cloth diapers. These are also the same tricks I use for Mommy's Lil Monkey wipes and liners.
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your posts are always so informative - i'm sure new mothers appreciate it very much!!!
ReplyDeleteAwww thanks! I just write what I know I would have liked to read before Jacob came!
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