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GUIDE TO WASHING CLOTH DIAPERS A BASIC INFORMATION SHEET PRESENTED BY 2008 MEMBERS OF THE REUSABLE DIAPER MANUFACTURERS GROUP PREPARING CLOTH DIAPERS FOR FIRST-TIME USE Natural Fibers (hemp/cotton) Wash 3-5 times in hot water (120°F/60°C) using proper amount of detergent for the product (see below). This enables the diapers to absorb properly. Dry hot between each wash to ensure shrinkage and proper absorbency. Polyester Fibers Wash product once using the proper amount of detergent for the product. Avoid prewashing polyester products with natural fiber products. Dry warm. Wool Products Hand wash wool products in lukewarm water with wool wash. Line dry. NOTE: Once the prewash process is completed, most diapering products (except wool) can be washed together according to the manufacturer's washing recommendations. WASHING CLOTH DIAPERS 1. Choose the right detergent and know how much to use (read section below). 2. Soaking cloth diapers is unnecessary. 3. Wash soiled diapers every other day. 4. For best results, remove solids from diapers before storing in ventilated pail. 5. Wash cold with correct detergent to remove waste and fight stains. 6. Wash hot (120°F/60°C) to cleanse your diapers. 7. An extra rinse may be required to remove any lingering detergent. 8. Hang dry or tumble dry warm/medium. Hemp or cotton diapers may be dried on hot. 9. Once per month, use up to 1/4 cup bleach or oxygen bleach (check with manufacturer first) in the hot wash cycle (step 6) to sanitize diapers and fight odors. 10. We do not recommend the use of laundry additives (including vinegar and baking soda). CHOOSING AND USING DETERGENT FOR CLOTH DIAPERS Some detergent ingredients may coat diaper fabrics, impede absorbency and void product warranties. Check with the product manufacturer before choosing a detergent. Optimal Detergents Allen's Naturally Powder /Liquid Country Save Powder/Liquid Planet Ultra Powder/Liquid Planet 2X Ultra Mountain Green Free & Clear Mountain Green Free & Clear Baby Tide Free* *Use with caution. Contains enzymes, may cause rash or redness. How Much Detergent When washing diapers, start by using 1/2 the detergent manufacturer's suggested amount. To determine the right amount, read the label and then carefully measure. High Efficiency Considerations Use an HE detergent. Set water levels to high to be sure that diapers are cleaned and rinsed properly. If the weight of the load determines the water level, put a wet towel in with diapers to increase the weight of the load. Ingredients to Avoid Natural soaps Dyes Perfumes Enzymes Softeners Fabric Enhancers Optical Brighteners Troubleshooting Detergent Issues Watch the second rinse for suds. Suds may indicate that less detergent is necessary. If the diapers smell, slightly increase the detergent and/or increase water level.
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