Are you looking for ways to make cloth diapering easier? Whether you're a newbie or a pro, there are probably some tips here that will come in handy. From finding the right detergent to reducing leaks, read on for some genius hacks that will make life with cloth diapers a breeze!
Reduce the Smell!
Cloth diapering is a great way to do your part for the environment, but no one wants to smell those stinky diapers while they're waiting to be washed so let's look at some tips for reducing that stink:
Pre-Wash With a Bidet Sprayer
Click the image to buy the Purrfectzone diaper sprayer
Pre-washing your baby's diapers is the greatest aid in keeping the smell away. Did you know you can buy a handheld bidet sprayer that connects right to your toilet and rinse off the poopy diaper and flush it away?! It's so easy! These units quickly and easily attach to your toilet's water line with a flexible hose and have strong water pressure so you can rise those diapers before you toss them into the diaper pail, greatly reducing the smell.
Airy Diaper Pail
Opting for a lidless pail might seem counterintuitive because you are trying to contain the smell, but the more air in there, the better! So a lidless pail with holes on the size for increased airflow will actually help to keep the stink away.
Baking Soda
You might want to try sprinkling some baking soda in the bottom of your pail or purchasing a baking soda disk to help control odors.
Let the Sunshine In
Hang cloth diapers in the sun to dry them. The sun's ultraviolet rays will kill bacteria and freshen the diaper. Plus, it's a free way to dry your diapers! Just be sure to hang them in a place where they won't get wet or blow away. The natural bleaching agents in the sun will also help with any stubborn stains. You can also line dry your diapers indoors if you need to. Just prop them up on a drying rack or clothesline, and they'll be good as new in no time!
Stripping Diapers
Cloth diapers are a great way to save money and be eco-friendly, but they do require a little bit of extra work to keep them clean. One important task is stripping the diapers. This is generally only necessary if you are noticing that your diapers are not absorbing as well as they used to, or if you have recently switched detergents. Stripping simply means giving the diapers a deep clean to remove any built-up residue. The good news is that it's easy to do! Here are the steps:
- Fill your washing machine with hot water. Add 1/4 cup of baking soda and let the cycle run for a few minutes.
- Turn off the washing machine and let the diapers soak for 30 minutes.
- Drain the water and run the diapers through a normal wash cycle with your regular detergent.
Check Your Detergent
You might think that a "green" plant based detergent is the way to go, but actually, the plant oils in these types of detergents are not the best bet for your cloth diapers, rendering them less absorbent. If you notice that your cloth diapers aren't absorbing well, check your detergent's ingredients--that could be the culprit!
Bamboo Liners
You can buy a paper towel-style roll of bamboo liners for a quick and easy insert. Fluids pass through the liner, keeping baby drier, but the solids stay on them, so you can quickly wrap up and dispose. This is a great and inexpensive way to preserve the life of your cloth diapers and cut way down on cleaning.
Wash the Right Way
Washing cloth diapers may seem daunting, but it's actually easy to do! Just follow these simple steps:
- Remove any solid waste from the diapers. This can be done by using a diaper sprayer or simply dumping the waste into the toilet.
- Rinse the diapers in cold water. This will help to remove any remaining waste and urine.
- Wash the diapers in hot water with a cloth diaper-safe detergent. Be sure to use a detergent that is free of fragrances, dyes, and other chemicals.
- Rinse the diapers well in hot water. This will remove any residue from the detergent.
- Dry the diapers in the dryer or hang them on a clothesline.
Stain Removal
Removing stains from cloth diapers doesn't have to be difficult. Here are a few easy steps to get your diapers looking like new again:
- Rinse the diaper as soon as possible after it becomes soiled. This will help to prevent the stain from setting in.
- Soak the diaper in a solution of water and oxygen bleach for 30 minutes. This will help to loosen the stain.
- Wash the diaper as usual, using hot water and a detergent that is designed for cloth diapers.
- If the stain persists, repeat steps 2-3. You may also want to try soaking the diaper in a solution of one part vinegar and three parts water for 30 minutes before washing.
Help With Diaper Rash
- Wet wipes contain chemicals which might contribute to diaper rash, so try switching to cloth wipes that you simply moisten with water. Keep a spray bottle at the changing table and in your diaper bag. The squirt bottle you take home from the hospital can also be a handy way to moisten the cloths.
- Keep the fit of your baby's cloth diaper just right. If the diaper is too big or too small, the friction can contribute to a rash.
- Coconut oil makes a great and soothing diaper ointment!
Conclusion
In conclusion, cloth diapering can be easy, affordable, and convenient with the right hacks. With a little bit of research and some practice, you'll be a cloth diapering genius in no time!
FAQs
Q1. Does cloth diapering really save money?
Disposables came in at $800 for the year, while reusables cost $584 – a savings of 27 percent. That savings climbs drastically – to 60 percent – when you look at the second year of your child's life. Cloth diapers require scant extra investment, while disposables keep hacking at your wallet.
Q2. Do you change cloth diaper after every pee?
Do I Need to Change After Every Pee? Yes. Unless we're talking about a few drops, you're going to want to change baby after every pee to keep the moisture and bacteria away from their delicate skin and prevent diaper rashes. Keeping the diaper area dry is also key in helping prevent yeast rashes.
Q3. How do you increase absorption of cloth diapers?
Simply double up on the number of inserts you use in your cloth diaper. The extra insert will add the extra absorbency you need to tackle leaks. We suggest using extra inserts for overnight periods, for heavy wetters, or for times you just need a little extra protection. This is all explained below.
Q4. How do you wash cloth diapers with poop?
Getting into a cloth diaper wash routine.
- STEP 1: Remove solids. First, toss poop from the diaper directly into the toilet bowl.
- STEP 2: Store. After rinsing, toss the dirty diaper into a diaper pail or waterproof bag until you're ready to run a load.
- STEP 3: Wash.
- STEP 4: Dry.
Q5. How many cloth diapers should you have?
That total will vary depending on your baby's age, your laundry habits, and the types of cloth diapers you use, but we recommend a minimum of 36 for newborns, 24 for infants, and 20 for toddlers.
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