Checkout Go Home   Go Shopping Cart Cart   Go Contact Us  
get real (diapers)cloth diapers .. get real .. diapering can actually be fun!     
Search: Go
Advanced Search
Username Password
Register  
FAQ
Spacer
Menu Categories
Catagory Menu
Cloth DiapersCloth Diapers
Prefold Cloth Diapers
Hemp Prefolds
Fitted Cloth Diapers
Contour Diapers
All in One Diapers
Micro Terry Diapers
Diaper CoversDiaper Covers
Velcro Diaper Covers
Snap Diaper Covers
Pull up Styles
Pocket Diapers
Swim Diapers
Wool Covers
BibsBibs
Changing TimeChanging Time
Easy Clean Up
Wipes/Bottom Cleaners
Diaper Storage
Baby SkincareBaby Skincare
Moms ThingsFor Mom
Diaper LinersDiaper Liners
Extra Absorbency
Stay Dry
Disposable
Potty TrainingPotty Training
AccessoriesAccessories
BeddingBedding
Cloth Diaper PackagesPackages
Compare DiapersCompare Diapers
Compare CoversCompare Covers
Compare LinersCompare Liners
ManufacturersSearch by Brand
Menu Your Account
Jardine Diapers Shopping Cart Empty Cart is empty

View cart
Checkout
Wish list
Gift Registry
Password Recovery
Orders history
Returns
Bonuses
Special offers
Menu Gift Central
Gift certificates
Find a Registry

Menu Learn
FAQ
Diapering Lingo
Diaper & Cover Care
Cloth Diapers
Diaper Covers
Cloth Diaper Packages
Diaper Cover Sizing
How to use Cloth Diapers
Compare Products
Menu Help
Contact us
Privacy statement
Terms & Conditions
About Us
Returns/Exchanges
Shipping Information
Endless Covers
Frequent Changes
Catalog
Menu Manufacturers
Bummis
Bumkins
Proraps
Cotton Babies
Babykicks
Kissaluvs
Happy Heiny's
Imse Vimse
Kushies
Snappi
Other manufacturers...

Menu Newsletter
Sign up for occasional news and coupons

Subscribe
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Universal Washing Guide

Washing Guide - Cloth Diapers

A Basic Information Sheet (for use with all diapering products)
Compiled by 2008 Members of the Reusable Diaper Manufacturers Group**



Preparing Cloth Diapers for First-Time Use
Natural Fibers (hemp/cotton)Polyester FibersWool Products
Wash 3-5 times in hot water (120F/60C) using proper amount of detergent for the product (see below). This enables the diapers to absorb properly. Dry hot between each wash to ensure shrinkage and proper absorbency. Wash product once using the proper amount of detergent for the product. Avoid prewashing polyester products with natural fiber products. Dry warm. Hand wash wool products in lukewarm water with wool wash. Line dry.
Note: Once the prewash is completed, most diapering products (except wool) can be washed together according to the manufacturer's washing instructions.


Washing Cloth Diapers
  • Choose the right detergent and know how much to use (section below).
  • Soaking cloth diapers is unnecessary.
  • Wash soiled diapers every other day.
  • For best results, remove solids from diapers before storing in ventilated pail.
  • Wash cold with correct detergent to remove waste and fight stains.
  • Wash hot (120F/60C) to cleanse your diapers.
  • An extra rinse may be required to remove any lingering detergent.
  • Hang dry or tumble dry warm/medium. Hemp or cotton diapers may be dried on hot.
  • Once per month, use up to 1/4 cup bleach or oxygen bleach (check with manufacturer first) in the hot wash cycle (step 6) to sanitize diapers and fight odors.
  • We do not recommend the use of laundry additives (including vinegar and baking soda).


Choosing and Using Detergent for Cloth Diapers
Some detergent ingredients may coat diaper fabrics, impede absorbency and void product warranties.
Check with the product manufacturer before choosing a detergent.


Optimal Detergents How Much Detergent High Efficiency Considerations Ingredients to Avoid

Allen's Naturally Powder/Liquid

Country Save Powder/Liquid

Planet Ultra Powder/Liquid

Planet 2X Ultra

Mountain Green Free & Clear

Mountain Green Free & Clear Baby

Tide Free*

*Use with caution. Contains enzymes, may cause rash or redness.

When washing diapers, start by using 1/2 the detergent manufacturer's suggested amount.

To determine the right amount, read the label and then measure carefully.

Use an HE detergent.

Set water levels to high to be sure that diapers are cleaned and rinsed properly.

If the weight of the load determines the water level, put a wet towel in with diapers to increase the weight of the load.

Natural Soaps

Dyes

Perfumes

Enzymes

Softeners

Fabric Enhancers

Optical Brighteners



Troubleshooting Detergent Issues
Watch the second rinse for suds. Suds may indicate that less detergent is necessary. If the diapers smell, slightly increase the detergent and/or increase water level.

References: Sarah Gesiakowski, Pinstripes & Polkadots (www.pinstripesandpolkadots.com); Washing references from Cloth Diaper Manufacturers; The Great Diaper Debate, 2008 Members of the Reusable Diaper Manufacturers Group.

Disclaimer: This information is offered as a public service and is not intended to be a complete resource. Information is current as of September 2008 and will be reviewed again in February 2009. Information is subject to change. Keep in mind that detergent manufacturers change their formulas without notice. Washing machines vary in capacity and water usage. Water types vary by region. With issues not solved by the information above, contact the product manufacturer for further instructions.



Washing Guide - Moisture proof Materials (Diaper Covers/Pocket Diaper outer covers)

Jardine Diapers Basic Information

  • Most diaper covers can be used without washing first. Pocket Diaper outer covers should be washed before use.
  • Diaper covers can be washed using the above detergents on warm or low and hung to dry.
  • Close hook and loop fasteners before washing.
  • Do not use bleaching or whitening agents on your covers.
  • We recommend washing most brands of covers separately from your diapers.
  • Some covers can be dried warm or hot in the dryer. Please check the manufacturer's care label.
  • Wool covers should be hand washed in wool wash and hung to dry. Lanolin should be used monthly for maximum performance.
  • Many diaper cover and pocket diaper manufacturers that use P(oly) U(rethane) L(aminate) recommend drying hot on occasion if the cover/pocket diaper seems to be damp during use.
  • It is important that the elastic in your covers/pocket diapers is not stretched while the product is still warm out of the dryer. It will cause the elastic to be stretched out.




** The upper part of this document was created by representatives of most of the major diaper brands that we carry. They basically went to the 'lowest common denominator' washing products that would work with all their cloth diapering items. There will be exceptions. Where the document states that you should check with the manufacturer before following directions (such as when using bleach) you should check to avoid voiding any warranty. - Jeanne


Can't find what you are looking for? Contact Us.  
Cloth Diapers    |   Diaper Covers    |   Changing Time    |   Baby Skincare    |   For Mom    |   Diaper Liners    |   Potty Training    |   Accessories    |   Bedding    |   Packages    |   Site Map   |   FAQ   

If you have any questions about the products on our web site or questions about cloth diapering in general please use our FAQs or the 'Contact Us' link in the Help section.

Copyright © 1998-2008 Jardine Diapers  Helping parents find the right cloth diapers since 1998.
Celebrating our 10th year in business!

Credit Cards



Bummis | Bumkins | Proraps | Imse Vimse | Fuzzi Bunz  | Cotton Babies | Thirsties | Diva Cup | Kushies | Kissaluvs  | Babykicks | Snappi | Burt's Bees | MiniShower  | Citrus Circles | Babybits