Wash cloth diapers 2

Wash and dry new cloth diapers 5 to 10 times to remove chemicals. This will also increase the absorbancy of your cloth diapers. Do not worry if you notice that your cloth diapers "quilt up" during this process. This is normal.

To extend the life of our cloth diapers and covers, we hang them dry. It is especially important to do this with AIO's and diaper covers to preserve their waterproofing ability.
The washing instructions are for a full load of cloth diapers. You may include nylon and polyester diapers covers in this load. Handwash all wool covers.

Overnight Soak Method

Pre-Wash. (This step can be skipped if you use the wet pail method.) Place all cloth diapers in the washer, and run a prewash in cold water. This will remove most of the loose particles from the cloth diapers.

Overnight Soak. Refill the washer with cold water and 1/2 cup of baking soda. Let it agitate for a minute or two, then turn off the machine and let the cloth diapers soak several hours or overnight. Drain the water (I run a pre-wash to do this.) Baking soda is a base and neutralizes the urine in the cloth diapers. This is very effective in whitening and removing the smell from the cloth diapers.

Hot Wash. Empty the bin and run the wash with hot water, detergent and 1/2 cup Arm and Hammer Washing Soda. Since my baby has sensitive skin, I use All HypoAllergen detergent.
Double Rinse. Add about 1/2 cup of vinegar during the first rinse. If you have a washer with a fabric softener compartment pour the vinegar there when starting the hot wash. Otherwise you can throw in a Downy ball filled with vinegar.

No Soak Method

If you prefer not to soak your diapers or if you only have access to a coin operated machine follow this method:

Cold Wash. Place all your soiled cloth diapers in the machine with baking soda for a cold water wash.

Hot Wash. Add your wet cloth diapers to load, add detergent and baking soda and wash in hot water.

Rinse. Rinse cloth diapers with cold water and vinegar.
2nd Rinse. Rinse cloth diapers with cold water.