How to Wash Cloth Prefold Diapers

Less is sometimes more, and a simple cotton prefold diaper can be the best for baby in the long run and the best on your budget!

Since you are dealing with human waste, it is important to make sure you are taking the proper steps to wash your prefolds correctly.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• cotton pre-fold diapers
• fragrance free detergent without enzymes
• baking soda
• white vinegar
• tree oil

1. Before heading to the washing machine, shake out any chunky poop in the toilet.

2. Use 1/4 less detergent. Cleaning is in the agitation of the water.

3. Do not wash more than 2 dozen diapers. The diapers will not get washed thorougly if you add more than that. Also make sure you set the water line for a full load so that they get rinsed very well.

4. Set the washer for a short cold wash. During the wash cycle, pour some baking soda into the washing machine -- a scoop will do. If you are able, let it soak overnight. However, this is not necessary.

5. Now set the washer for a hot/cold cycle. During the rinse cycle, add a small amount white vinegar. One half cup is a good amount. If you are adding baking soda, you must add white vinegar in the rinse because it will restore the pH of the diapers. Otherwise your baby may get diaper rash.

6. Re-wash anything that still smells. This is not a common problem, and can usually be prevented by not overloading the washer.

Tips & Warnings

• Line drying saves energy.
• Throwing a load in the wash once a day helps prevent a pile up. Try doing it while preparing dinner or when you're ready to sit down and read a book or watch TV.
• Sprinkling baking soda into your pail helps absorb odors.
• Avoid detergents with whitening enzymes. They attack organic matter, like human waste, and that can become a breeding ground for your baby's bottom and diaper rash!
• Some people use the wet pail method, where the diapers are stored in a pail full of water and baking soda before washing. This can be a drowning hazard for pets and babies, it is also unnecessarily difficult to maneuver and manage.