February 2008 Newsletter
From the
Cloth Diaper Blog....
If you have been hanging around this site for
more than 5 minutes then you already know that using cloth diapers has some big
time advantages over disposable diapers. Cloth diapers can save a ton of cash,
and they are the better choice for the environment. Despite all this, parents
continue to shell out big bucks for what is essentially garbage (disposable),
figuring they just can't handle the inconvenience of laundering cloth diapers.
As a cloth diapering mom of 4 plus years I have to wonder...what
inconvenience??? Perhaps one of the biggest deterrents to cloth diapering is the
diaper laundry. You would think cloth diapering mamas beat their diapers on
rock in a nearby river or something. In actuality, cleaning those cloth tushie
covers is as easy as handling any other kind of laundry. You throw a load in
the washing machine, turn it on, and forget it. The machine does all the work.
Then you transfer that load to the drier and let it finish the job or hang the
diapers on the line and walk away. Personally I never folded diapers or even put
them away very often since we used them so much. I just tossed them in nice
wicker basket.
There are a few simple changes to make sure
the diapers are thoroughly clean. Put your diapers in the washing machine and
set it to wash a cold cycle. You can add soap if you want, but the main purpose
of the cold wash is to help prevent the soiled diapers from staining. Plain
water works pretty good. When the cold wash cycle finishes, set the washing
machine to wash with hot water. Then add a your favorite detergent, usually a
little less than normal, and let the cycle run. At the end of the hot wash
cycle, you can re-rinse if you like. I usually do...just to make sure there is
no soap residue. Otherwise, take the diapers out and toss them into the drier.
Depending on what kind of diapers you are using, set the drier to run either a
regular or cool drying cycle, and turn it on. Reuse the diapers again and
again. Rinse and Repeat.
Here are a few things to keep in mind to make
washing cloth diapers as easy as possible and to extend the life of your
diapers.
1. When the diaper is soiled, you don't have
to do anything extra for babies who are still exclusively breastfed. The
washing machine will take care of it. When the baby is eating solid foods the
poop will be more solid and will need to be scraped off. Gently scrape with
some toilet paper and flush. You should try to get as much off the diaper as
you can, but the washing machine can still handle a surprising amount of
residue, so don't overdo it. Just get rid of the really solid stuff.
2. Do not use bleach or fabric softeners.
Bleach will wear down the fibers in the diapers, shortening their useful life.
Fabric softeners tend to add residue to the diapers which can irritate baby's
bottom as well as cause the diapers to repel, rather than absorb water. Rely on
the hot water, soap and vinegar to sanitize the diapers. If they smell clean,
they are clean.
Washing cloth diapers may seem more difficult
at first, but it's really more work for your washing machine, and maybe a
learning curve for you. Once you've washed a few loads, it becomes second
nature and you too will be scratching your head in wonderment when your friends
balk at using cloth diapers.
Cool Cloth Diaper Photo:
The Wading Pool is a Congo featured on the HyenaCart.
It is a collaboration of 10 WAHM's that all share the same belief for good
customer service and strive to create quality handmade products.
The products featured are clothing and accessories for children and adults,
cloth diapers, wool yarns and handmade toys.
They stock every Friday at noon. You can check out The Wading Pool here:
www.hyenacart.com/thewadingpool
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Do you have a cool cloth diaper photo or a grand opening to
share? Email me!
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