Getting 'em Clean

 Okay, now that you know about my simple system of diapering, let's talk about washing diapers.  After having tried many methods of washing cloth diapers, I have found the method that gets my diapers clean.  Really clean.  It's simple.  First of all, store wet and dirty diapers in a dry pail (no water in it) with a loose-fitting lid.  A plastic kitchen-size trash can with a diaper pail liner works great.  Diaper pail liners can be found here.  Do not put your diaper covers into this pail.  They get washed differently (explained at the bottom of this post).  Wash diapers every 3 days using these steps:

1. A cold rinse

2. A cold wash using Tide Original powder.  I've tried the "free and clear" detergents and the "gentle" detergents.  They just didn't get my diapers clean.  Tide works the best.  The liquid works okay, but the powder seems to work the best.

3. A hot wash using Tide and just a little bit of bleach (maybe a couple tablespoons).  I have a front load washer and I put the bleach into the bleach dispenser, never right on the diapers.  Since I use 100% cotton diapers that don't have elastic, I don't worry about the small amount of bleach ruining my diapers.  This is the best way to really get them clean and sanitized.  I have been using a bit of bleach in every load of diapers for years and haven't noticed any damage to my diapers, compared to when I didn't use bleach.  I have noticed them smelling much cleaner though! 

 

That's it!  Simple and easy- and clean diapers every time.  

As far as diaper covers go, do not wash them the same way.  They are not cotton, and they have elastic and PUL (waterproofing material), that will get damaged with bleach.

Using my simple cloth diapering system, your diaper covers will stay relatively clean, so you won't need bleach and hot water.  They will get stinky though.  I have found that just washing them with regular loads of clothes in warm or cold water works well.  Hanging them to dry (no dryer) will help them last longer too.  In the event that they do get soiled, I wash that part in the sink really well and then wash them with regular loads of laundry.