Cloth Diaper Laundry Survival Tips

One of the first questions I get after I tell someone I use cloth diapers (after "do they leak?", of course!), is how I wash them. Cloth diaper laundry does not need to be overwhelming. If done properly, you can even avoid the dreaded "stripping" of cloth diapers. Here are a few quick tips to help you on your way to clean cloth diapers. Of course, you do not need to do all of these tips every load. Some suggestions are beneficial for diapers that have developed stink.

**Note: I owe a top loading washer and dryer, not a HE or front loading washer and dryer. In fact, top loading washers are supposed to be best for washing diapers.

-Always have your washer set to the largest load as this prevents stink.


-Always make sure you use the rinse cycle. This will prevent build up and eventual leaking.

-Make sure laundry tabs are closed before washing diapers, if using aplix or velcro closures on your diapers. 

-If you have a problem with stink in your diapers, try adjusting the amount of detergent used. You may require more or even less detergent than you are using.

-If a diaper doesn't smell clean, it isn't it. Simply rewash (I toss such diapers right into my pail and wash them in the next load).

-If your diapers are not getting clean, it may be due to the number of diapers per wash. Never exceed 24 diapers in a single load.

-Remove inserts from pocket diapers prior to washing.

-It's best to line dry your diaper covers. The heat from the dryer can break down your elastics more quickly.

-Avoid soaking your diapers. While some parents choose to use wet pails, some manufacturers recommend that you do not soak your diapers as this can break down elastics more quickly.

-Pre-rinse to remove soil on diapers.

-Top loading washers are reportedly better for cleaning cloth diapers.

-Do not exceed 2-3 days between washes.

-Toss a towel (not one dried with a dryer sheet!) in with your inserts while drying them. This will speed up drying times.

-Consider investing in wool dryer balls to reduce drying times and prevent static in your other laundry.

-To treat stains, place diapers outside in the sun. The UV rays naturally take out stains. Amount of time in sun will vary depending on the stain.

-Never, ever use dryer sheets!

-For a list of ratings for cloth diaper detergents, click here.

-If you use a diaper pail liner in a plastic garbage can, consider a 9-gallon trash can instead of 13-gallon. That way it forces you to wash  your diapers more frequently.

-Above all, be sure to check the tags on your diapers or the manufacturer's website to ensure the best care for your diapers to make them last longer!

Cloth Wipe Solution

Loving cloth wipes? You can use them dry, but for extra messy diapers it's best to use wet cloth wipes. You can use just plain water, but using a solution can be soothing to baby's bottom--especially if baby has a diaper rash.

****Please note that you should never soak then store your wipes at room temperature. They will grow mold that way. You have two options: either keep your wipe solution in a spray bottle and spray wipes prior to use OR if you do soak your wipes, store them in a wipe warmer.

Supplies:

-1 Cup Water
-1 Teaspoon Baby Oil (or Olive Oil)
-1 Teaspoon Baby Wash or Shampoo
-1 Teaspoon of Calendula Oil (optional-great for treating or preventing diaper rash)

-Mix all together and store in a spray bottle.

How to Make Your Own Cloth Wipes

Cloth wipes are fabulous and amazing. I feel like they clean better than disposable wipes, they are super soft on baby's skin, and easy on the budget...if you make them yourself. Cloth wipes available to buy are usually $2 a piece or more, which is crazy to pay when they are so simple to make. I promise you will love using cloth wipes!

Supplies:

-Fabric of choice (I recommend flannel or another soft, cotton alternative)
-Thread
-Sewing machine
-Scissors

While you can simply use scraps of fabric (some prefer oval shaped wipes), I like having wipes that fit perfectly into my travel wipe case. You could use 8 x 8" pieces and fold them, but I prefer having smaller wipes.

-Cut an even total of 4" x 8" pieces of your fabric.

-Sew them together using a tight stitch. If you want a clean edge, use a tight zigzag stitch along the edge. If you want a frayed edge, a tight straight stitch is perfect.

