Rinsing Newborn Cloth Diapers: Necessary Or Not?

Cloth diapers are a great, environmentally-friendly alternative to disposable diapers. They are also better for your baby as they reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. However, one of the biggest concerns for parents is how to keep them clean.

The good news is that cleaning cloth diapers is simple and straightforward. For newborns, it is recommended to rinse the diapers of breastfed babies in cold water to prevent staining and remove as much waste as possible before putting them in the washing machine. For formula-fed babies, you will need to remove solid waste before rinsing and storing the diapers in a dry pail with a waterproof cloth liner.

It is important to wash cloth diapers every 2-3 days to prevent mildew stains and ensure they are clean. When washing, use a pre-rinse cycle with cold water and no detergent, followed by a warm or hot cycle with detergent.

By incorporating rinsing into your diaper-changing routine, you can ensure a fresher environment for your baby and prolong the lifespan of your cloth diapers.

Rinsing newborn poop from cloth diapers

If your baby is exclusively breastfed, their poop is water-soluble and technically doesn't require any special removal. Some parents may opt to simply toss these soiled diapers into the pail or bag they're using for storage as is, and that's okay.

For formula-fed babies, or for babies who have started solids, you'll need to remove the solid poop before storing the diaper.

How to rinse newborn poop from cloth diapers

There are a few different methods for rinsing poop from cloth diapers:

• Using a diaper sprayer (a small showerhead that attaches to your toilet) to spray the poop into the toilet.
• Swishing the diaper around in the toilet bowl.
• Using a spray bottle full of water to spray the poop off.
• Using a bidet hose attached to your toilet.
• Plopping the poop off into the toilet.

After rinsing, it's important to keep the diaper wet until washing. This will help the poop wash out more easily and reduce staining.

It's recommended to wash cloth diapers every day or every other day. Waiting longer than this can lead to mildew stains and may require extra wash cycles to get the diapers clean.

It's important to use a detergent that is safe for cloth diapers and does not contain fabric softener. You can use powder or liquid detergent, but powder detergents are generally preferred. Avoid using bleach, as this can damage the fabrics and void manufacturer warranties.

The best method for drying cloth diapers is to hang them outside on a clothesline in the sun. This helps to extend the life of the diapers, saves energy, and naturally removes bacteria and stains. If you can't dry them outside, you can hang them or line-dry them inside. Some cloth diapers can be dried in a tumble dryer on a low setting, but be sure to check the care instructions as high temperatures can damage the waterproof layer.

Prepping cloth diapers and inserts before use

Synthetic-Fibered Diapers

Synthetic-fibered diapers, such as fleece or suede-cloth with microfiber inserts, only need to be washed once with a cloth-diaper-safe detergent before use. You can wash them with diapers you already own or with your regular laundry, but be sure to use a cloth-diaper-safe detergent.

Natural-Fibered Diapers

Natural-fibered diapers, such as cotton, bamboo, or hemp, should be washed separately from your other diapers for 2-3 times before using them. These diapers contain natural oils that will rub off in the wash and can reduce the absorbency of other diapers. It can take up to 10 washes for natural-fibered diapers to reach their full absorbency, so don't be discouraged if they leak or don't seem as absorbent as synthetic-fibered diapers at first.

Wool Diapers

Wool diapers need special care and should never be dried in a dryer, as this will cause them to shrink. Wool should be hand-washed in lukewarm water using baby shampoo or a wool wash. Wool covers also need to be lanolized before the first use to extend their lifespan and enhance performance.

General Tips

• It is recommended to wash diapers and inserts multiple times on hot and dry them in between cycles before use. This helps remove any impurities, dirt, or chemicals that may be present from the manufacturing process.
• When washing natural-fibered diapers for the first time, it is best to wash them separately from synthetic-fibered diapers to prevent the natural oils from depositing on the synthetic fibers and reducing their absorbency.
• Be sure to use a laundry detergent intended for cloth diapers to avoid residue buildup and other issues.
• If you are using a shared laundry facility, it is recommended to buy a diaper sprayer to clean off the diapers before washing.

Choosing the best laundry detergent for cloth diapers

When choosing a laundry detergent for cloth diapers, it's important to consider the ingredients and their potential impact on your baby's sensitive skin, as well as the effectiveness in cleaning and caring for the diapers. Here are some guidelines to help you select the best laundry detergent for cloth diapers:

