If cloth diapering has taught us anything, washing cloth diapers is a balancing act. You need to consider several factors to keep your diaper laundry nice and simple. Cloth diapering is a commitment. It requires planning, dedication, and patience. It can also get messy at times. One of the biggest challenges of cloth diapering is stripping your diapers.
Stripping cloth diapers requires quite a bit of work and can be time-consuming. But what if you were only washing cloth diapers? What could you do wrong that would harm your cloth diaper stash?
We’re here to help you out with this blog. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about washing cloth diapers. And yes, we’re also telling you not to do things most people do when washing their cloth diapers. So without further ado, let’s get into it.
10 Things You Should Never Do To A Cloth Diaper
If you’ve ever used cloth diapers, chances are you’ve heard the warnings: Do not put a diaper in the dryer. Do not bleach or wash a cloth diaper with detergent containing bleach. And if you use cloth diapers, don’t iron them. These recommendations are important for a few reasons.
For one thing, washing cloth diapers with detergent containing bleach can damage the absorbent material in a cloth diaper and lead to leaks. Also, doing laundry with a delicate cloth diaper can cause damage to your washing machine and clothes. Lastly, when washing cloth diapers on the machine, it’s vital to use water temperature appropriate for the absorbency of your cloth diaper. If you do any of these things, you risk damaging your cloth diaper and potentially rendering it unusable.
1.Boil Microfiber, Snaps, PUL, Or Elastic.
Harsh detergents and laundry detergents can damage cloth diaper materials and cause leaks. Additionally, washing cloth diapers in the washing machine with another laundry can lead to pilling, shrinkage, or distortion of the diaper.
Additionally, you should avoid putting your cloth diaper in the dryer; instead, hang it to dry. Avoiding contact with sharp objects, such as knives and scissors, is also essential to keeping your cloth diaper safe. Finally, keep your cloth diaper away from direct sunlight or heat sources to prevent damage.
2.Put Your Diapers In The Microwave.
When washing cloth diapers, it’s important to follow the instructions on the label carefully. Some of the things you should avoid doing include putting your cloth diapers in the microwave, boiling them, or using chlorine bleach. These actions could cause the diaper fabric to tear and release harmful chemicals that can pose a risk to your baby.
Additionally, don’t wring your diapers out excessively or wash them in excess hot water. This will damage the cloth diaper and can create leaks. Instead, wash cloth diapers gently with cold or warm water and a mild detergent and hang them to dry. Following this laundry tips ensures that your cloth diaper is safe and effective for your baby’s wear.
3.Use Cascade To Strip Your Diapers.
It is essential to use gentle soap when stripping cloth diapers. Using a strong detergent can damage the diaper and cause leaks. Instead, use a gentle soap like Johnson’s Baby Clean or Seventh Generation. When stripping cloth diapers, using a washing machine on the delicate cycle with water is best.
This will ensure that no harm is done to the diaper and that it can be properly cleaned and dried after each wear. Finally, it is important not to put cloth diapers in the dryer, or they will become brittle and difficult to use. When stripping cloth diapers, you can ensure they last longer and are of the highest quality.
4.Use Bleach Undiluted On Your Diapers.
Many cloth diaper users choose to use a laundry detergent specially designed for cloth diapers. However, using a mild enough detergent is important to avoid over-sud with residue. Also, laundry detergents can contain added fabric softeners that can harm your diaper.
Therefore, it’s always advisable to use a no-wash laundry detergent or one without fabric softener. Besides, you should never put your cloth diaper in the dryer or wash it with other clothes. Instead, air-dry or hang it to dry. Also, do not put your cloth diaper in the washing machine with another laundry. These simple steps will help ensure that your cloth diaper remains absorbent and effective.
5.Use The Sanitize Cycle On Your HE Machine.
The Sanitize cycle is designed to kill any bacteria that may be present on your cloth diaper. You should use this cycle every time you change your cloth diaper to ensure a clean and safe experience. You must ensure that your cloth diaper is rinsed thoroughly after use and that it is properly disinfected before being placed in storage or replaced.
Additionally, avoid putting your cloth diaper in the dryer or washer with other clothes. Instead, ensure that the laundry is complete by using a washable laundry-safe spray such as oxy-clean wash or disinfectant. Lastly, ensure that your machine is properly balanced and not overloaded by using the Cloth Diaper Guide provided by manufacturers.
6.Put Your Diapers In The Dishwasher.
It is vital to properly care for your cloth diapering system; washing them in a dishwasher can damage the diaper and cause leaks. To ensure that your diapers remain comfortable and absorbent, wash them with a gentle laundry detergent and rinse them thoroughly with water before placing them in the washer.
Additionally, put your diapers in the wash without other clothing or accessories to prevent the buildup of laundry. If you have any questions about how to care for your cloth diapering system, please feel free to reach out to us.
7.Use Fabric Softener Or Detergents Containing Fabric Softener.
