How to Clean Reusable Diapers
It is expensive to have a baby, especially if you use disposable diapers. Babies go through several diapers a day, and the cost really adds up over time. You can save some money by using reusable cloth diapers instead. Furthermore, reusable diapers are environmentally friendly and won’t take up space in a landfill. Reusable diapers must be cleaned regularly, which might sound like a dreaded task. But with the right cleaning method, you can wash cloth diapers with little effort.
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Instructions
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Empty all solid waste from the diaper into the toilet. If the diaper is heavily soiled, rinse it with cold water to further remove waste.
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Put the dirty diapers into the washer. Fill it with cold water and add ½ cup baking soda. Run a short wash cycle to rinse the diapers.
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Run the diapers through a complete wash and rinse cycle using hot water and laundry detergent. Only use about ¼ of the amount of detergent recommended on the label to prevent detergent buildup on the diapers.
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Run the diapers through an additional rinse cycle. Add ½ cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle.
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Remove the diapers from the washer and place them in the dryer or hang them on a clothesline to dry. Set the dryer on warm or hot heat.
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Tips & Warnings
Don’t use bleach or fabric softener on reusable diapers.
If the diapers are heavily stained, add ½ cup lemon juice to the second wash cycle along with the detergent.
Add 2 to 4 drops of tea tree oil to the final rinse cycle to help fight odors.
Wash reusable diapers every 2 to 3 days to prevent odors and staining.
Avoid washing more than 24 diapers at one time.
Fasten all pins or snaps on the diapers prior to washing.
Use gentle laundry detergents such as Ivory or Dreft. Don’t use detergents that contain enzymes or brightening qualities, as this can break down the diapers and may irritate your baby’s skin.
References
- Photo Credit babywindeln image by Daniel Fuhr from Fotolia.com