Eight Days without Cloth

I just spent eight days without cloth diapers. In other words, Baby Ruffles wore disposables for eight days. I was shocked by how much I missed Baby Ruffle's fluff covered bum! Here are some observations I made during that time:

-Wet diaper smell. I never noticed it before, but wet disposable diapers stink! Whatever odor it is, it's pretty gross!

-Brightly colored coordinating cloth diaper sticking out of an outfit or dress? Way cute! Saggy disposable diaper stick out? Not so cute. 'Nough said.

-Tossing out dirty diapers. While it was nice to not have to worry about washing diapers on vacation, hotels and rented vacation houses are not the most "trash-friendly" places either. The tiny waste basket in our room filled up so quickly and we were constantly trying to figure out where to toss the dirty diapers. Not to mention, I never realized how much I don't like rolling up a dirty diaper. It's hard to believe that messing with cloth diapers feels less gross than that, but it really did.

-Diaper rubbing her skin raw. Now, this never happened in the 3 months Baby Ruffles was in disposables. However, I was disappointed to see that the edge of the top front of her diaper was rubbing her tender skin off. It was red, too. It was just a small spot, about the size of a dime, but there was definite irritation.

-Every day she looked like she was on the verge of a diaper rash (mostly due to the fact that her bum was pink all over).

-I felt like I was constantly changing her diaper! This part was interesting because I figured out that we went through roughly 80 diapers in 8 days, which is 10 diapers a day. Not bad at all considering we were going through at least 15 a day before we switched to cloth, but I found myself dreading diaper changes again.

-Last, but definitely not least... The biggest and most obvious difference were the multiple blowouts. Oh yeah! Almost forgot about those! Suddenly, it was back to poop leaking out on her cute outfits! Boy, I did not miss those! In fact, Baby Ruffles had such a huge blowout that it covered her grandfather, the chair he was sitting on, the rug on the floor, and got on her dad! Not something you want to deal with in a rented vacation house! We just don't get blowouts anymore except for the rare occasion where the diaper isn't on Baby Ruffles correctly.

Dealing with Diaper Rashes

It happens. You take off your baby's diaper and there it is...a blotchy, red rash. Poor baby! Relax. You don't need to make a run to the store for disposable diapers to use until it clears up (don't they cause enough rashes as it is?). You have several options to clear that rash right up!

-Use cloth diaper safe rash cream.

-If that's not available, use any rash cream with a liner, disposable or reusable. However, you should always, always, always avoid rash creams that contain cod liver oil. They will make your diapers reek!

-Take time to air out baby's bottom. Give that bottom a chance to breathe! It makes a bigger difference than you think.

-Give baby a bath. Even better, add some calendula soap for extra soothing and healing.

-Change baby's diaper more frequently. Don't let that baby sit in wetness or a dirty diaper!

-Add vinegar to the rinse cycle when you wash your diapers.

-Use cloth wipes and alcohol-free wipe solution.

-Try diapers made with different material. Synthetics a problem? Switch to bamboo. Find what works.

-Finally, consider that the rash might be yeast related.

Cloth Diaper Supplies

I was a little surprised by the extras that make cloth diapers a little easier. What's that? You don't just need diapers?? Crazy, I know. Actually, most of what is recommended prevents bigger messes, less odor and help your diapers last longer. So, unless any of that sounds like a negative thing to you, keep reading.

Obviously, you need the diapers, but what else?

Diaper Pail Liner or Hanging Diaper "Pail" (sometimes referred to as an extra large "wet/dry bag")-

Sure, you could use an empty trash can and it would work just fine, but with a liner you don't have to reach in and scrub grime out of a trash can you can just toss it in the wash. I use a Kissaluvs pail liner and absolutely love it. I wash it about once every two weeks or more frequently depending on if I notice an odor. You could go for a hanging diaper pail option. The problem with plastic (as in a plastic trash can) is that eventually it will absorb odors and will always stink. The hanging pail option allows air to flow so odors don't build up and you just toss it in the wash with the diapers each wash. At least that's the idea. The down side is where to put it and the bulk/clutter. Either option you choose, if you have the means you should buy two so you have somewhere to place your diapers while you wait for it to wash and dry.

