Cloth Diaper Care
Cloth Diapers > Diaper Fabrics • Diaper Care • Diapering Gear
Caring for cloth diapers is not difficult, but it is important to follow
washing directions carefully. Only additive-free detergents should
be used, and sparingly. Fabric softeners and dryer sheets will coat
fibers, decreasing absorbency. Baking soda, white vinegar, or
oxygen bleach can be used for the occasional stains or smells, but
generally it's best to keep the day-to-day wash routine simple.
For most cloth diapers, the following routine will work well:
- Rinse cold.
- Wash on hot with just a tablespoon or two of detergent.
- Extra rinse either hot or cold.
The following detergents are good choices for washing cloth diapers:
- Country Save is an
excellent choice; it contains no additives and is proven to wash
cleanly out of laundry.
- Allen's Naturally is
another good detergent with similar properties. Very little is
needed for each load.
- Charlie's Soap is one of the most recommended brands. However, babies with sensitive skin may have a reaction to it.
These brands can sometimes be found at baby boutiques or natural food stores; all can be ordered online.
Wool Care
Wool requires different care than other diaper fabrics. However, it need not be washed frequently, as the natural lanolin in wool neutralizes urine. A wool cover may only need to be washed once or twice a month.
To wash wool, run lukewarm water into a sink or dishpan, add wool wash, gently work the soapy water through your covers, and leave to soak for at least ten minutes. Do not rinse. Wrap the covers in a towel and squeeze out excess moisture, then lay flat to dry. Occasionally, you may wish to add extra lanolin to the wash water, or use a lanolin spray, to help restore waterproofing to your covers.
Washing wool can actually be enjoyable, with the many wonderfully scented soaps available for the task. Eucalan woolwash is a reliable favorite. Sudz 'n Dudz offers bar soaps, liquid, lanolin spray, and lanolin balm in a dizzying array of delicious scents.