Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Q. ARE THERE ANY BENFITS OF USING CLOTH DIAPERS?
A. There are so many reasons a family may choose to use cloth diapers. Everything from being tired of dealing with blowouts and leaks, to babies with sensitive skin. There are also many eco-conscious families that choose to cloth diaper to save disposable diapers for going to landfills or even to reduce the toxins and chemicals they are exposing their baby to. Many of the chemicals used to make disposable diapers are often to blame for rashes and skin conditions in infants. there are also many cost saving benfits. Click here to learn more
Q. HOW MANY CLOTH DIAPERS DO I NEED?
A. For newborns and infants on a strictly liquid diet are changed roughly every 2 hours and go through 10-14 changes a day. Older babies and toddler can go longer stretches at night and through the day if they have enough absorbency dropping down to 8-12 changes a day. If you multiply that by the number of days you’d like to go between washes and add maybe 3-5 you’ll have a great number to start. 24-30 is typically the magic number for most that choose to wash every 2-3 days. Click here to learn more
Q. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES IN ALL THE COTH DIAPERS ON THE MARKET?
A. Cloth diapers may look slightly different between each individual brand, but also there are many different systems of diapering. Ther are All-In-One systems, Pocket, Covers, Wool, Flats Preflats and fitteds. I always recommend trying a few different types when starting out you may find that you end up gravitating to one specific type and that can be what you choose to buy more of for a full stash. Check out this Guide for a brief description of the different types of cloth diapers you may encounter.
Q. CAN I CLOTH DIAPER WITH MULTIPLE KIDS IN DIAPERS?
A. Absolutely! Cloth diapering is perfect when you have multiple children. The cost savings are significantly multiplied when you have more than one child using cloth diapers, and your impact on the environment is significantly reduced. It also makes for a more efficient load of laundry. If you’ve stored your diapers between having more babies and are looking for how to refresh and sanitize them check out my personal plan for Preparing My Stash for baby #2
Q. DO I NEED DIFFERENT SIZED CLOTH DIAPERS AS MY CHILD GROWS?
A. It depends! If you plan to cloth diaper from birth Newborn cloth diapers are great but they will only fit for so long. Depending on the brand you choose, some brands offer size specific options similar to the sizing you’d find on disposables. a more cost-effective option is to get One-Size diapers but the average range is 8-35lbs or there are some that are 10-50+ lbs. If you find yourself with a bit of a chunkier baby there are XL options that offer more room to grow and if you have a delayed potty learned there are extended size options that can fit over +80lbs
Q. IS MY BABY TOO OLD TO START WEARING CLOTH DIAPERS?
A. No, If your baby is still in diapers past the typical standard 2-3 years due to any potty learning delay or special needs there are diapers avaiable in extended sizes that can be a great option. If your baby is still small and wondering if the investment is still worth I encourage you to at least try swapping 2-3 diapers a day with a cover and flat system and decide if it’s right for you. Here’s a post on the items that I’d recommend for doing this on a budget
Q. CAN I USE A DIAPER RASH CREAM WITH MY CLOTH DIAPERS?
A. Yes, there are many options when it comes to creams and balms. There are a few ingredients you want to look out for and those are Zinc Oxcide and Petroleum. Zinc Oxcide can leave a white stain and petroleum could be harder to wash out and cause a repelling issue if you don’t have access to washing with hot water. Most mamas choose to just use Coconut oil, cornstarch or whatever cream they like and add a liner as a barrier to protect the diaper.
Q. HOW DO I STORE MY DIRTY CLOTH DIAPERS?
A. Travel wetbags and pods are great for on-the-go changes or for sending to daycare. If you’re looking for a multiday storage option hanging wetbags and pail liners are great for holding several days worth until you’re ready to wash. You can use an open hamper system to allow maximum airflow or you can use a diaper pail such as the Dekor Plus and remove the odor trap to allow more air to enter. Unlike with disposables, having an open system of storage for you cloth diapers is important for odor & mold prevention.
Washing
Q. HOW OFTEN WILL I HAVE TO WASH MY CLOTH DIAPERS?
A. Having a larger stash of diapers means you can go longer periods of time between washings. If you have a smaller stash, you may run a load every night. 2-3 days is about the average time but some may choose to go longer. Try not to exceed 6-7 days to avoid mold and mildew, keep them in a cool dry place with plenty of airflow to avoid odors.
