|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Real Diaper Industry Association- Cloth Diaper Washing Guide |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Guide to Washing Cloth Diapers
A Basic Information Sheet
Preparing Cloth Diapers for
First-time Use
| Natural Fibers (hemp/cotton) |
Polyester Fibers |
Wool Products |
Wash
3-5 times in hot water (120°F/60°C) 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 process is completed, most diapering products (except
wool) can be washed together according to the manufacturer’s washing
recommendations. |
Washing Cloth Diapers
1. Choose the right detergent and know how much to use (read section
below).
2. Soaking cloth diapers is unnecessary.
3. Wash soiled diapers every other day.
4. For best results, remove solids from diapers before storing in
ventilated pail.
5. Wash cold with correct detergent to remove waste and fight stains.
6. Wash hot (120°F/60°C) to cleanse your diapers.
7. An extra rinse may be required to remove any lingering detergent.
8. Hang dry or tumble dry warm/medium. Hemp or cotton diapers may be
dried on hot.
9. Once per month, use oxygen bleach (check with manufacturer first) in
the hot wash cycle (step 6)
to sanitize diapers and fight odors.
10. 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 carefully
measure. |
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;
Washing References From Cloth Diaper Manufacturers; The Great Detergent
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.
File Last Update: 11.19.08, by Jennifer Labit, Chair, Real Diaper
Industry Association
Copyright:
Portions of this document are derived from material copyrighted by
Cotton Babies, Inc. and have been used with permission.
|
|
|
|
|