Wet Bag-

Wet bags are a lifesaver when you're not at home. A diaper bag essential, wet bags are used to store diapers instead of tossing them directly into your diaper bag (yuck). I scored a free one from Maxwell Designs in a giveaway and I don't know how I would survive without it. Wet bags are also fabulous for other items like soiled clothes, wet swimsuits, and basically anything else you don't want ruining your diaper bag contents. I would recommend one for anyone--not just cloth diaper using moms!

Cloth Wipes:

While these aren't essential, they are completely logical and I can't recommend them more. When I first started using cloth diapers, I was still using disposable wipes and it never made sense to need to toss messy wipes in the trash by themselves. Maybe it was just the habit of wrapping dirty wipes in the diaper before throwing it away, but I found myself longing for cloth wipes. However, have you priced the cloth wipes out there? It's like some kind of joke! They are so expensive. I made my own (tutorial coming soon), but those super cheap baby wash cloths and other materials can be used instead. I was shocked by how much I loved cloth wipes when I tried them. Mine are soft flannel and just patting Baby Ruffle's bottom seems a more gentle and easy clean up. In fact, my husband (he might hurt me if I call him Daddy Ruffles) commented that he believed they were far more effective in wiping up poop. I quickly agreed. He was right! They work so well I felt like I had discovered some kind of big parenting secret--the miracle of cloth wipes! Try them. You'll love them. (note: I still think disposable wipes are wonderful for cleaning up messes on the go, etc. )

Drying Rack and/or Clothes Line-

Air drying your diaper covers is not only highly recommended by manufacturers, but can significantly extend the life of your diapers. You can use either a drying rack, clothes line or both. I live in a fairly rainy climate so I cloths line isn't the best option for me 90% of the time. I picked up a cheap-o drying rack and it is great. I can do a load of diapers at night and they are dry by morning. A clothes line is nice for sunning diapers and inserts to remove stains and costs just a few dollars. This is definitely an essential purchase.

Diaper Liners-

Diaper liners can either be disposable or reusable cloth. The disposable liners are great because you can simply flush soiled liners and if they are just wet, they can be washed, dried and reused. Liners make it possible to use non-cloth diaper safe rash creams, too. While definitely not essential to using cloth diapers, they can be useful!

Cloth Diaper Safe Rash Cream-

Diaper rashes are inevitable. You're going to need to find a great rash cream that's also safe for your cloth diapers. The price tags on most of these rash creams aren't small, but when you consider the alternative of purchasing disposable diapers it's the more frugal option.

 Cloth Diaper Safe Detergent-

Speaking of products safe for cloth diapers, finding a good detergent is essential. Rockin' Green (pictured above) is a favorite of several moms with rave reviews about the wonderful scents offered, but there are many options available. Most online retailers have an entire section of natural laundry soaps. It's worth the investment. You want a detergent that won't cause build up so you don't have to strip your diapers. Stripping is a hassle and means more wear and tear on your diapers. Here is a recipe for a homemade detergent that is safe for cloth diapers.

Diaper Sprayer-

This one would be a definite investment, since they run about $40-50. A diaper sprayer is essentially a glorified kitchen sprayer that attaches to the toilet to spray poop where it belongs--in the toilet. This cloth diaper accessory is considered essential by many, not just a luxury.

CJ's BUTTer Product Review

Did you know that most diaper creams create build-up and sometimes staining on cloth diapers? This build-up causes wicking or leaking. There are several diaper rash products out there that are effective. A list of them with ratings can be found here.

I chose CJ's BUTTer to solve Baby Ruffle's rash issues due to rave reviews, especially about the wonderful scents available. I was not at all disappointed! Now I understand why it's widely known as "the miracle in a tube"!

CJ's BUTTer is silky smooth, requiring small amounts of product to fully coat a baby's bottom. It's not sticky or thick, yet it doesn't just wipe right off during diaper changes. "Butter" is a great name for the product because that's a perfect description of what it feels like. It goes on smooth. I've never liked smearing thick or sticky product on Baby Ruffle's already sore bottom, so the smoothness is a big plus for me. I felt like I was soothing her bottom instead of irritating it.

