Table of Contents

How to clean cloth diapers- Step by Step Guide

Are you a parent anxious about how to clean cloth diapers? Don’t let fear hold you back! Our guide is here to help you to clean cloth diapers with ease. The following tips and tricks make cleaning cloth diapers easier and less messy than you might think.

We’ll also provide you with everything you need to get started and show you How to clean cloth diapers easily. Say goodbye to the hassle and mess of disposable diapers and embrace the simplicity and sustainability of cloth!

STEP 1: Remove Solids from Cloth Diaper

The first step in your cloth diaper wash routine is to remove solids from the diaper. If you’re breastfeeding your baby exclusively, you’re in luck because breast milk poop is water-soluble. It means you can skip any special cloth diaper prewash treatment. As your baby transitions to solid foods, dealing with solids in cloth diapers becomes more interesting.

To remove poop from the diaper, start by tossing the solids into the toilet. Using disposable diaper liners can make this process even more accessible. These liners allow you to pick up the waste and shake off the solids into the toilet, and then you can dispose of the liner in the trash. Please do not flush it. After using toilet paper, spray water or use a diaper sprayer or small showerhead to rinse residue. Rinsing the diaper with water is essential for effectively removing stains during the wash.

Remember that diapers wet from urine alone typically don’t need pre-rinsing, but it doesn’t hurt to rinse them anyway.

STEP 2: Dirty Cloth Diapers Storage

To save time, water, and energy, collecting enough dirty cloth diapers is a good idea until you have a small load for your washer. Properly storing soiled diapers is an essential aspect of cloth diaper care.

The most common dirty cloth diaper storage options are wet bags and diaper pails. After rinsing, place the dirty diaper into a diaper pail or waterproof bag until ready to run a load. Ensure adequate airflow in the bucket or wet bag to slow bacterial growth and prevent mildew. Some products even feature special sewn-in patches designed to keep odors at bay. Use essential oils on the patches for a pleasant scent.

Soaking cloth diapers in a bucket of water is another effective option. Keeping cloth diapers wet before washing helps to eliminate any stubborn messes in the wash.

STEP 3: Washing Cloth Diapers

Most parents opt to wash their cloth diapers every other day. When cleaning, fill the washing machine to about 70% complete (typically around 12-18 diapers). It allows the diapers to move freely in the drum for effective cleaning. Avoid overloading the machine; too many diapers in one load can hinder proper cleaning, while too few diapers may not provide enough agitation.

Begin by separating the diaper covers from the inserts. Next, wash your diapers, inserts, reusable wipes, and wet bags on a warm cycle (up to 104°F/40°C) with a total dose of cloth diaper-safe detergent is advisable to avoid the use of fabric softeners as they can reduce the absorbency of the fabric. Use the most extended washing cycle available. You can skip the prewash cycle if you’ve pre-rinsed or pre-soaked your diapers. An extra rinse is not recommended, as it could reintroduce minerals from hard water, potentially leading to mineral buildup on the fabrics.

Feel free to choose any detergent that is safe for cloth diapers. However, avoid using chlorine bleach, as it may damage the fabrics and colors and void the warranty on some cloth diaper brands. Non-chlorine bleach is a safer alternative. It is important to always refer to the care instructions with your specific cloth diapers to ensure that you take proper care of them.

STEP 4: Drying Cloth Diapers

When drying cloth diapers, hanging them outside on a clothesline is best. It extends the life of your diapers, conserves energy, and exposes them to the sun. This natural bacteria killer imparts a fresh scent to your diapers. Moreover, the UV exposure helps to lighten and remove stains. Exposing your diapers to sunlight for as little as 15 to 20 minutes can have a noticeable impact. If outdoor drying isn’t an option, you can hang or line-dry your diapers inside.

Some cloth diapers can be dried in a tumble dryer on a low setting. However, avoid high temperatures, which can damage the diaper’s waterproof layer, potentially leading to leaks. To ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your cloth diapers, it’s crucial to always adhere to the specific care instructions provided. These are steps on how to clean cloth diapers , by following them you can easily clean cloth diapers.

How to wash cloth diapers by hand?

Handwashing cloth diapers can be a practical solution for those without access to laundry facilities. There are different methods for hand washing cloth diapers: the bathtub/hands method, the bucket/plunger method, and the washbasin/washing board method.

Here are concise instructions for handwashing cloth diapers:

What You Need:

Cloth diaper-safe detergent
Hot/warm water
Soft scrub brush
Stain soap (optional)
Rubber gloves (optional)
Clothesline or drying rack

Bathtub/Hands Method:

Presoak soiled diapers in warm water with a pinch of detergent.
Prewash: Fill a bathtub 1/3 to 1/2 full of warm water with 1/4 the detergent you’d use in a washer. Add diapers and agitate by hand or with a plunger.
Drain water and squeeze excess water from items.
Add hot water, detergent, and diapers. Swish for several minutes.
Drain, squeeze out water, and repeat the process.
Hang to dry.

Bucket/Plunger Method:

Follow the pre-soaking and prewash steps using a bucket and plunger in the bathtub method.
Repeat the hot wash and final rinse steps from the bathtub method.

Washbasin/Washing Board Method:

Follow the pre-soaking and prewash steps using a washbasin, and scrub diapers on a washboard.

Repeat the hot wash and final rinse steps from the bathtub method.

Tips:

Use rubber gloves for handwashing.
Change into clothes you don’t mind getting wet.
If using a plunger, it can improve the washing process.
To soften line-dried diapers, add baking soda or vinegar.
Ensure diapers are thoroughly cleaned.

Final Steps:

After the final rinse, hang the diapers to dry.

