Diaper Laundry

When I first tried cloth diapering 5 years ago, laundry was gross and a pain. I've now discovered that it is quite simple and there is no soaking or wringing out nasty diapers involved. Everyone has a slightly varied routine, but here is what I do.

I use a dry pail. (My "pail" is actually a kitchen garbage can with the step activated lid. The inner bucket lifts right out.) No water or solution to soak in. I just put about 4 drops of tea tree oil in the bottom of the pail when it is emptied to keep it fresh and keep the nasty stuff from growing. Then, as the diapers are soiled, I just toss them into the dry pail. Fitted diapers and All-In-Ones just get thrown in as is. Pocket dipes I give a good shake so that the insert comes out and then it gets washed seperately. **My son is currently just breastfed so there is no concern of solids. When that time comes, the routine will be altered a little to involve shaking the solids into the toilet. The same as you need to do with a disposable diaper. **

When the pail is full I take the inner bucket out and carry it down to the laundry room. I start the washing machine on a cold wash/cold rinse cycle. I add a small amount of purex free and clear detergent to the wash basin. (about 1/4 of the amount recommended on the bottle) Then I dump in the diapers, close the lid and leave.

When that cycle is finished, I start another cycle of a hot wash/cold rinse. I add 1/4 cup of white vinegar to the wash basin. This helps to neutralize and soap residue that it left in the diapers. Too much soap and residue can make your diapers stinky and water repellant. Not what you want!

Once they are done in the wash I toss them into the dryer. The only ones that don't go in the dryer are the bumGenius 1.0. They need to be hung on the line to dry. The newer 2.0 and 3.0 versions are dryer friendly. About halfway through the dryer cycle, the pocket diapers will be dry. You can either remove all the diapers at that point and hang the damp ones up to finish drying, or just keep the dryer going. Depends on your preference.
Once the spring comes I will be using the clothes line to dry the diapers and then maybe just touching up for a fluff in the dryer. Any diaper with PUL (polyurethane laminate) on the outside such as the fuzzi bunz and the very baby AIO will be put in for a few minutes on high heat. This helps to keep the laminate sealed to the cotton. Using the clothesline will also help to remove any stains that your diapers have.

Easy right?