What do I do when I first receive my cloth diapers?
Bleached prefolds and flats need to be washed at least 3 times on hot prior to first use, and unbleached prefolds 3-5 times. This will cause your prefolds to fluff up nicely and be super absorbent. They usually get better and better the more you use them!
Fitted diapers, pocket diapers, all-in-ones and diaper covers usually need to be washed 1-2 times prior to using.
Washing
There are many methods used by cloth diaper users to wash their diapers and many methods recommended by each of the diaper manufacturers. Here I'll describe a "general" diaper washing routine, which involves washing the cloth diapers about every 2-3 days. This will vary, though, depending on how many diapers you have. If you have enough to go through just one day, then you'll need to wash more often. Also, make sure to check manufacturer labels for any special washing instructions that may differ from the following:
1. Store soiled diapers in a diaper pail until wash day. For breastfed babies, you can toss the entire diaper in the pail after changing. For formula-fed and bigger babies, shake off any poop into the toilet first.
2. On wash day, put soiled diapers in washer and do a cold soak and rinse to help avoid permanent staining.
3. After the cold soak and rinse, wash on a hot cycle to make sure and kill all the germs. Use 1/4 the amount of detergent that you would normally use for a load of your clothes. Also, do not use "free and clear", natural detergents, baby detergents or fabric softeners as they often leave an oily residue that makes diapers less absorbent. And do not use bleach products as they can irritate baby's skin and make your diapers' fibers break down and they won't last as long. Just regular detergents work best!
4. You may do an extra rinse to make sure all detergent is rinsed out, but this is optional. If, over time, you notice your diapers not performing as well as they used to. Then you will want to run a couple of extra rinse cycles and keep an eye on the water, watching to make sure no more suds appear.
5. Line drying is probably the best for your diapers but I know that isn't always possible or practical. Drying on medium heat is best, and do not use dryer sheets as they leave a residue on the diapers as well, causing them to repel wetness instead of absorb it.
Please note that wool diaper products MUST to be washed by hand using wool wash and hung to dry.
