There are many variations to cleaning cloth diapers. Everybody has their own method or way that they think is best. That is what is great about the internet, there are lots of ideas to pick from.
When I first started to use cloth diapers, I was worried because everyone said to not use bleach, or they gave me some other cleaning advice. Well, I am here to hand off some of that advice, so adapt it to your methods and see what works best.
Cleaning solution #1
Soak the cloth diapers in the pail with a solution of Vinegar and baking soda. Fill the diaper pail 1/4 full, add 1 cup of White Vinegar and 1 cup Baking soda. Mix well then as you add in diapers let them soak. When you are ready to clean them dump all of the solution into the laundry.
I do 2 washes. The first is a quick rinse. The second is a deep wash.
Cleaning solution #2:
Soak the diapers in water with dish soap. I use 1 tsp. of dawn, and then I fill the diaper pail 1/4 full.
When you wash the diapers they do get clean, minimal stains and the dishsoap does not breakdown the diapers.
All of the residue that would be on the diapers is washed off in the washer because I wash the first time on Quick wash with no detergent. Then I run them through a second time.
If you like to hang your laundry outside, the diapers can be hung to dry. The sun sanitizes and brightens them.
They do come out a little crunchy, but just throw in the dryer for a touch up, like you would a wrinkled shirt or something.
If all of this sounds like too much work…remember you did take the cloth diaper route so it is not easy. It is the cheapest, greenest method that is best for babies. But, feel free to try these solutions and tweak them your way.
I make my own laundry detergent because I don’t like all of the chemicals in our clothes. As far as diapers I chose to use cloth for economic and green reasons.
That is why I don’t use store bought laundry detergent, I don’t know what is in it, plus I only buy the supplies to make it once a year.
But if I did use laundry detergent I would go with Dreft. It is safer for babies, and I used Dreft with my first child.
Shaklee is another name that also has a really good laundry detergent that is economical and safe. It is pretty cost efficient if you purchase a large amount.
Mountain Green is also a laundry detergent for babies. I haven’t used this detergent. I can’t give any personal information on this one.
Here is a list of a few other “baby” detergents:
BumGenius Diaper Detergent
Charlie’s Soap
Country Save
Crunchy Clean
Eco Nuts
Eco Sprout
Nellie’s
Planet
Rockin’ Green
Where can these products be found?
Here is a list of stores online to find these detergents:
Babies R Us carries ALL, Dreft, Arm & Hammer, Baby ganics, Dapple and Loads of Love. Prices range from $3.99-$24.99.
Charlie’s soap is found online at amazon.com. A 32lb. bucket can be purchased for $119.99. That is ALOT of laundry soap!
Nellie’s soap is found at drugstore.com. It will make 50 loads for $16.64.
Word of Advice: Keep the diaper pail in an area not accessible to children. Kids get into things when we are not looking. I keep mine next to the changing table in the bedroom. When we leave the room the door gets locked. It is not accessible to children.
Some helpful websites for ideas are: diaper jungle.com (look up laundry detergent chart). The econo-friendlyfamily.com is also a great website for cleaning cloth diapers and obtaining some facts about products.
This video is from youtube.. You can find it by searching “how to clean cloth diapers.” This particular video goes through the various procedure to clean the diapers. Feel free to subscribe to her video’s under obbs and lala. They are pretty thorough and informative. She has over 209 to choose from.
Also there are illustrated pictures at the website www.wantingwhatyouhave.com. They are very interesting and educational.
Do you use cloth diapers or disposable? If you use cloth diapers, !
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