As far as effectiveness goes, CJ's BUTTer clears rashes right up. I apply it at the first sign of redness and the redness disappears the next day. Even those times when she's gotten a rash, CJ's worked great. For example, Baby Ruffles woke up last week with a nasty looking ammonia burn. I used CJ's BUTTer on her all day with every change and the next morning the burn was gone. I believe CJ's BUTTer works even better than my old popular zinc oxide diaper rash creams.

As for cloth diaper usage, I have had no problems with CJ's BUTTer creating build-up or staining my diapers. I have noticed a slight oily residue after washing my diapers, but it has never lasted more than 2-3 washes. Perhaps I just need to wash any diaper used with the BUTTer an extra time before allowing them to dry, but I haven't given that a try.

Okay, now on to the real reason I love this product: the delicious smell. Yes. I said "delicious"! CJ's BUTTer has an impressive list of fragrances to choose from like "Warm Vanilla Cake", "Coconut Lime Dream", "Apples and Spice", and the eyebrow raising "Monkey Farts" (apparently it smells like bananas and other yummy fruits). It's incredibly tempting to try them all. I picked "Blueberry Crumble" after reading many recommendations for that particular scent. It smells so wonderful. My mouth actually waters just imagining blueberry crumble when I use it...not something at all expected during a diaper change!! The smell doesn't just wear off. Baby Ruffles smells delicious all day. It's truly fabulous. Having said all that, they do offer an unscented version for those extra sensitive to fragrances.

Luckily for me, CJ's BUTTer is not just for diaper rashes. Baby Ruffles gets crusty, dry skin behind her ears. I decided to try the teeniest bit of CJ's BUTTer on it and it cleared it right up. Not to mention, she smelled like blueberry crumble and not spit up when I gave her kisses and cuddles! CJ's website boasts a long list of uses for their BUTTer including eczema, chapped skin, rug burns, and even leave-in conditioner! They also have a new yeast formula just for those pesky yeast infections.

CJ's BUTTer comes in a tube, tub or even a stick version and is sold by several online retailers, including their own website.

Homemade Cloth Diaper Detergent

Did you know that your not supposed to wash your cloth diapers in regular laundry detergent? On top of that, you're not even supposed to treat diaper stains with products (refer to my cloth diaper laundry tips for more information). The reason why you're not supposed to use detergent is because it builds up a residue in the fabric that creates wicking...aka you get leaks. That issue can be solved by "stripping" the diapers, a process you're more than welcome to Google should the problem arise. Anyway, the residue is similar to what happens to towels if you toss them in the dryer with a dryer sheet or fabric softener, which reminds me... NEVER USE DRYER SHEETS OR FABRIC SOFTENER with cloth diapers.

So what kind of detergent should you use? Well, homemade detergent (which I can't rave enough about. I LOVE mine) works great or you could buy some specially formulated for cloth diapers, such as Rockin' Green. Even then, less is more so it lasts a long, long time. Still, I don't even purchase regular laundry detergent because I make my own. I've heard great things about Rockin' Green, but it's still pretty pricey. So, I make my own cloth diaper detergent and let me tell you...I haven't had a single problem.

Supplies: 

-Borax

-Sun Oxygen Cleaner or Baby OxyClean (do NOT use regular OxyClean!!)

-Arm & Hammer Washing Soda

Directions:

-Thoroughly mix 3 cups Borax, 3 cups Sun Oxygen Cleaner, and 3 cups Arm & Hammer Washing Soda in a plastic container with a lid.

-Store in plastic container.

-Use 1 tbsp of mixture per load.

Getting Started with Cloth Diapers

If you're wondering how to begin using cloth diapers, you've come to the right place. It can be a daunting process. I will be posting several links for further explanations and do some advice of my own.

What Diaper Options are Available?

First up, you need to become familiar with cloth diaper terms and more importantly, the various cloth diaper options available. These are not your grandmother's (or mother's!) cloth diapers. Those are still available but my thought is if there's an easier way, why mess with pins? But, I do seem to be getting ahead of myself...