Q. HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO WASH CLOTH DIAPERS?
A. Washing cloth diapers shouldn’t be much different than running a regular load of laundry. Once solid waste has been flushed down the toilet, empty your pail or wet/dry bag into the washer for a cold rinse, add some detergent for a hot wash, run an extra rinse if you need to remove excess detergent, toss them in the dryer, and you’re done. Your washer and dryer do most of the work! Folding and sorting the diapers and inserts, once clean, will take a few minutes depending on how many you have in your stash. Here’s a quick example of a standard wash routine, the amount of detergent and any additives used is truly unique to your situations.
Q. HOW TO CLEAN CLOTH DIAPERS WITH POOP?
A. Whether using cloth diapers or not, parents and caregivers of babies and toddlers deal with poop every day. With cloth diapers, any solids (other than those from an exclusively liquid diet fed baby) need to be discarded in the toilet. Shake the diaper over the toilet, use biodegradable cloth diaper liners, or spray using a hose attached to your toilet. Whatever your method, you want to remove as much solid waste as possible before placing the diaper in the washing machine. For some of my favorite accessories check out my Dirty Diaper Duty blog!
Q. CAN I WASH MY CLOTH DIAPERS WITH OTHER CLOTHING?
A. Yes! This is a great way to save time on loads of laundry. As always, be sure that you have removed as much solid waste as possible from your diapers prior to washing. Be certain that clothing you wash with your cloth diapers is not significantly soiled with dirt or oil, and does not require excessive detergent. Also, ensure your clothes can handle the warm water that is recommended for washing cloth diapers. Worried about the transfer of smells? Clean diaper cloth fabric should be odorless, and this applies to your laundered clothes as well.
Q. HOW DO I WASH CLOTH DIAPERS IF I HAVE HARD WATER?
A. The high mineral content of hard water can significantly affect the performance of your laundry detergent, and can leave mineral build-up on your cloth diapers and absorbancies. Over time, your diapers may leak, or you may have trouble getting them clean. Thankfully, this can all be avoided by using a water softener during your cloth diaper wash routine. Add a powder or liquid softener during the rinse and wash cycle, or look for a commercial detergent that contains water softeners.
Q. WHAT IS THE BEST CLOTH DIAPER DETERGENT?
A. There are a lot of options to choose from when considering the best detergent for washing cloth diapers. What you use will depend on your personal preferences, your washing machine and the type of water you have – hard or soft. Do not use detergents that contain fabric softeners, and avoid detergents with harsh chemicals, dyes, fragrances, optical brighteners and bleach. Check out our Detergent Index for some great recommendations to help get you started.
Extras
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Q. HOW DO I CLEAN PRE-LOVED CLOTH DIAPERS?
A. When you purchase any cloth diapers second hand, it’s likely it doesn’t come with the previous owners wash routine or information about their water hardness. Always start with checking for detergent build-up. Then you will need to strip and sanitize. (Check the troubleshot section)
Q. I DON’T HAVE DETERGENT BUILD UP, HOW DO I STRIP CLOTH DIAPERS?
A. Stripping is the process of removing Mineral build up from hard water or ammonia. 2 premixed and ready to use products I recommend are Grovia Mighty Bubbles and RLR. Use as directed, if you been like you have excess build up you can repeat the process but do not combine multiple packets per wash. Soaking for several hours is not necessary.
Q. HOW DO I SANITIZE CLOTH DIAPERS?
A. Sanitizing is the process used to kill any bacteria, fungus, virus, mold, mildew so it doesn’t spread and neutralize ammonia from previous wash issues or preloved items. Only Disinfecting Bleach can be used to fully sanitize. There needs to be a minimum of 5-6% of Sodium Hypochlorite diluted at 1 tablespoon per Gallon of water or 7-8.9% diluted at 2 teaspoons per gallon of water. soak no more than 30 minutes in cool or normal tap water. Hot wash twice with your usual main wash amount of detergent.
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Q: HOW DO I PREP NEW DIAPERS?
