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

***************************************

Do you have a cool cloth diaper photo or a grand opening to share? Email me!
 

Sign up for FREE environmental tips and ideas from two hip chicks!