Adhering to the correct washing instructions for cloth diapers is vital to maintaining their effectiveness and hygiene. It’s vital to avoid using fabric softener or laundry detergent that contains fabric softener, as these products can damage the waterproofing and insulation of cloth diapers.
Also, fabric softeners can cause irritation and rashes in people sensitive to this type of product. Cloth diapers are designed to wash in cold water and mild soap, so it’s essential to follow washing instructions when caring for your diaper stash. Instead of fabric softener or laundry detergent containing fabric softener, wash cloth diapers in cold water with mild soap.
8.Use Anything For Fish Tanks To Fix Ammonia In Your Diapers.
Ammonia is a chemical found in urine and other biological fluids. It is a toxic gas that can cause serious problems for cloth diapers if ammonia gets into the water. Ammonia is produced when organic material, such as waste from fish, decomposes. Therefore, keeping ammonia levels low in diaper pails and diaper bins is important.
Additionally, ammonia can cause excessive fabric softener usage, rashes, and leaks in cloth diapers. This is why it’s essential to properly dispose of diaper waste and use care when handling cloth diapers to prevent ammonia from entering the water.
8.Use Diaper Creams That Are Thick, White, And Pasty.
It is important to use diaper creams that are gentle on the diaper and safe for the environment. Using diaper creams that are thick, white, and pasty can make cloth diapers difficult to clean.
These creams can absorb more water, causing the diaper to become heavy and bulky. Instead of using thick, white diaper cream, opt for a light and water-based one that is safe for the environment and friendly on the diaper. This will ensure that your cloth diapers stay clean and dry while maintaining absorbency.
10.Skip The Detergent And Wash In Just Water.
Dirty diapers can pose a serious health risk for you and your baby. When washing cloth diapers, it’s important to wash them in only water to avoid exposing them to dangerous chemicals like chlorine. Never use fabric softeners or bleach, as they will damage the diaper’s materials over time.
Instead, wash cloth diapers in a laundry detergent free of perfume and bleach. By washing cloth diapers in water, you can ensure that the diaper stays absorbent and comfortable for your baby. Additionally, skip the laundry detergent and wash your cloth diaper using only water whenever possible to preserve its absorbency and quality.
Why You Should Never Put A Cloth Diaper In The Dryer
Drying your cloth diapers in the dryer can be a risky proposition. Not only is it potentially dangerous, but it can also damage them.
Cloth diapers are made of natural materials like cotton and wool, which are not meant to die in the heat of a dryer. Instead, they should be placed in an air-drying cycle or hung to dry. Even if you choose to put them in the dryer, make sure you use the lowest possible setting and keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t get too hot.
Instead of putting your cloth diaper in the dryer, try using a clothesline or a sun-dried option. These methods allow the moisture to dissipate slowly over time instead of getting vaporized quickly by heat.
Conclusion
Cloth diapering is a natural, sustainable, and earth-friendly solution to diaper waste. It’s also good for your cloth diaper laundry routine. Putting cloth diapers in the wash is gentler on the cloth and lessens the chance of damage to them. Using washing soda or vinegar as a rinse helps keep cloth diapers from shrinking and fading faster.
If you’re using cloth diapering, there’s no need to complicate things further. Just wash, rinse, and repeat. And remember that cloth diapering also comes with a laundry load of joy.
It’s a great way to reduce waste and save money on diaper purchases. The cloth diapering community is full of advice for new cloth diapering families and wonderful stories of cloth diapering success. If you want to switch to cloth diapering, here are some tips from other cloth diapering mamas that might help.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.What Ingredients Are Not Cloth Diaper Safe?
Ans: Some ingredients that are not cloth diaper safe include petroleum jelly, methylparaben, propylparaben, sulfates, chlorine bleach, silicone, and mineral oil.
2.What Is A Major Disadvantage Of Using Cloth Diapers?
Ans: One of the major disadvantages of cloth diapering is that it can be more expensive than disposable diapers.
3.How Long Can You Leave A Cloth Diaper On?
Ans: It is important to wash your cloth diaper regularly to avoid bacteria buildup and odor. It is also recommended not to leave a cloth diaper on for more than 12 hours at a time, as it will suffocate the diaper and cause rashes.
4.Does Hot Water Ruin Cloth Diapers?
Ans: No, hot water does not ruin cloth diapers. However, excessive heat can cause the plastic inserts in cloth diapers to melt. This is why avoiding accidentally exposing your child’s diaper to direct sunlight or heat sources is important. Also, always keep your child’s diaper in a cool, dry place when not used.
5.Should I Bleach My Cloth Diapers Before I Wash Them?
Ans: Here’s an answer to the question about whether or not you should bleach your cloth diapers before you wash them. Bleach can damage the fabric of your cloth diapers and may also cause them to shrink in size. Bleach is not recommended for use on natural fiber diapers.
