Wet Pail Vs Dry Pail
There
are 2 basic methods for storing wet and soiled cloth diapers, the
wet pail method and the dry pail method. In the wet pail method, all
cloth diapers are placed in a pail filled with water. Storing the
diapers in water (usually accompanied by baking soda) is said to
help prevent stains from setting. When wash day
comes, the water is drained in the bathtub or toilet and then the
diapers go into the wash. This method has lost much of its
popularity due to odor issues that arise from stagnant water, the
potential for messiness, and the potential drowning hazard present
by having a pail full of water in the vicinity of children. A wet
pail can also be inconvenient when you consider that AIOs and diaper
covers often need a separate (dry) pail.
The
dry pail method seems to be the preferred method, whereby wet
and soiled diapers are merely placed within a covered (or
uncovered) pail with no pre-soaking. Odors can easily be
controlled by sprinkling baking soda on the diapers or putting a
deodorant disc at the bottom of the pail.
Which
Washing Method Works Best?
We
recommend that you wash no more than two dozen diapers at one time,
too much friction can cause pilling. Because detergent
build-up can occur we also recommend that you use less
detergent than you normally would.
Send
your diapers through two wash cycles – a COLD/COLD wash or soak, and
a HOT/COLD wash. Use a 1/4 cup of your preferred detergent. If you
have hard water,
you may also add 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar to the fabric
softener dispenser during the final rinsing. If you are experiencing
odor problems, 2-3 drops of Tea Tree Oil or 1-2 squirts of Bac-Out Stain & Odor
Eliminator can help. And make sure you fasten all velcro tabs to
avoid diaper chains.
After the washing portion is finished,
your diaper should smell fresh and clean with no hint of urines,
feces, ammonia or other unpleasant odors. Every now and them you may
need to do an extra rinse to help eliminate odors caused from a
build-up of detergent. Once they are freshly cleaned they are ready
to go in the dryer or be line dried. The heat from the dryer or the
sun help to sanitize the diapers. Generally you should dry your
diapers on hot for 60-90 minutes, with some AIOs or extra thick
diapers taking longer. Make sure you check the washing and drying
instructions for every brand of diaper you buy, to extend the
overall life of your diapers. Wool is one example of a diapering
product that requires special care, since it does not need to be
washed as regularly as other diaper covers and it should always be
air or line dried. If your diapers do not smell clean to you – if
you can still detect a lingering diaper odor – you should wash them
again. The odor you’re smelling most likely means there is bacteria
present in your diapers which could cause irritation to your baby
and potential problems like diaper rash.
If you want to cut your electricity
usage by 50-60% then line drying is a good option. Not only do you
help to conserve energy but the sun is wonderful for getting out
tough stains on diapers. To avoid stiff diapers, set them out on the
line during early morning or late afternoon hours when they will not
dry as fast. Line drying your diapers
will also extend their life, especially AIOs and
covers.
Which Detergent Should I use?
Generally
you will need to use less detergent than normal for washing cloth
diapers as they are easily susceptible to build-up. The detergent
you use for washing your other clothing will usually work just fine
for cloth diapers as well. There are some detergents that work
especially well for cloth diapers though and fragrance free
detergents are usually best for something so close to your babies
skin.
Allens Naturally Laundry Powder works well on cloth diapers,
as does Bio-O-Kleen. The
enzymes in Bi-O-Kleen are especially effective on stains, while the
citrus extracts have disinfecting properties that kill bacteria. For babies with sensitive skin we recommend All Free
Clear or Charlie's Soap. Don't forget the amazing cleaning power of
adding baking soda to
your wash cycle and distilled white
vinegar to your rinse cycle. Not only are they highly
effective they are also cheap!
It is best to avoid detergents with
whitening enzymes such as Arm and Hammer Advanced Detergent
Action. The enzymes can actually attack baby's
sensitive skin and cause horrible, blistering rashes! You should
also avoid void washing cloth diapers with soap products since
repeated washing with soap creates a waxy build-up that reduces the
absorbency of cloth diapers.
See our
Detergent Chart
Should I Dunk in the Toilet?
Many
parents cringe at the thought of having to rinse soiled diapers
before washing them. This is the
very reason why many would prefer to use disposables and "throw
away" the problem. Dunking them in the toilet is not necessary
however. In most cases, all that you need to do is lightly shake any
excess feces into the toilet, perhaps using a bit of toilet paper to
remove stubborn spots and then simply throw the diaper into your
diaper pail. If you would feel more comfortable rinsing them,
perhaps you could get a diaper sprayer that attaches to your commode
or bathroom sink to lightly spray your diapers before putting them
in the pail. Many cloth diaper retailers sell diaper sprayers or
mini-showers as they are often called.
Cloth Diapers in the Laundromat
Taking
cloth diapers to a Laundromat can be a chore but it is possible! The
good news about Laundromat washing is that many times huge
front-loading machines are available that can wash up to 40- 50
diapers at a time - and they're easier on your diapers than a
top-loading machine. With this mind, you may be able to limit your
Laundromat visits to once or twice a week. It is also helpful to use
a pail liner and avoid hauling the entire diaper pail into the
Laundromat. All in all, Laundromat washing is not difficult, just a
little more time consuming but well worth the effort!
Washing
and Lanolizing Wool
Washing
wool in a washing machine is incredibly simple, just fill the
machine with just enough warm water to cover your wool items. Add a
teaspoon of Eucalan No Rinse Fabric Wash or other wool cleaner for
each gallon of water. Soak for 1/2 hour. Squeeze gently by hand and
remove. Spin the remaining water out. Of course you may also use a
bucket or the kitchen sink as well. Avoid hot and cold water as they
will distress the natural wool fibers.
To dry, simple wring out
excess water and either line dry or lay flat on a towel to air dry.
Never tumble dry.
If you notice your wool diaper product is leaking, you may need to
lanolize it. Simply put one to two drops of pure lanolin in a basin
of hot water. Dunk your wool and saturate for 15-20 minutes. Wring
out excess water and roll in a towel to remove as much water as
possible. Hang dry. Lanolizing your wool covers should usually be
done once a month.
Laundering Mistakes!
The
following products and processes are not recommended for use in
laundering cloth diapers:
Chlorine Bleach - Yes it is great for killing
germs but it is bad for cloth diapers and covers. It will
actually eat away at the fibers in your diapers, leaving holes and
frayed edges, decreasing their durability and absorbency. It will
also adversely affect the waterproofing in certain cloth diapers.
Baking soda and oxygen bleach are great whiteners to use instead.
Fabric Softener - This
product is equated with super soft and fresh smelling clothing, so
it is only natural that you would want to use it on your cloth
diapers but this would be a mistake. Fabric softener, either in
liquid or sheet form – leaves a water-repelling residue on your
diapers, making them less absorbent and useful in the very purpose
that they serve. It also coats your diaper covers and
can deteriorate their water-proof laminate.
Pure Soaps – Pure soaps are the more natural choice in the world of
cleaners, but soaps will leave a residue on your diapers and covers
– similar to the soap scum you find in your tub. Soap scum on
diapers makes them repel moisture rather than absorb it and it is
also harsh on the laminates used in your diaper covers, making them
absorb rather than repel water. The best choice for washing your
diapers is to use detergent on them.
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