by Selena Robinson

Created on: September 22, 2009   Last Updated: September 24, 2009

Parents are always looking for ways to reduce childcare expenses. Increasingly, many are turning to cloth diapers as a frugal resource. However, when it comes time to wash them, some run screaming to the nearest drugstore for a package of Huggies. Relax! Washing cloth diapers doesn't have to be so scary. Here are some ways to launder cloth diapers without losing your sanity.

1. Make your own laundry detergent. Instead of browsing grocery store aisles to find an all natural and probably expensive detergent that won't break out your baby's skin, whip up a batch yourself. Try this recipe: http://www.diaperjungle.com/homemade-laundry-deterge nt.html . You can also use this detergent on your own clothes. If you don't want to make it yourself, you can try Charlie's Soap or Country Save, both of which are recommended by many cloth diaper users.

2. Wash diapers at least every other day. The longer they sit, the harder it will be to remove any stains. Use a regular diaper pail with a wetbag to store them. (See a diaper pail -sized wetbag here: http://www.bummis.com/us/en/tote-bags.php) When the bag is full, simply toss it into the wash with the diapers. Some find success with "wetpailing", which is pouring a mixture of water and baking soda into the wetbag and presoaking the diapers as you store them.

3. Swish poopy diapers in the toilet before placing in the wetbag. Generally all of the excess poop will come off in the toilet water, sparing the other diapers from unnecessary stains. If shoving your hands into toilet water makes you squeamish, consider investing in a diaper sprayer, which is basically a water hose and nozzle that attaches to your toilet so you can rinse off the poop. If you want to reduce your exposure to poop, you can use biodegradable or flushable diaper liners, so you can avoid washing poop out of your diapers so often.

4. Wash them in hot water and on your dryer's regular cycle. You might want to use an extra rinse or a presoak to be sure to remove all the stains and detergent.

5. If you have a clothesline or a drying rack, line dry your diapers to help them last longer. (This will also save you money on your electric bill.) If you have diapers made with PUL, you will need to dry them in the dryer occasionally to reseal the waterproof lining.

6. If you have stubborn stains that do not come out in the wash, hang your diapers outside in the sun. After an afternoon of sun drying, most stains disappear!

7. If your diapers suddenly stop absorbing well or if liquid seems to roll off the surface of the diaper, you might need to strip them. You can do this either in the washer or on the stove. If you use the washer, put the diapers in hot water and add 2 to 3 squirts of regular Dawn dish soap (not dishwasher liquid). Wash and rinse until all suds are gone. On the stove, you can simply put the diapers in a large pot and boil them in hot water.

Compared to disposable diapers, cloth diapers are much easier on both your wallet and the environment. Using the above tips will make washing them much easier on you!

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