June 16th, 2010 • 14:06
How Should I Wash My Aio Cloth Diapers For The First Time?
I am just starting to cloth diaper my 4 month old. I have diapers but Im not sure how to go about washing them for the first time for maximum absorbancy. Etc.. I am going to be using soap nuts to wash them in. Im new to this and dont know how to go about doing it.
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Jun 16th 2010 • 17:06
by alucard1
Do your diaper have wash instructions? The AIO’s I had said to was in hot water and tumble try. I found out through experience to not use fabric softener liquid or dryer sheet these coat the diaper and reduce absorbency. I use dryer ball to soften and fluff diapers.
Jun 16th 2010 • 17:06
by Julie Renee Holland
If they have a microfiber inner you can just wash them once before use. Each manufacturer has different instructions, but most say to wash with minimal detergent in hot water and dry in medium dryer. Even if you plan to line dry on a regular basis, most diapers work better if they have a trip through the dryer before use and at least once a month to keep the outer waterproof fabric working well.
I didn’t like soap nuts on our diapers, I found they still left odors and the diapers did not smell clean. I use Allen’s Naturally and love it. If you do end up using regular detergent, be sure to use about 1/4 the recommended amount. Look for a detergent that does not have optical brighteners or enzymes in it. There is a page of detergent recommendations on my web site.
Most diaper manufacturers do not recommend using bleach. Bleach is bad for elastic and bad for the environment. Also, bleach leftovers on the cloth can give bad diaper rashes.
Jun 16th 2010 • 20:06
by anthony
If you’re washing them for the first time, as in prior to use, wash in hot water. Follow with one cup of vinegar in an extra rinse cycle. Keep in min, they will become most absorbant after a couple of washes. The vinegar will help strip the natural oils from the cotton.
If they’re dirty, cold soak for a few hours followed by wash. Use highest setting With no soap. Rewash and add your soap, Follow up with the vinegar rinse. You won’t need to use vinegar every time, just the first few washes and then occasionally to strip them.
Jun 16th 2010 • 21:06
by darlazi
I am just starting to cloth diaper my 4 month old. I have diapers but Im not sure how to go about washing them for the first time for maximum absorbancy. Etc.. I am going to be using soap nuts to wash them in. Im new to this and dont know how to go about doing it.
Jun 16th 2010 • 21:06
by Kimber
I would just wash them once following the manufacturer’s instructions. (using hot wash, cold rinse, tumble dry low using 1/2 regular amount of detergent)
Unbleached prefolds, Hemp and Bamboo diapers need to be washed multiple times before they reach maximum absorbency. Most AIO have a microfiber insert, and it doesn’t required all these washes.
You need to choose your detergent wisely. I’ve never used soapnuts on diapers, so I can’t speak for those. You need a detergent that doesn’t have any additives, brighteners, perfumes, softeners, etc. These additives can cause diapers to repel and become smelly.
Congratulations on your decision to use cloth on your baby – so much better for baby, and the environment!