Caring For Diaper Fabrics

In order to wash your cloth diapers, you first must identify what kinds of fabrics your diapers are made from.  Here are a few common fabric types, and how to wash them.

Cotton, Bamboo, Hemp:

These are all natural plant fibers.  They are primarily absorbent.  They may be found in flats, prefolds, fitteds, and doublers.  These diapers should be pre-washed several times before use to insure maximum absorbency.  These fabrics are all machine washable and may be dried using a clothes dryer on high heat.

Microfiber:

This type of fiber is made from plastic.  It is primarily absorbent.  It is used in doublers and the inner layers of some all-in-one style diapers.  It should not be used directly next to baby's skin.  It is machine washable and dryable.

PUL, Nylon:

These fibers are made with plastic.  They are primarily waterproof.  They are used in most diaper covers, and as the waterproof outer layer in pocket diapers and all-in-one style diapers.  If they come in contact with urine, they may be wiped clean and air dried before reuse.  If they come in contact with poop, they must be washed with detergent before reuse.  These fabrics are machine washable.  They may be machine dryable; check your manufacturers instructions.  Air drying may extend the life of the fabric.

Polar Fleece:

This type of fiber is also made with plastic.  It is water-resistant, but some moisture may leak through when the fabric is compressed.  It can be used as a diaper cover, or as a moisture-resistant layer in pockets and all-in one style diapers.  This fabric should be washed with detergent after every use.  It is machine washable and may be dried using a clothes dryer.

Wool, Cashmere, Angora:

These are all natural animal fibers.  They are water-resistant, and can absorb some moisture.  They should be hand washed and relanolized after 2-4 weeks of use, and air dried flat.  Machine washing and drying are not recommended, and may ruin the garment.

See My Article On Washing Wool Diaper Covers.

To Machine Wash:

1.  Scrape/dunk solid wastes into toilet prior to storage.  Place diaper in laundry bucket.

2.  Add diapers to washing machine.

3.  Run a Cold Rinse cycle.  Drain wash water.

4.  Add a small amount of detergent.  Use more for hard water.

5.  Run a Hot Wash cycle.

6.  Run a second Rinse cycle.  Be sure that there are no bubbles.  Drain water completely.

Machine drying can vary depending on the size and efficiency of your machine.  Cloth diaper fabrics dry at different rates, and some should be dried only on low heat or air dried.  Do Not Use Fabric Softener!  This can affect absorbency and cause leaks.  Remember: when in doubt, follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Washing diapers doesn't have to be difficult or complicated.  Most diaper fabrics can be washed together without problems.  If you have any cloth diapers with special care instructions, such as wool, you may wish to wash and store them separately.

I hope you enjoyed my article.  Please leave a comment below if you have any further questions.

PS:
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