Diapers Q&A

What is the best way to wash cloth diapers?

Hot water, no bleach or fabric softener, anything else?

Public Comments

1. I used a little bleach, but that was the old fashioned kind of cloth diapers - the flat kind you folded yourself. Hot water, no bleach, no fabric softener. And add a little vinegar to the rinse water, to counteract any ammonia residue. I also used to give them an extra rinse, to make sure all the detergent was out.
2. I would use hot water to wash them in. If the baby can handle them being washed in bleach, then I would also do that as well. Just watch for a rash due to what you wash them in. If the bleach is too strong, add a little dishwashing detergent to it that has bleach alternative.
3. Make sure you rinse them out good before you throw them in the washer. My mom said they used to do it in the toilet. when everything was still wet anyway.
4. Borax is helpful, and use a baby friendly detergent like "Dreft". I have raised 2 children that wore only cloth diapers and this worked for me. I also line dried them. I must admit that I occasionally used bleach when diapers became terribly stained. Then I rewashed and double rinsed to remove residue.
5. detergent soap and small amount of bleach if your baby is on formula.in a washer(its faster) or by hand that ok too.
6. Use about half the amount of detergent that you would use on a normal load. Use one that is Free & Clear. It doesn't necessarily need to be for a baby. It would get really expensive to wash diapers in Dreft. I agree with the vinegar and the extra rinse. Also, I'm sure you know, but just to clarify for others, bleach isn't just a skin sensitivity issue, it breaks down the diapers too. Oh, if you're using prefolds, wash them a few times before the baby wears them to make them more absorbent. And if you can, use the sun to dry them. Seriously, it's really good at removing stains.