Here are a few links about the various cloth diaper systems out there:

http://allaboutclothdiapers.com/new-to-cloth-diapers/cloth-diaper-systems/ (systems available)

http://www.diaperpin.com/clothdiapers/article_differentsystems.asp (pros and cons of diaper systems, fabrics, etc.)

http://www.diaperjungle.com/cloth-diaper-terminology.html (cloth diaper terms with pictures)

http://www.littlefornow.com/pages/clothdiapersmadesimple.php (cloth diaper system comparison chart. includes estimated cost and convenience ratings)

http://www.handmade-adelaide-baby.com/best-cloth-diapers.html (the diagrams in this post cannot be beat!)

I use pocket style diapers and a few all-in-one diapers, and will be providing the most information about them. However, I will soon have my hands on other styles and will give reviews on those systems.

Moving on.

It's important to select a diaper system that you feel comfortable with based on what features are most important to you. For example, I wanted a completely cloth (as in no disposable inserts) diaper that was easy to use and easy to wash and dry. I also wanted to avoid sized diapers for obvious economical reasons and, not to mention, if (heaven forbid) I ended up with two in diapers, I wouldn't have to fish through my stash to make sure I had the right size for the right kid. That's why I decided to go for one-size pocket cloth diapers. I do have two all-in-one (or AIO) diapers that I love except for one little issue--they take forever to dry!

Anyway, pocket diapers are my ideal and I highly recommend them for anyone just starting out with cloth diapers. Also, I prefer snaps as opposed to aplix (velcro) options. I find that the aplix can rub Baby Ruffle's skin raw and it's notorious for not lasting as long as snaps. On the other hand, aplix can be easier for dads, grandparents, and other caregivers who may be intimidated by cloth diapers.

Buy, Buy, Buy

After you select which system you prefer, it's time to make a purchase. There are a few methods to buy cloth diapers. There's the "safer" way, where you purchase a "trial" pack available at most online retailers. Kelly's Closet, Sweetbottoms Baby, Jack Be Natural, and others. Be sure to ask an online retailer if they offer trial packages if you don't see them listed. Trial packs allow you to figure out which diapers you prefer and usually offer a risk-free program where you can return the ones you don't like and receive 90% of the cost back. It depends on where you make your order. Be sure to check the details! Keep in mind that different diapers might even fit better or work better during different weight "stages". For example, Oh Katy diapers may have the best fit at 13 lbs, but bumGenius fit best at 15 lbs. Sometimes as a baby grows, you'll find you need to adjust the waist back to a smaller setting too. Remember, not every diaper will fit every diaper.

Once you have figured out which brand works best for you, you can wait for online deals to make your purchases. Kelly's Closet is my favorite place to check for discounts because it seems they always offer them. Whether it's $5 off a $35 purchase or spend $69 and get a free one-size diaper, there is always something. Keep an eye on deal a day sites too. They can offer discounts of 40% off or more. Eco Baby Buys frequently offers cloth diapers, especially FuzziBunz. My list of deal sites is a good start of places to watch.

Another option is to buy gently used (GU) diapers. Trusted online retailers often offer a selection of used diapers, but Re-Diaper will probably be your best bet for purchasing used diapers. I will be posting more on tips on buying used diapers later on.

How Many Diapers?

The biggest question that always pops up when you start your diaper stash is how many diapers you need. It depends. How often do you want to wash diapers (other than never)? 12 is a common recommendation for the least amount of diapers to buy and I wouldn't go any less than that. I personally recommend that you start out with 12 and buy more as you feel is needed. I currently have 23 diapers and wash them every other day (you wouldn't want to go more than that any way if you want to keep your house from smelling terrible). There are multiple sites on the web with mathematical equations on how to figure out how many diapers to buy if that floats your boat. Also keep in mind that more frequent washings with wear out your diapers faster which is something you will want to avoid if you hope to sell your diapers or pass them on to your next child.

Quick Recap Time:

-Select your diaper system preference.

-Try out a few brands, either doing a trial package or simply ordering them on your own.

-Once you find what you like, order more!

-Expect to purchase at least 12 diapers.

