The ultimate Cloth Diapering Washing Guide

When we become parents, we always look towards our parents and the elders in the family for their suggestions and advice on navigating through the initial months and years of parenthood. And one thing all parents will agree upon is how cloth on your baby's bum is always better than plastic and one-time-use disposable diapers.

But if you are intimidated by washing and maintaining your baby's cloth diapers, this article is for you! In this article by SuperBottoms, we will discuss the pre-wash preparations, washing tips and how to prolong the life of your precious reusable diapers. But before getting into that, let us discuss what cloth diapers are. Read on!

What are Cloth Diapers?

A washable and reusable alternative to disposable diapers, cloth diapers, as the name suggests, are made of cloth. A modern cloth diaper brings the absorption and comfort of cloth in a product that does not leak and lets your baby sleep peacefully without feeling wet or uncomfortable.

Made from natural fabrics such as Cotton, Bamboo, Hemp or Microfiber, a cloth diaper is eco-friendly and biodegradable. Because of the nature of the product, cloth diapers need washing and maintenance which disposable diapers do not, but they are a more sustainable and cost-effective diapering solution.

Why Cloth Diapers?

In simpler words, newborn cloth diapers should be preferred over disposable diapers because they are:

1 • Reusable and washable, thus reducing waste.
2 • Cost-effective, as one cloth diaper can be washed and used up to 300 times.
3 • Do not end up in landfills and pollute the earth.
4 • One size fits all adjustable diapers.
5 • It can be passed on to the next child in the family, thus further saving money.

Types of Cloth Diapers

Every apparel has different washing instructions as given by the manufacturers. Thus, to be able to understand how to wash and care for your baby's cloth diapers, you also need to understand the different types of cloth diapers available. Here are three different types of cloth diapers that you will need for varying stages of your baby's diapering journey.

1. Newborn Nappies – When a baby is born, for the first few days, they will pass the amniotic fluid in their stomach in the form of a dark green sticky poop, also known as Meconium. They will poop several times a day and will need frequent diaper changes. SuperBottoms newborn nappy / langot is your best option for daytime diapering at this stage.

2. All-in-One Diapers – Also known as SuperBottoms UNO Diapers, all-in-one diapers are adjustable and come with inserts. A freesize diaper can fit from 7 kg baby to 17 kg, thus being a versatile diaper that adjusts with your growing baby. It can be adjusted to fit all body type babies and is equally comfortable for all babies. SuperBottoms UNO has a Super DryFeel inner layer that does not let your baby feel wetness or discomfort.

3. Padded Underwear – A perfect solution for getting your baby off diapers and starting their potty training journey – SuperBottoms Padded Underwear. With 3 layers of 100% cotton padding, padded underwear can hold up to one pee.

Before Washing

Before washing a cloth diaper, if your baby has pooped or peed in, it is advised to initially eliminate any solid waste or poop by using a jet spray and dumping it into the commode. Then, at that point, rinse the diaper in tap water to eliminate any excess residue. After this, you can wash the diapers and other laundry loads in the washing machine or with your hands, as suits you.

Washing Soiled Cloth Diapers

Once the initial rinse is done, follow the following steps to ensure your baby's reusable diapers are clean and fresh for subsequent use.

1 • Wash in hot water: Once the initial rinse is done, wash the diaper. Hot water helps to kill bacteria and thoroughly clean the diaper. Use a detergent specifically formulated for cloth diapers, as regular detergents may leave residue or affect absorbency.
2 • Avoid fabric softeners and bleach: Fabric softeners can leave a residue on cloth diapers, reducing their absorbency. Similarly, bleach can weaken the fabric and cause premature wear. It is best to avoid using these products when washing cloth diapers.
3 • Use the appropriate amount of detergent: Follow the manufacturer's instructions or guidelines to determine the right amount. Using too little detergent may not fully clean the diapers while using too much can lead to detergent buildup and affect absorbency.
4 • Consider a pre-wash cycle: If your washing machine has a pre-wash cycle, consider using it. This extra cycle helps to remove any stains or odours before the main wash, resulting in cleaner diapers.
5 • Avoid overloading the washing machine: It is important not to overload it when washing cloth diapers. Overloading can prevent proper agitation and hinder the cleaning process. Follow the machine's capacity guidelines for optimal results.
6 • Rinse thoroughly: After the wash cycle, rinse the diapers thoroughly to remove all detergent residue. The residue left on the diapers can cause skin irritation and affect absorbency.
7 • Dry appropriately: Cloth diapers can be air-dried or tumble-dried on low heat. Hanging them to dry in direct sunlight can help remove stains naturally. Avoid high heat settings as they can damage the diaper's fabric and elastic.

Following these tips, you can ensure that your cloth diapers are effectively cleaned, odour-free, and ready for reuse.

Key Takeaways

Cloth diapers are a sustainable and cost-effective diapering solution as they are reusable and washable, reducing waste and can be used up to 300 times. Before washing a cloth diaper, it is recommended to initially eliminate any solid waste or poop by using a jet spray. Then, rinse the diaper in tap water to eliminate any excess residue.

When washing soiled cloth diapers, use hot water to kill bacteria and thoroughly clean the diaper, avoid fabric softeners and bleach, use the appropriate amount of detergent, consider a pre-wash cycle, avoid overloading the washing machine, rinse thoroughly, and dry appropriately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):-

Q1. How often should I wash cloth diapers?

Ans: If your baby has pooped in the organic cotton cloth diaper, you need to wash the diaper after it is soiled. In case of only pee, it is advised to change the diaper every 3 – 4 hours, rinse it, and put it in a washing pile.

Q2. Should I pre-wash cloth diapers before the first use?

Ans: Any apparel or clothing you purchase for your baby, including their cloth diapers, should be pre-washed before putting them on your baby. This will ensure that any manufacturing residue or dust caught during the product's packing and couriering is washed off and the diaper is safe for your baby's skin.

Q3. Can I use fabric softener when washing cloth diapers?

Ans: It is not recommended to use fabric softeners on cloth diapers. Fabric softeners interfere with the absorbency of the diapers and reduce the life of your baby's reusable diapers and washable diapers. A proper wash routine and sun drying is enough to keep the cloth diapers fresh and clean.

Q4. Can I wash cloth diapers with other laundry items?

Ans: Yes, of course. Once the cloth diaper is rinsed properly, you can toss them in with other laundry items and wash them all together in the washing machine or handwash them.

Q5. How long does it take for cloth diapers to dry?

Ans: On a good sunny day, your baby's cloth diapers and inserts will quickly dry within a few hours’ time. But during monsoons and days when there is barely any sun in the winters, it might take longer for the cloth diapers to dry off completely.

MESSAGE FROM SUPERBOTTOMS

Hola, New Moms and Dads! We at SuperBottoms ensure you have the best and safest products for your babies, no matter what corner of India or the world you are in. SuperBottoms is appropriate for your baby's sensitive skin throughout their Cloth Diapers journey, in any season, and also offers Padded Underwear for kids. If you reside in Canada, Kuwait, the United States, Qatar, Hawaii, Bahrain, Armenia, the United Arab Emirates, or the Philippines, SuperBottoms is an essential product for you and your child.