• Avoid Traditional Laundry Detergents: Opt for detergents specifically designed for cloth diapers or those that are gentle and safe for babies. Traditional detergents often contain harmful ingredients that can irritate your baby's skin and damage the fabric of the diapers.
• Choose Plant-Based and Hypoallergenic Formulas: Select detergents made with plant-based enzymes and hypoallergenic ingredients. These options are less likely to cause skin irritation and are generally safer for your baby.
• Look for Detergents Free of Harmful Additives: Avoid detergents with strong perfumes, dyes, parabens, and other harsh chemicals. These additives may not be suitable for your baby's delicate skin.
• Consider Surfactant Concentration: Surfactants are essential for breaking up stains and removing dirt. Choose detergents with high concentrations of surfactants to ensure effective cleaning.
• Avoid Fabric Softeners: Fabric softeners can cause repelling issues and build-up on cloth diapers over time. Look for detergents that do not contain fabric softeners.
• Read Reviews and Recommendations: Research online forums, blogs, and product reviews to see what other parents recommend. You can find valuable insights and personal experiences to help guide your decision.
• Water Type and Washing Machine: Consider your water type (hard or soft) and the type of washing machine you have (top-loading or front-loading). These factors can impact the performance of different detergents.
• Commercial vs. Natural Detergents: Commercial detergents tend to be high performers and often include additives to soften water. Natural detergents are typically free of synthetic materials and harsh chemicals but may require adjustments to your washing routine, such as using warmer water or adding a softening agent.
• Test and Adjust: Remember that you might need to try a few different detergents to find the best one for your baby's skin and the specific type of cloth diapers you're using. Don't be afraid to experiment until you find the perfect match.

Dealing with residue build-up

• Identify the Problem: Before attempting any solutions, it is crucial to determine if residue build-up is indeed the issue. Don't fix what isn't broken! If your diapers are functioning well without any issues, there may be no need to intervene. However, if you're experiencing problems like a persistent rash on your baby's skin, an unusual smell, or stiff and greasy diapers, it might be time to address build-up.
• Test for Build-up: To confirm the presence of detergent build-up, perform a simple test. Fill a clear bowl with warm water and take a clean diaper (the absorbent part, not the cover). Swish the diaper around in the water and then squeeze it out. Observe the water; if you see a layer of foamy film on top, it confirms detergent build-up. Cloudy water may also indicate build-up, but it could be due to other factors as well.
• Reset Your Diapers: If build-up is evident, it's time to reset your diapers. The quickest way to do this is by rinsing them under a faucet with high water pressure, such as your bathtub faucet. Alternatively, you can opt for water-only washes in your washing machine, allowing the diapers to soak for about half an hour before continuing with regular washes.
• Reduce Water Softener Additives: If you use water softeners like Calgon or Borax, consider reducing or eliminating them. Extremely soft water can lead to detergent build-up. Borax, in particular, is known to be a skin irritant, so if your baby is experiencing rashes, it's best to avoid it. While mineral build-up is a concern for some, it's less common than you might think, and stripping minerals from diapers is a more straightforward process.
• Clean Your Washing Machine: Your washing machine itself might be contributing to the problem. Give it a good clean following the instructions in the user manual. If you haven't cleaned it in a while, you may need to do this a few times to ensure it's thoroughly cleaned. Aim to clean your machine at least once a month to maintain optimal performance.
• Adjust Your Detergent Amount: While detergent build-up is an issue, it's important to use the right amount of detergent. Reduce the amount within reason, especially if you have very soft water. However, don't skimp on detergent if your baby is formula-fed or has started eating solids. In such cases, ensure you use enough detergent to effectively clean the diapers, even if you spray or use disposable liners.
• Modify Your Wash Routine: Experiment with adjusting the steps in your wash routine. Instead of using less detergent in the first wash and more in the second, try the opposite. Use a higher amount of detergent in the first wash and a lower amount in the second. This gives the detergent a better chance to rinse out completely by the end of the cycle. Additionally, consider adding extra rinses or a plain water wash cycle to help remove any residual detergent.
• Try Different Diaper Styles: As a last resort, consider switching up your diaper styles. Some diapers, like multi-layered inserts, fitteds, all-in-ones, and prefolds, tend to hold onto detergent more stubbornly. Simplifying by using flats or cloths like flour sack towels can make it easier to manage build-up since there are fewer layers for detergent to get stuck in.

Drying cloth diapers

• Line drying is the recommended method for drying cloth diapers as it ensures their longevity. Hang your diapers outside in a covered area, such as a carport, verandah, or deck, to protect them from rain while still allowing airflow. Even on grey and gloomy days, natural airflow will help speed up the drying process.
• If line drying outdoors is not possible, consider using a clothes airer or clothes horse. These portable drying racks allow you to easily transport diapers around the house to take advantage of sunny windows, heaters, fireplaces, or fans. Just be sure not to place them too close to direct heat sources.
• To dry diapers indoors, a peg hanger is a handy accessory. Hang your diapers outside during the day, and if they're not completely dry, bring the peg hanger inside and find a high place to hang them overnight. Heat rises, so this will help the diapers dry faster.
• Cloth diaper covers can be easily line-dried indoors throughout the year. If you want to use a dryer, a low heat setting is recommended to protect the waterproofing.
• When using a dryer, separate the inserts from the covers. Dry the inserts on a medium temperature until fully dry, and the covers on a low temperature.
• If your diapers feel crunchy after drying, simply scrunch them up in your hands to soften them.
• To maintain the quality of your cloth diapers, avoid using high heat in the dryer as this can cause wear and tear over time. Medium heat settings are generally recommended for diapers and inserts.
• During cold winters, consider purchasing extra cloth diaper inserts. This way, you can have a continuous supply of dry inserts while the others are being washed and dried.
• For those with access to a tumble dryer, it can be a useful backup option during bad weather or when you're short on time. Remember to separate the inserts and covers, and always use low to medium heat settings.

Frequently asked questions