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Care
We recommend having
enough diapers on hand to allow you to wash them on alternate days. Diapers
left for three days or more are more difficult to clean thoroughly.
Unless the baby
is exclusively breastfed, solids should be removed from the diaper and dumped
in the toilet when the baby is changed (a diaper
sprayer is a handy tool!). Diapers should be kept in a dry pail until it's
time to wash them. See Getting
Started for more information on storing diapers until wash day.
When choosing a
detergent for cloth diapers, avoid bleach which can deteriorate the diaper prematurely
and fabric softener which can block absorbency. Do not use
natural soap, bleach or fabric softener.
1. Cold rinse cycle
with a small amount of detergent (if your machine does not offer a cold rinse
cycle, consider a short cold wash cycle).
2. Hot wash (50C/120F) with about ½ to all of the manufacturer’s
recommended amount of detergent. If you have hard water, you will likely need
the full amount; if your water is very soft, 1/2 to 2/3 is often enough to clean
the diapers thoroughly. Do not use the sanitary cycle as the
very hot water temperature will damage the fabric and elastic.
3. Warm or cold rinse. An extra rinse may be required to remove detergent residue,
more commonly if your water is hard. After washing, diapers should have no odour.
4. Machine dry at medium heat or hang to dry.
Diaper
Rash Creams: Changing wet or soiled diapers promptly, cleaning the
diaper area gently and completely, and allowing time for baby’s bottom
to be exposed to air reduces the likelihood of a diaper rash developing and
aids in healing should a rash develop. Occasional use of a thin layer of moisture
barrier cream (such as olive oil or petroleum jelly) will generally not cause
problems with our natural fiber diapers. Never use diaper rash products containing
fish oil with cloth diapers (it inhibits absorbency and leaves a bad smell behind).
Should you need to use a heavier diaper rash cream, we recommend using disposable
diaper liners to protect the diaper.
Return to Diapers.
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