A. If your new diapers are just the outer water resistant layer you can just throw them in for one wash and they ready to go. If you have absorbency attached or inserts you’ll need to wash twice.
Q: HOW DO I PREP MY NEW INSERTS?
A. Natural Fiber inserts are typical coated in oils that need to be stripped away for them to reach peak absorbency. Most brands send care instructions to wash 6-8 times but you can usually just wash twice on hot and just change more frequently in the first few wears. If you have Microfiber or other synthetic material insert, just one wash will do.
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Q: HOW DO I MAINTAINE A GOOD WASH ROUTINE?
A. The best way to maintain a goo wash routine is to stay consistent, but be flexible. If you’re not feeling like washing one day, that okay but you’ll have to remember that when you next load is slightly bigger and remember to accommodate. or if you decide to wash sooner, use a little less. your routine does not have to be super rigid. Another way to maintain a good wash routine is regular monthly or bi-monthly cleaning of your washing machine
Q: HOW DO I CLEAN MY WASHING MACHINE?
A. Always refer to you manual for the specifics of you machine, but in general you’ll want to drain any remaining liquid from the base, check and clear any filter and gaskets for hair, lint/trash and set the machine on a self clean cycle. You can use Affresh or Active washing tablet. I personally prefer Active because you get a much larger supply and for the price per item it’s really the most cost effective option.
Q: HOW CAN I MAKE SURE MY DIAPERS ARE COMING OUT CLEAN EVERY WASH?
A. The best way to test if they truly getting clean is to smell check! If they still smell like detergent you likely used too much and you should probably do another rinse. If they still smell dirty you likely were not using enough detergent or enough agitation. Throw them in for another was and re-access. If you have hard water and realize you’re starting to get build up you can do a deep clean with Grovia Mighty Bubbles.
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Q: HAVING LEAKS WITH CLOTH DIAPERS
A. If you’re experiencing leaks take a look at the label on your diaper inserts, polyester/microfiber inserts are prone to compression leaks, try pairing with a more absorbent insert or flour sack towel if you’re on a budget. Check out this list for different absorbency types to help you decide how to better pair or search for new inserts
B. If you’re using good natural fiber inserts your leaks could be due to fit issues, Check out this great video on How To Get A Great Fit In Cloth
C. If you’re using good natural fiber inserts, you have a good fit, it could just be time to increase the absorbency! There comes a time in every journey where baby starts drinking more water and juice and milk and at that point the urine output also increases! It may not be anything you’re doing, it’s just your baby getting bigger and consuming more.
D. If you’ve check all these points and still don’t know why you’re getting leaks, its time to check your wash routine.
Q: HELP WITH WASH ROUTINE
Dealing with smells
A. If you’re experiencing smells you need to determine if they are ammonia smells like strong urine, or if it’s more like a dirty barnyard smell
1. If you’re having an ammonia smell, you may need to determine if you have enough agitation and bulk in your wash or if there is any detergent build up. Start with a Swish test and work from there!
2. If you’re having a barnyard smell with your cloth diapers, They are not getting clean enough. You may be trying to wash too many diapers and not getting enough agitation, you may also not be using enough detergent.
Dealing with leaks
A. If you’re experiencing leaks and think there may be a wash routine issue It may be due to you inserts or liners causing repelling. make sure you are not using a detergent or additive that has fabric softener. Check for detergent build up first and go from there.
Q. HOW DO I CHECK FOR DETERGENT BUILD UP?
A. A Swish test (as commonly referred) is to check for detergent build up. You’ll take a bowl of warm water and agitate the diaper or insert in question. soak and ring it out a few times and if the water is clear you’re all good! If the water is sudsy and cloudy you’ll need to rinse out all that detergent out before you do anything else.
Q. I HAVE DETERGENT BUILD UP, NOW WHAT?
A. If it’s just a few diapers and insert, you can probably just soak and ring them out a few time and toss them into the next wash to get out the remaining detergent. If it’s a lot of diapers, or you’re rinsing out you’re whole stash from a bad previous wash routine, throw them in the washer! Depending on the severity of the build up (how cloudy the water was) you can start with 1-2 hot washes with 1-2 cups of distilled white vinegar. Swish test again and determine if you need to continue rinsing.
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