Clean the tub, bucket, or washbasin with a disinfectant cleaner.

Remember, hand washing cloth diapers may take more time and effort but can be a practical solution when laundry facilities are unavailable.

How to clean cloth diapers with poop?

To clean poop off reusable nappies, you can:

When changing a baby’s diaper, use a clean corner of the nappy to scoop up any solid waste, hold it over the toilet bowl, and use it to scrape off any excess waste before flushing the toilet. Ensure a tight grip to prevent the nappy from going down the toilet.

Other methods include:

Use a handheld bidet/shower head attachment near the toilet to rinse the nappy into a bucket, then pour the contents down the toilet.
Having a dedicated ‘poo knife’ in the bathroom to scrape off solids into the toilet.

How to clean poopy cloth diapers without a sprayer?

Cleaning poopy cloth diapers without a sprayer can be done using one of these three main alternatives:
Scrape: Use a tool or disposable liner to scrape off the solid waste from the diaper into the toilet.
Swish: Fill the bathroom with water and swish the diaper around to dislodge and remove the poop.
Shake it off: Hold the diaper securely and give it a good shake to dislodge the solids into the toilet.
These methods help prepare the cloth diaper for washing without needing a toilet sprayer.

Is washing cloth diapers in the washing sanitary?

Using a clean corner of the cloth diaper, dangle it into the toilet bowl and flush. Clean water will flow over your hand, helping to wash off excess poop. Ensure you hold the diaper tightly, as the color can be substantial. This method is generally adequate for cleaning cloth diapers.

Regarding washing cloth diapers in the washing machine, it can be sanitary when done correctly. It’s essential to follow proper washing procedures, including presoaking and using a cloth-diaper-safe detergent, to ensure that the diapers are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized during the washing process.

How to wash cloth diapers in the washing machine?

To wash cloth diapers in a washing machine, follow these steps:

Pre-treatment:

Start by discarding any solid waste from the diapers into the toilet.
You can use a diaper sprayer, handheld bidet, or other suitable method to rinse off excess waste.
For breastfed baby poop, you can skip this step as it’s water-soluble and can be washed off in the machine.

First Cycle (Normal):

Place the rinsed or soiled diapers in the washing machine.
Set the device to a “Normal” cycle with warm water.
Add an appropriate amount of cloth-diaper-safe detergent.
Start the cycle. This initial cycle helps remove visible surface soil.

Second Cycle (Heavy Duty):

After the first cycle, start a “Heavy Duty” cycle with hot water.
Add more cloth-diaper-safe detergent to ensure a thorough clean.
This cycle will provide a deeper and more sanitary cleaning for the diapers.

Drying:

After both processes, you can hang the diapers in the sun to naturally bleach and disinfect them while drying.
Alternatively, drying cloth diapers in a dryer on a low heat setting is recommended, as excessive heat can wear out the diaper materials.

Following these steps, you can effectively wash cloth diapers in a washing machine to keep them clean and sanitary for reuse.

Detergents for cloth diapers

Here is a list of various laundry detergents suitable for cloth diapers:

Ace (Ace Ultra, Ultra Ace, etc.) – Liquid Detergent: Recommended, HE Safe, Synthetic, Contains Enzymes.

Ace (Ace Ultra, Ultra Ace, etc.) – Powder Detergent: Recommended, HE Safe, Synthetic, Contains Enzymes.

Ahold Complete Cleaning with Quad-Active Technology – Liquid Detergent: Recommended, HE Safe, Synthetic.

Recommended usage: Use line 1 in the prewash and a total cap in the main wash. Available at Stop & Shop.

Ajax Dual Action Clean – Liquid Detergent: Recommended, HE Safe, Synthetic, No Enzymes.

Recommended usage: Use a whole cap in the main wash.

All – Powder Detergent: Recommended, HE Safe, Synthetic, No Enzymes.

Note: The powder version is suitable, as it doesn’t contain sodium cocoate. Use the recommended amount for a heavily soiled load.

All Free Clear – Powder Detergent: Recommended, HE Safe, Free and Clear, Contains Enzymes.

Note: The powder version is suitable, as it doesn’t contain sodium cocoate. Use line 1 in the prewash and a full scoop + line 2 in the main wash.

Amway, Legacy of Clean SA8 – Powder Detergent: Recommended, HE Safe, Plant-based, Contains Enzymes.

Recommended usage: Use 3 tbsp in prewash and 6 tbsp in the main wash. Plant-based, wash on hot, and add a softener if your water is mildly hard.

Amway, Legacy of Clean SA8 – Liquid Detergent: Recommended, HE Safe, Plant-based, Contains Enzymes.

Recommended usage: Use 1/2 cap in prewash, a total cap, and a half in the main wash. Wash on hot and add a softener if your water is slightly complicated.

Amway, Legacy of Clean Tri-zyme Booster – Powder Booster: Recommended, HE Safe, Mineral-based, Contains Enzymes.

Note: A good enzyme booster from a green company.

Arctic Power – Liquid Detergent: Recommended, HE Safe, Synthetic.

Recommended usage: Use 1/2 cap in prewash and 1.5 caps in the main wash.

Ariel – Powder Detergent: Recommended, Not HE Safe, Synthetic, Contains Enzymes.

Recommended usage: Use 1/2 cup in prewash and 1-2 cups in the main wash. It Contains optical brighteners.

Ariel (Europe) – Powder Detergent: Recommended, HE Safe, Synthetic, Contains Enzymes.

Note: A European detergent made by P&G, similar to Tide. Suitable for European users.

Arm & Hammer – Liquid Detergent: Recommended, HE Safe, Mineral-based, No Enzymes.