What's in My Stash

I talk about cloth diapers...a LOT. I love trying new brands and having a collection of beautiful colors to choose from each diaper change. However, what diapers do I use? I won't use this to do reviews on each brand. I will be posting reviews (and link to them) later on.

11 Oh Katy Diapers

6 bumGenius 4.0 Diapers Snap Version

1 bumGenius 3.0 Diaper Aplix Version (discontinued)

1 Flip Cover

2 GoGreen Pocket Diapers

2 GoGreen Champ 2.0 Diapers

4 AppleCheeks Diapers

1 Kawaii Baby Diaper Square Tab Snaps

1 Envibum Diaper

1 Happy Heinys Diaper Snaps Version

Switching to Cloth

Diapers. They are a necessity when it comes to babies and an expensive one at that. When it came time for me to decide what kind of diapers I wanted to use, it wasn't a choice. I was using disposables. I even told my husband not to even bring up the option of cloth because I was adamant that I would never ever use a cloth diaper.

Then I had Baby Ruffles. I loved my disposable diapers. I used Pampers Swaddlers and was 100% satisfied with them. Thanks to Amazon Mom, I wasn't even sweating the cost. The only thing I wasn't thrilled about was how many we went through in a day. Baby Ruffles would not tolerate a wet diaper. The minute it was wet was the minute she would start screaming as if we were torturing her. We would use at least 15 diapers in a single day, usually more. The number of trash bags we took out each week quickly doubled and everyone knows there are few things more disgusting than a plastic bag full of dirty diapers. It became extremely frustrating since we were just throwing away money.

I had a few friends come over with their babies which of course led to diaper discussions. They would mention that they had tried cloth diapers and loved them. I would smile and nod with very little interest. Until one of my friends actually handed me a cloth diaper. It was soft! So soft! Not to mention completely adorable. She mentioned how they are super absorbent and it got me thinking. Maybe Baby Ruffles would tolerate wet diapers better if they were cloth. I decided I would buy one or two to test out.

I believe it was within a week that I found a deal online for AppleCheeks that were half-off. I picked out two and waiting impatiently for them to arrive. It was love at first touch. They were so buttery soft and looked so cute on. It took me a few tries to get the fit right and other things like that, but the main thing I noticed is that Baby Ruffles was suddenly tolerating wet diapers.

I had to get my hands on more. Soon, I was searching online for reviews, deals, and advice. Now, I have a wealth of knowledge about cloth diapers and a lovely blog to share it on. When I got started looking into cloth diapers, I quickly became overwhelmed which is why I want to share what I have figured out along the way. I have to say all the research was completely worth it. Cloth diapers were something I swore I'd never do and now I cringe at the thought of ever going back to disposables. So, what changed my mind to stick with cloth? Here are a few reasons:

-My baby tolerates a wet diaper for a change!

-That pile of baby clothes on my washer being pre-treated after blow-out? GONE!

-Saving money!! Even if you bought 24 of the most expensive cloth diapers, you would still be paying less than you would on disposables. Not to mention if you take care of them, they can be used for your next baby or even sold.

-Fewer diaper rashes.

-I actually look forward to diaper changes now. I get to pick which color to put on her next and which brand.

-They are so cute and feel like another fun accessory to the outfit!

-No chemicals against my baby's bottom!

-No more tabs that tear off making the diaper useless!

-No more stinky trash bags to throw out!

-No more midnight runs to the store when you run out of diapers. If you need more, you just wash them.

-Less waste and environmentally friendly, of course!

Still not convinced? Here are a few links to articles written by other bloggers about their switch to cloth:

http://www.clothdiaperblog.com/why-consider-cloth-diapers-for-baby/

http://www.theclothdiaperwhisperer.com/2010/10/age-of-modern-cloth-diaper.html

http://www.theclothdiaperwhisperer.com/2010/08/why-i-went-cloth-and-you-can-too.html

Sound like a worthwhile switch? I certainly thought so! Now that you've read my story about why I made the switch, you can learn about how you can make the same switch. Basically, the fun is just about to get started. I will be posting cloth diaper Q&As, brand reviews, laundry tips, and other awesome information.