HOW TO CLEAN CLOTH DIAPERS

Disposable, one-time use diapers contribute about 3.4 million tons of landfill waste per year, making reusable, cloth diapers well-worth the extra time. Cloth diapers are also cheaper than disposable diapers in the long run and are free of dyes and absorbency gels found in disposable diapers, which can irritate sensitive baby skin.

When choosing a laundry detergent suitable for baby clothes, opt for detergents made with plant-based surfactants and mild, fabric-safe enzymes. Make sure the formula is free of chlorine, optical brighteners, borax, and phosphates, as these ingredients can irritate your baby's skin and are less environmentally friendly. Avoid using fabric softeners, as they coat fabrics and reduce absorbency.

To learn more about washing baby clothes, click here.

Directions for Cleaning Cloth Diapers:

Tip: Spot-test a small, hidden area of the cloth diaper to ensure the material can be safely washed.

High-Efficiency (HE) Washing Machines:

1. Remove any solids before starting the cleaning process for cloth diapers.
2. Pre-treat stains. Dampen the material with water and pre-treat the stain by spraying it with full-strength Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner Lemon Scent. Then, gently scrub the clothing with a soft brush to help the solution work into the fabric. Once done, turn each item inside out.
   • Tip: After pre-treating, wash immediately.
3. Add dirty diapers. Add the dirty cloth diapers to your washing machine.
   • Tip: For best results, run smaller loads. It may take longer, but it helps each cloth diaper get a thorough clean and rinse.
4. Add laundry detergent. Pour the appropriate amount of laundry detergent into the dispenser, following the instructions on the cloth diaper label or the detergent bottle for exact amounts.
5. Start the first wash cycle. Select the "speed wash" cycle using cold water to reduce staining.
6. Add more laundry detergent for second wash cycle. Once the first wash cycle is done, pour the appropriate amount of laundry detergent into your dispenser, following the instructions on the cloth diaper label or the detergent bottle for exact amounts.
7. Start the second wash cycle. Start another wash cycle using hot water for a deep clean. Add an extra rinse to ensure all detergent and residue has been washed out.
8. Dry. Hang clean, wet cloth diapers to air dry. To dry faster, use either the air-dry or the low heat setting on the dryer, since high heat can damage the elastics, snaps, and waterproof linings.

Conventional Washing Machines:

1. Remove any solids before starting the cleaning process for cloth diapers.
2. Pre-treat stains. Dampen the material with water and pre-treat the stain by spraying it with full-strength Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner Lemon Scent. Then, gently scrub the clothing with a soft brush to help the solution work into the fabric. Once done, turn each item inside out.
   • Tip: After pre-treating, wash immediately.
3. Start the first wash cycle. Select the "speed wash" cycle using cold water to reduce staining.
4. Add laundry detergent. Once the tub is filled with water, pour the appropriate amount of laundry detergent into the dispenser, following the instructions on the cloth diaper label or the detergent bottle for exact amounts.
   • If necessary, add detergent booster. For heavily soiled diapers, add 1/4 cup of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner Lemon Scent for an extra clean.
5. Add dirty diapers. Put the dirty cloth diapers in the washing machine and begin the cycle.
   • Tip: For best results, run smaller loads. It may take longer, but it helps each cloth diaper get a thorough clean and rinse.
6. Start the second cycle wash. Start another wash cycle using hot water for a deep clean. Add an extra rinse to ensure all detergent and residue has been washed out.
7. Dry. Hang clean, wet cloth diapers to air-dry. To dry faster, use either the air-dry or the low heat setting on the dryer, since high heat can damage the elastics, snaps, and waterproof linings.

Next Step: Got time while the cloth diapers wash? Clean your diaper pail with our guide.