What NOT To Do To Cloth Diapers
Our cloth diapers are made with a lot of natural fibers. So, just like the favorite clothes you wash over and over, they’ll eventually start to show wear and develop holes after countless runs through the machine.
No piece of clothing goes through the laundry as often as cloth diapers. But with some simple rules, you can ensure yours last a good, long while.
Here’s a list of common errors to avoid, so your can keep your diapers beautiful & usable.
DON’T expect diapers to last 2+ years if you’ve only got 10 - 12 in rotation.
While cloth diapers are fantastic because you can use them over and over, if you don’t have enough, the constant laundering shortens their lifespan. The more frequent the washing, the more fibers break down.
Have at least 18-24 diapers on deck at any time, so you can get the most out of every diaper without wearing it out unnecessarily.
DON’T use fabric softeners or dryer sheets
They leave a film on the diaper, and can cause them tostop absorbing what they come into contact with.
DON’T use detergents with the following ingredients:
DON’T soak your diapers in detergent.
Detergents aren’t designed to soak delicate fabrics. It can eat away at the fibers and laminated layer of your diapers.
DON’T use vinegar or chlorine bleach
Vinegar and chlorine bleach are caustic and will affect the laminated layer and elastics used in the diapers. It can also cling to microfiber, and cause stink issues.
DON’T boil your diapers if they have snaps, laminated fabric, or elastic
The water’s temperature, or the diaper sitting on the bottom of the pot, can cause these parts to melt, and get damaged.
The water temperature is too high and causes excess wear and tear – it might even render diapers unusable.
DON’T overload your washer
The diapers and inserts need room to move wash, and get clean. Around 24 diapers max is a good amount to have. So save your bed sheets and towels for the next round.
DON’T stuff warm diapers fresh out of the dryer
The elastics in the diaper need time to cool off fully before being stretched out. Stretching while warm causes early wear and tear, and the elastic will go slack faster.
DON’T let diapers go more than 2-3 days between launderings
This is an invitation for ammonia, bacteria, stink issues, and even mold to invade your diapers. Give them a wash every few days to avoid build up!
DON’T throw un-rinsed, poopy diapers in the pail
If you don’t rinse off your diapers, you can’t expect the washing machine to get them totally clean – especially if they’ve been waiting for a wash for a day or more. Be sure to give them a quick spray, dunk, or swish of water to keep the poop loose and easy to release from the diapers.
No piece of clothing goes through the laundry as often as cloth diapers. But with some simple rules, you can ensure yours last a good, long while.
Here’s a list of common errors to avoid, so your can keep your diapers beautiful & usable.
DON’T expect diapers to last 2+ years if you’ve only got 10 - 12 in rotation.
While cloth diapers are fantastic because you can use them over and over, if you don’t have enough, the constant laundering shortens their lifespan. The more frequent the washing, the more fibers break down.
Have at least 18-24 diapers on deck at any time, so you can get the most out of every diaper without wearing it out unnecessarily.
DON’T use fabric softeners or dryer sheets
They leave a film on the diaper, and can cause them tostop absorbing what they come into contact with.
DON’T use detergents with the following ingredients:
- Pure Soaps
- Softeners
- Protease Enzymes
- Artificial Brighteners
- Fragrances
- Dyes
- Sodium Hydroxide (Lye)
- Chlorine Bleach
DON’T soak your diapers in detergent.
Detergents aren’t designed to soak delicate fabrics. It can eat away at the fibers and laminated layer of your diapers.
DON’T use vinegar or chlorine bleach
Vinegar and chlorine bleach are caustic and will affect the laminated layer and elastics used in the diapers. It can also cling to microfiber, and cause stink issues.
DON’T boil your diapers if they have snaps, laminated fabric, or elastic
The water’s temperature, or the diaper sitting on the bottom of the pot, can cause these parts to melt, and get damaged.
The water temperature is too high and causes excess wear and tear – it might even render diapers unusable.
DON’T overload your washer
The diapers and inserts need room to move wash, and get clean. Around 24 diapers max is a good amount to have. So save your bed sheets and towels for the next round.
DON’T stuff warm diapers fresh out of the dryer
The elastics in the diaper need time to cool off fully before being stretched out. Stretching while warm causes early wear and tear, and the elastic will go slack faster.
DON’T let diapers go more than 2-3 days between launderings
This is an invitation for ammonia, bacteria, stink issues, and even mold to invade your diapers. Give them a wash every few days to avoid build up!
DON’T throw un-rinsed, poopy diapers in the pail
If you don’t rinse off your diapers, you can’t expect the washing machine to get them totally clean – especially if they’ve been waiting for a wash for a day or more. Be sure to give them a quick spray, dunk, or swish of water to keep the poop loose and easy to release from the diapers.
