by Paisley Parmer

Created on: March 06, 2009   Last Updated: September 26, 2009

With cloth diapers becoming popular, many parents find they are asking the question, "How should I launder the diapers?" If you ask a group of mom's how they wash their cloth diapers every answer is sure to be different but I'm going to share with you some of the best tips out their including supplies, pre wash, washing, drying, stripping diapers and washing wool.

Laundering supplies:

- Diaper pail(s)

- Pail liner(s)

- Essential oil(s)

- Baking soda

- Vinegar

- Diaper sprayer

- Enzyme free detergent

- Dryer ball(s)

- Clothes' line

Pre-wash:

You should always dispose of any poop before putting the diaper in the diaper pail. When the babies are older, this may be as easy as simply shaking into the toilet. If not there is a marvelous invention called the "diaper sprayer" that can help in this matter.

Whether you sort them into different diaper pails or when you wash it is always best to keep the covers and diapers separate for the wash. Covers will last longer when not dried at the high heat that the diapers do. Moreover, you will avoid having to clean out aplix and Velcro daily.

Washing:

A cold pre-wash or pre-rinse helps to keep stains from setting in.

A few drops of Tea Tree Oil put in at the pre-wash or during the wash cycle will help kill the germs. Likewise, a few drops of lavender oil will help keep them smelling fresh. Essential oils can be very irritating to some babies skin though so be sure to use with caution and disregard use if your baby develops a rash or redness.

At some point in your wash routine there should be a hot wash or sanitize cycle to eliminate the germs on the diapers.

You should only use enzyme free laundry detergents. The enzymes will break down the diapers faster and cause soap build up. Build up not only effects how well the diaper functions but can also trigger a rash on your baby. The best detergents to use are plant based natural detergents.

Less is more when using detergent to wash cloth diapers. For most households you should only need to use about 2tbsp. of detergent at a time. Those with hard water will have to use more detergent. You will find that you adjust how much detergent you need with trial and error.

Baking soda added to the wash can help aid in getting the diapers the cleaner.

Never use fabric softener on the diapers while washing them. It will only cause them to repel when on the baby impeding their function. Instead, vinegar can be used on diapers as a softener in the wash, but should not be used by those with

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