How to Wash Cloth Diaper Covers

Keeping your cloth diaper covers and wraps clean, odor-free and waterproof is much easier than you think. Selecting the right detergent and using the right washing method makes all the difference when it comes to washing your cloth diaper covers and wraps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Washing machine
• Dryer (optional)
• Laundry detergent
• Toilet
• Cloth diaper sprayer (optional)

1. Rinse any excess poop into the toilet. A cloth diaper sprayer that hooks up to your toilet is a handy tool that makes this step much easier.
2. Set your washer to a “Heavy Load” or “Power Wash” setting.
3. Set the water temperature to wash with hot water and rinse with cold water.
4. Add a very small amount of detergent—only about ½ or ¼ of the amount called for by the detergent manufacturer.
5. Turn on the washer.
6. Dry the diapers by either hang drying them or by drying them in the dryer on medium-high to high heat.

Tips & Warnings

• Never use fabric softener or dryer sheets as they can cause build-up on your diaper covers and reduce their effectiveness.
• Use a detergent that is free of brighteners, softeners, enzymes, dyes or perfumes as they can cause build-up on your diaper covers and reduce their effectiveness.
• Wool diaper covers require a completely different washing technique. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for more information.