Care Instructions

Care Instructions

 

cloth diapers

This diaper is thick and requires extra care and dry time when cleaning. Follow this guide and you will see that a properly cleaned diaper will last you years of regular use!

 

Rinse

After using your cloth diaper, place the diaper under running water and wring out or kneed out the water from the diaper repeatedly until the water runs clear. This may take a few minutes but it’s worth the effort to prevent stains and odors. Most washing machines have trouble rinsing out all the urine completely with how thick these diapers are.

Once the water runs clear from the diaper, wring out the excess water and wash right away or place the diaper in an air-tight/water-proof bag or container for up to 4 days until you are ready to wash it.

My preferred rinsing method is to wear the diaper into the shower and allow the water to run over my diaper for a bit (it’s fun and I get to squish my diaper around) before taking it off and wringing it out by hand.

Alternatively, I ball up the diaper and run water over it in a sink and use the sink to knead the water out of the diaper like I’m kneading a ball of dough. I then throw the diaper into an office can liner bag, tie it off, and store it for when I’m ready to wash the diaper and toss the bag.

 

Wash

Wash the diaper with oxygen bleach (like Oxiclean) and a detergent that has no fabric softener (fabric softener coats the fabric and reduces absorbency). Set the washer to warm water, heavy duty cycle with extra rinse and spin. Pre-soak diapers in the washer with oxygen-bleach to help remove stubborn stains.

 

Dry

Place in the dryer on high heat for the maximum amount of time your dryer allows. Dry for 90 minutes. The diaper may still be damp when removed from the dryer and you will need to air dry the diaper until it’s completely dry, typically overnight after 90 minutes in the dryer for me. Always allow the diaper to completely dry before wearing it again.

I know this may seem like a lot but it’s worth it to keep your diapers in tip-top-shape. A diaper that isn’t cleaned properly can develop odors and mold, causing irreparable damage. You know you’re doing a good job of cleaning if you can smell your diaper after it’s cleaned and there are no odors (other than cotton!).

If you only used the diaper as a cover or it was used without urinating it, skip the hand rinse and wash it like regular laundry (no fabric softeners). After going through the dryer, allow the diaper to air dry completely before using again.

 

Plastic Pants

After use, rinse off any solids and store with your cloth diaper until you’re ready to wash it. Run the plastic pants through the washing machine with the diapers.

Once washed, hang the plastic pants and allow them to air dry.

Do not run your plastic pants through the dryer! Do not air dry your plastic pants in direct sunlight!

“A properly cleaned diaper will last you years of regular use!”