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 Fibers	Wool 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 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)

Garden 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