Cloth Diapers & Doublers
Before Use:
Most diapers need to be washed and dried 4-5 times before they reach their full absorbency. This is so that the cotton will "fluff" up and be able to hold more liquid. In the case of organic diapers, the washing also removes the natural oils in the fabric which can inhibit absorption. If ordering for the first time, we recommend washing only one diaper so that in the event you change your mind, the unwashed diapers can be returned for a full refund. See our Returns Policy.
The Diaper Pail:
Wet diapers can be put into a diaper pail until wash day. Soiled diapers must have their contents dumped into the toilet and rinsed. Some people simply dunk soiled diapers in the toilet and swish them around, others just rinse them in the sink. Once this is done, they may be put aside in the diaper pail until wash day. Adding baking soda to the pail will prevent odors.
Some people prefer to soak their diapers to help with staining. Fill the diaper pail with cold water and add 1/4 cup of baking soda to prevent odors and stains. Soaking with bleach, detergent or soap may decrease the life of your diapers so we advise against it.
Washing*:
-Step 1 (dry pail)
Put diapers into washing machine and do a cold rinse.
-Step 1 (wet pail)
Put diapers into washing machine and run spin cycle to get excess water out.
-Step 2 (wet or dry pail)
Wash diapers on HOT (unless otherwise specified on label) with a cold rinse and 1/2 the recommended amount of laundry detergent. (Using too much detergent may cause a build-up of soap that can cause rashes and reduces the absorbency of your diapers.) Washing more than 2 dozen diapers at a time will not allow the machine to clean them properly and may cause pilling due to the friction. Adding 1/4 cup of vinegar at the beginning of the rinse cycle aids in removing soap residue and makes for fresher smelling diapers. We advise against using fabric softeners because they leave a coating on diapers making them less absorbent. Chlorine bleach will cause premature breaking of the fibers. If diaper rashes are an issue, a third load with 1 cup of baking soda and a vinegar rinse is recommended.
-Step 3
Line dry or tumble dry on medium. Adding a clean dry towel in the dryer will speed drying time. Line drying helps extend the life of your diapers. Direct sunlight will remove stains and kill bacteria and yeast. Remove stains by putting lemon juice on them and putting diaper in direct sunlight.
*Any covers should be washed separately. |