Cloth diapering

Most parents know the advantages of using cloth diapers rather than disposable diapers. Cloth diapers can save a ton of money, and they are far gentler on the environment. However, even knowing all this, parents continue to shell out big bucks for disposable diapers, figuring they just can’t handle the inconvenience of laundering cloth diapers.

I believe the biggest deterrent to cloth diapering is the laundering. You would think cloth diapering mamas individually hand-washed every single poopy diaper. The truth is, cleaning those cloth tush covers is as easy as handling any other kind of laundry. You throw a load in the washing machine, turn it on, and let it go. The machine does the work. Then you transfer that load to the drier and let it finish the job. Finally, you put the diapers away and reuse them.

There are a few simple changes to make sure the diapers are thoroughly clean, so laundering cloths takes a little longer. First, collect the soiled and wet diapers in an enclosed container. A kitchen trash receptacle with a lid works well. You can line the receptacle with either a plastic trash can liner, or you can purchase a reusable bag from a cloth diapering supplier. The reusable bag can be washed along with the diapers and line dried.

How To Wash Cloth Diapers

1. Once the bag is full, dump the contents into the washing machine and set it to wash a cold cycle. You can add soap if you want, but the main purpose of the cold wash is to help prevent the soiled diapers from staining. I have found plain water works really well.
2. When the cold wash cycle finishes, set the washing machine to wash with hot water. Then add a normal amount of your favorite detergent, plus 1/4 to 1/2 cup of borax, and let the cycle run.
3. At the end of the hot wash cycle, re-rinse if you like.
4. Otherwise, take the diapers out and toss them into the drier or line dry. Depending on what kind of diapers you are using, set the drier to run either a regular or cool drying cycle, and turn it on. You can also line dry, which will save you money and is better for the environment as well as gentler on the diapers. But depending on the weather this may not be a feasible option for you.
5. Reuse the diapers again and again.

Here are a few things to keep in mind to make washing cloth diapers as easy as possible and to extend the life of your diapers.

1. When the diaper is soiled, you don’t have to do anything extra for babies who are still exclusively breastfed. The washing machine will take care of it. When the baby is eating solid foods the poop will be more solid and will need to be scraped off. Gently scrape off the big chunks with a bit of cardboard. You should try to get as much off the diaper as you can, but the washing machine can still handle a surprising amount of residue, so don’t overdo it. Just get rid of the really solid stuff.
2. Do not use bleach or fabric softeners. Bleach will break down the fibers in the diapers, shortening their useful life. Fabric softeners tend to add residue to the diapers which can irritate baby’s bottom as well as cause the diapers to repel, rather than absorb water. Rely on the hot water, soap and borax to sanitize the diapers. If they smell clean, they are clean.

Washing cloth diapers may seem more complicated at first, but it’s really your washing machine that does most of the work. Once you’ve washed a few loads, it becomes second nature and you too will be wondering why more parents don’t use cloth diapers.

Where can you buy cloth diapers?