How to Prevent Stains on Cloth Diapers

So you want to keep your beautiful cloth diapers bright white and stain-free? Here's how to do it, without using harsh chemicals that can hurt your baby's skin and the environment. (That's why you chose cloth anyway, right?)

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• diaper sprayer
• dry pail with liner
• mild detergent
• oxygen cleaner
• baking soda
• BioKleen Bac-Out
• washer
• dryer or clothes line

1. Wet diapers go directly into your diaper pail. Having a "wet" pail is unnecessary. A washable, waterproof pail liner is ideal for easy clean-up.
2. Use a diaper sprayer to rinse soiled diapers in the toilet. (These can be bought online for around $30 and attach easily to your toilet.) Wring the diaper out and put it into the diaper pail.
3. Turn to a cold wash cycle and soak diapers overnight at the maximum water level. Do not use detergent. Use a scoop of oxygen cleaner. Sun brand is cheap and effective. It dissolves better in warm water, so dissolve first, then turn water to cold, and then add diapers. Add a squirt of BioKleen Bac-Out, which is a natural, non-toxic, and biodegradable stain and odor eliminator. You can also shake in a little baking soda for added stain and odor-fighting. Close lid for just a moment to get everything mixed up. Lift lid and leave diapers overnight to soak.
4. In the morning, close the lid to run a cold cycle, which washes out most of the "dirties." When finished, run a hot cycle to sanitize, using a small scoop of mild detergent. Sun detergent and store brands have fewer additives and are effective, gentle, and inexpensive. A scoop of oxygen cleaner can also be used in the hot cycle.
5. Your diapers should now be clean and fresh! Dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. If you find any yellowing or light staining, sun them on a clothes line, and they should be bright as new again.

Tips & Warnings

• Wash every 2-3 days. Waiting longer will increase the likelihood of staining.
• NEVER use bleach on cloth diapers. It is too harsh on baby's sensitive skin, and it also will damage the fibers in your diapers.
• Do not use any detergent that claims to "whiten" or "brighten." They contain chemicals that can harm your baby's skin and leave residues that decrease absorbency in your diapers. Inexpensive powder detergents really are best because they contain fewer chemical additives, perfumes, and dyes.