Cloth diaper care
must-have stuff!
We will see together some essential tips to simplify the maintenance of cloth diapers at home. If you want to know more about the general maintenance of washable diapers, you can also consult our maintenance section. You will find more details about washing routines, descaling, disinfection and much more.
Let's start with the first thing you should do before starting your adventure...
1. Check your water type (soft or hard)
Knowing your water type will help you choose your laundry detergent wisely. Usually, if you use city water you can find this information on the internet or by calling your city directly. Water hardness test strips can also be a very good solution to find out your water type, no matter if youre using a well You can get some at pool stores or even at the pet store.
Why is this important?
Because if your water is considered hard and you don’t use the right detergent, you risk having problems with your washable diapers.
What is the difference with hard water?
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 odors, absorption, unexplained red buttocks until they make the diaper and/or the inserts waterproof. And let’s just say that’s the last thing you want!!
How to qualify the hardness of its water?
Less than 60 ppm, soft water
60 to 80 ppm, moderate water
80 to 120 ppm, strongly moderate
120 to 180 ppm, hard water
180 ppm and +, very hard water.
From 80 ppm, the mineral content is too high, it will have to be considered as hard water. In this case you will have to use either powder detergent or add sodium percarbonate, soda crystals or calgon to your liquid detergent which will neutralize the minerals.
Detergent to avoid
No matter how hard your water is, the important thing when choosing a laundry detergent isto avoid baby detergents. They are not concentrated enough to clean cloth diapers well and make sure your detergent does not contain fabric softener. You don’t need to buy specialized detergents for the maintenance of cloth diapers, often what we already use at home works very well.
2. Do you hang up your diapers to dry?
A word of advice, put them in the dryer at a low temperature at least once a month, which will prevent possible leaks by concealing the polyurethane that covers the outer fabric of your diapers. (the waterproof membrane)
: could ! .
3. Do you have tasks?
The essential trick is to lay them out in the sun right after washing (wet). You will see, the sun does wonders with stains and in addition to being a whitening agent, it has antibacterial properties. Be careful, however, not to hang your diapers outside too frequently, or you could cause the elastics to dry out and wear out prematurely.
4. How many diapers for a load?
When you do a load make sure you fill the tub of your washer to at least half of its capacity, without exceeding 3/4 to promote friction and ensure that everything will be washed well. If you have less, you can add small items, such as washcloths, underwear, washable sanitary napkins or reusable toilet paper, etc.
5. Storage
Between washes, it’s best to store your nappies in an open bag so as not to create moisture problems or lingering odors. And above all, avoid rinsing your diapers if you are not ready to do your laundry or dry the diapers after rinsing them before putting them in your laundry bag. A good storage system should not leave an odor. Little trick, you can also place a washcloth with a few drops of essential oil inside your bag.
6. Teething
Oxiclean can be a solution to eliminate particularly strong odors during periods of teething. To be used during the second wash cycle, if needed.
7. Liners
Without forgetting the disposable or washable liners which are very appreciated to simplify the cleaning of the diaper! In addition, they will save us most of the time from having to remove saddles in corners that are a little more difficult to access! Note that exclusively breastfed babies will not need a liner, the poo will be water-soluble and the diapers can be put in the washer as is.
Do you have questions about Cloth diaper care? Contact us, we will be happy to help you.