How to Launder Cloth Diapers

Many budget-conscious new parents start out with the idea of saving money by using cloth diapers. However, they often change their mind when they realize there is a little more work involved with cloth diapers.

Considering the average new baby uses as many as 12 diapers a day, parents can save considerable dollars by not buying those 4380 disposable diapers the first year. Learn to launder cloth diapers properly and you'll save money that can be put to better use elsewhere.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Prepare to launder cloth diapers by first rinsing heavily soiled diapers in the toilet. Use rubber gloves if it grosses you out, but remember this process can be accomplished quickly. Solids can be literally dumped into the toilet without rinsing.
   
   Fasten Velcro tabs before putting soiled diapers into a dry diaper pail until ready to launder. Sprinkle baking soda into the pail periodically to control odors.

2. Wash no more than two dozen diapers at a time. Set your machine to first do a cold soak and rinse, then follow this with a hot wash and cold rinse. You can use your normal laundry detergent as long as it is free of fragrance. Add only 1/4 of the amount which you would normally use for a load of laundry.
   
   Do not use bleach to launder cloth diapers. If you are concerned with whitening, add baking soda to the wash cycle.

3. Make sure diapers are rinsed well as residue left on diapers can irritate baby's skin. Smell the diapers when the washing machine has gone through the cycles. If you detect any unpleasant odors, rinse again.

4. Save energy dollars by drying cloth diapers on the clothesline. If weather prohibits this, toss in the dryer (without fabric softener) on high heat for 1 to 1 1/2 hours to sanitize diapers well.
   
   You can launder cloth diapers at home and maybe compromise by using disposable diapers only when traveling. Doing this will save you money and help to keep our earth green.

Tips & Warnings

• Use these natural remedies to help control odor when laundering cloth diapers...add baking soda to the wash and white vinegar during the rinse cycle. You'll find it is both effective and inexpensive.
• Do not use fabric softener in the rinse cycle or in the dryer as it will make cloth diapers less absorbent over time.

[mysteriousmuse]

on 6/30/2009 Great tips. Most people don't even know how to do this today!