Wash Cloth Diapers 1

Washing diapers at home is actually quite simple. This is a very detailed description. Initially it may sound complex, but you'll soon find it routine.

1. Shake "poop" into toilet. Rinse "poopy" diapers in toilet bowl. You can use a Diaper Duck or rubber gloves will help keep your hands clean.

2. Collect soiled or wet diapers in a plastic pail with no liquid added, or (only if you prefer) in a solution of water mixed with 1/4 cup of vinegar, Borateem®, Borax or Ivory Snow® Liquid.

This can help control odours and staining. Do not soak your diaper covers in this though, as it can ruin their waterproofness.

3. When ready to wash, if you've been soaking your diapers - drain excess solution into toilet. Use your spin cycle to drain the diapers of any remaining solution. Otherwise, or in addition, run your diapers through a cold wash /cold rinse presoak cycle - if you have this setting on your washing machine. For optimum cleanliness, wash only 24 diapers in an average load.

4. Then, use HOT wash and COLD rinse with high water level. If rashes are a problem, try a double rinse to remove detergent or soap residues. Use a mild soap or detergent with no phosphates, and a minimum of additives.

5. Dry in dryer on high heat for an average of 60 minutes to help sterilization. Drying in direct sunlight is also an excellent method, and it helps wonderfully with getting rid of stains.

6. Some parents like to add washing soda, vinegar or borax to the wash to keep diapers white, and to help sterilize them. Some parents prefer to boil diapers for 10 minutes once in a while, especially after a bout of diarrhea, or a yeast infection, to help prevent rash and provide optimum sterilization. But this is absolutely NOT necessary on a regular basis or for all babies.