Diapers Q&A

Tea Tree Oil in cloth diaper wash?

Using it to help disinfect. Do I add it to the pre-wash rinse, wash, or the last rinse?

Public Comments

1. Last rinse would be better
2. I would say pre-wash because just a small bit is SO strong.
3. Whichever. In our situation, childhood allergies cause us to be extra careful. We often use Grapefruit Seed Extract, which has a similar anti-microbial effect, in the wash cycle. I add drops right into the liquid laundry soap, which you could also do with about 1/2 tsp of TTO/load... so much better than chlorine bleach! Disinfecting followed by a rinse cycle helps to remove excess from the clothing. If there is a specific concern, you could do a patch test by placing a small, diluted amount of the solution on a band-aid placed on the forearm or back for 48 hours. Check frequently. Any redness or irritation would indicate sensitivity.
4. Use grapefruit seed extract instead. It doesn't reek and it isn't toxic but it just as effective at killing fungus, bacteria and viruses. I think many people use tea tree oil in the pail before hand. You can also add it to the last rinse.