BEFORE FIRST USE
Congratulations, now is the time to prepare your diapers for their first uses!
1. Washing your diapers
To do this, nothing could be simpler, you just have to put your diapers and inserts in the washer.
This will get rid of the sewing threads that would have stuck to the manufacturing and the fabrics to increase its absorption. As they are clean, regular washing in cold water is sufficient.
2. Dryer
When your load is finished, dry them in the dryer on low or medium heat to allow the fibers to tighten well. (Important: Avoid handling diapers when they are still hot, as this may damage them)
3. Increase the absorption of your inserts
Repeat the same process at least 2 more times, but only with the inserts to increase their absorptions. Note that it is around the tenth wash that they will obtain their maximum absorption. You can start using them and they will get better with every wash.
You are finally ready to get started!
Cloth diaper washing
(Wash Routine)
*Remove stool, if not already done. (In the case of an exclusively breastfed baby who has not started to eat, leave as is. The stools will dissolve in water without any problem.)
Step 1
Cold water rinse
You should always start with a cold water wash to remove residue.
Prioritize a cycle that lasts more than 30 minutes.
Step 2
Warm water wash cycle
Followed by a long cycle, “heavy durty or normal “high spin & high soil” in warm water (40º).
Make sure the diapers are not over compacted and that there is enough to asure a good rub during the wash.
Important :
Never use the sanitary cycle (sanitizer)
Machine wash diapers separately from your clothes.
If you have hard water
Use powder detergent or add sodium percarbonate or soda crystals to your liquid detergent which will neutralize the minerals.
Avoided doing a second rinse.
DETERGENT
Avoid baby detergents because they are not concentrated enough to properly clean cloth diapers and make sure it doesn’t contain fabric softener.
DRYER
The diapers can be put in the dryer, but it is recommended to dry them at low temperature. (it’s very good for the elastics and the pul of your diaper to use the dryer at least once a month).
For inserts the dryer helps to tighten the fibers well and prevent leaks.
Do not handle diapers if they are still hot,
this could damage the material and the elastics. Too high of a drying temperature or overdrying could also damage them.
QUANTITY
Fill your washer at least half full to promote friction. If you have less, add washcloths or small towels. You should not fill more than 3/4 of your washing machine. Wash your diapers every 2-3 days.
CLOTHESLINE
Spreading your inserts and diapers in the sun is a good solution to remove stains. The sun is an excellent whitener and also acts as an antibacterial agent.
However be carefull to not always dry them in the sun, because doing so too frequently will dry the rubber bands and wear them out prematurely.
Usually, if you use city water, you can find this information on the internet or by calling your city directly.
But it doesn’t matter if you use the aqueduct or your own well, water hardness strips can also be a very good solution to find out this answer. You can get them at pool stores or even at the pet store.
Because, if your water is considered hard and you are not using the right detergent, you may have problems with your cloth diapers.
Hard water is very high in minerals. The problem is that they tend to get lodged in the fibers of the diapers which can create problems with odor, absorption, unexplained red buttocks, even making the diaper and / or the inserts waterproof.
If your child is exclusively breastfed, you can put the diaper directly in the washer or fold it in half to put it in a wetbag while waiting for the next wash. Poop is water soluble, so no worries it won’t damage your washer, it’ll all go through without a problem.
If your child is mixed-feeding, formula-fed or even has started to eat solid food, you will need to remove the excess. If you rinse with water make sure to dry your cloth diaper before putting it in a waterproof cloth bag or leaving your load within 24 hours (to avoid moisture that could cause mold). Then if you don’t feel like scratching or rinsing by hand, you can use disposable liner.
There are disposable and washable liners, depending on your preference. It is a rectangle (fabrics, bamboo, polypropylene or others) that is placed to cover the inside of the diaper. The slip is there to facilitate the collection of “solid waste” and can be used in all types of diapers.
For more efficiency, place the liner by spanking it slightly beyond the back of the diaper.
Do you need liners? You’ll find them right here: Disposable / washable liners
Compatible cream :
- White clay powder
- Corn starch
- Coconut oil
- Oleo-Calcareous Liniment
For more details, please refer to this page: Diaper-compatible creams
Put diapers and inserts in a wetbag that can be hung up or placed in a garbage can. When it’s time to wash, all you have to do is empty the bag containing the soiled diapers in the washer and wash (put the bag in the wash at the same time as the diapers).
We don’t recommend rinsing diapers before storing them in this way, as this can encourage the growth of bacteria and mold.
If your diapers smell like urine and poo, your diapers are less absorbent, you are leaking regularly or your baby is irritating.
How to proceed:
- Fill your washer or bath with hot water
2. Add 1/4 cup oxiclean for a medium load
3. Mix well and let your diapers soak for at least 4 hours (even overnight if you want)
4. Drain the water and rinse your diapers with lukewarm water.
5. Put the diapers in the washing machine and rinse in lukewarm water with spin.
6. There should be no foam left, repeat step 5 until the foam is completely gone.
If you buy used diapers, you have odor issues or your diapers have come in contact with a contagious disease.
Disinfectant bleach: with a mention to kill viruses / germs or with at least 5.25% sodium hypochlorite.
How to proceed:
- Your diapers must be clean (wash them before if necessary)
- Fill your washer or tub with cold water.
- Add ½ cup of bleach (for an average load) and mix your water, before adding your diapers.
- Add your diapers, then stir everything and let soak for 30 minutes (stirring occasionally)
- Empty the tub and rinse your diapers with hot water to turn off the bleach effect.
- Rinse without soap at least twice or until you no longer see any suds.
- Wash in hot water with your usual detergent.
