How to Wash Cloth Diapers: A Complete Guide
Washing cloth diapers might seem intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s as easy as doing regular laundry. With the right routine, you’ll keep your diapers clean, absorbent, and odor-free. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to master cloth diaper washing.
Step 1: Understanding Water Hardness
Before setting up a wash routine, it's important to test your water hardness. Hard water contains minerals that can build up in fabric over time, leading to repelling issues and lingering odors. A simple test strip can help determine your water’s hardness, and adjustments can be made to your wash routine if needed. Free water test strips
Step 2: Prepping New Cloth Diapers
Before first use, cloth diapers need to be prepped to remove natural oils and boost absorbency. The number of washes required depends on the fabric:
- Microfiber & Synthetic Fabrics: 1 wash before use
- Cotton: 4-8 washes for full absorbency
- Bamboo & Hemp: 6-8 washes for full absorbency
Wash on hot with detergent, then dry between cycles to help break in natural fibers. Once prepped, you’re ready to start using them!
Step 3: How to Wash Cloth Diapers
Modern cloth diapers require two wash cycles to effectively clean multiple fabric layers:
First Wash - Pre-Wash
- Water Temperature: Warm
- Detergent: use 1/2 to 3/4 the normal amount of Tide Powder that's recommended for your load size
- Purpose: Removes most waste, preventing buildup in the main wash
Second Wash - Main Wash
- Water Temperature: Hot
- Detergent: Lesser amount than pre-wash - use 1/4 to 1/2 the normal amount of Tide Powder that's recommended for your load size
- Purpose: Deep cleans and fully rinses diapers
Step 4: Choosing the Right Detergent
For the best results, use a strong detergent with:
- Enzymes (Protease) to break down proteins
- Multiple surfactants for deep cleaning
- No fabric softeners, as they can coat fibers and reduce absorbency
We recommend Tide Powder for its proven effectiveness. If you prefer a different detergent, ensure it has strong cleaning agents and avoid plant-based detergents unless specifically designed for cloth diapers.
Step 5: Checking for Cleanliness
After washing, check for two things:
- Smell Test: Diapers should smell clean. If there’s any lingering odor, repeat the second wash.
- Swoosh Test: Place a clean diaper in water and agitate it. If the water is cloudy, that’s normal. If you see soapy residue, run an extra rinse cycle without detergent until the water stays clear.
Step 6: Machine Settings & Load Size
For best results, always use your machine’s heaviest duty settings. These are listed from least to most powerful:
- Normal
- Heavy Duty
- Whites/Whitest Whites
- Sanitize
- Allergen
Recommended Load Size:
- Non-HE Machines: Load at least ½ full (up to ¾ full)
- HE Machines (Front & Top Loaders): Load about ⅔ full
Special Tips for HE Machines:
- Drop diapers straight down (not around the drum) for best agitation
- Use the highest water level setting available
- If available, select extra rinses, deep clean, or an aqua jet feature
Step 7: Drying Cloth Diapers
- PUL Covers & Pocket Shells: Air dry or tumble dry on low
- Inserts & Prefolds: Tumble dry on medium or high
- Natural Fiber Diapers: Drying in the sun can help remove stains naturally
Avoid fabric softeners or dryer sheets, as they can coat fibers and reduce absorbency.
Step 8: Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Lingering Smells? Add an extra rinse or increase detergent.
- Leaks? Check fit and absorbency levels. Some diapers may need stripping if buildup has occurred.
- Stains? Sun drying naturally bleaches stains over time.
Final Thoughts
With the right wash routine, cloth diapers are easy to maintain and will last for years. If you ever need personalized troubleshooting, join our Cloth Diaper Wash & Care Facebook Group for more detailed advice and support.
Happy cloth diapering!
- The Cleverly Team
Need more cloth diapering tips? Follow us on Instagram and check out our full range of diapering products!