The Complete Guide to Cloth Diaper Care

1. The Basic Washing Assumption

Although most parents clean their cloth diapers in a washing machine, there are still those who prefer hand washing. This guide is mainly focused on machine washing, but the principles largely apply to hand washing too.

2. Storing Dirty Cloth Diapers: What Are Your Options?

Most parents opt for a specific bag or laundry basket for storing dirty cloth diapers. Before they reach this storage, there are a few steps to consider:

• Drying: It’s important to let the diapers air dry properly before storing them. Many parents use drying racks, typically employed for socks and innerwear, to hang diapers. Others simply hang them over the bathtub edge, on a clothesline, or in any suitable area. Especially if you’re washing less frequently than every third day, air drying is highly recommended to prevent moisture and odor build-up.

• Rinsing: Some parents rinse the diapers before drying. You can do this:

  • Directly in the toilet
  • Using a shower hose
  • In the sink

  Remember, if you decide to rinse them, ensure they're dry before storage.

• Hand washing: For those who prefer nearly clean diapers before machine washing, a quick hand wash is effective. This involves scrubbing them to clean out the most stubborn dirt, preparing them for a thorough machine wash later.

• Machine Quick Wash: If you'd rather not deal with dirty diapers by hand, throw them into the washing machine right after changing and run a rinse or quick wash cycle. Dry them overnight and then store them until the next full wash.

3. Where to Store Dirty Cloth Diapers?

The location of storage is a personal choice. Most parents prefer a diaper bag made of PUL fabric or a laundry basket. IKEA’s KNODD is a popular choice. However, if you allow your diapers to dry completely before washing, they can be placed in the regular laundry basket. Some even use a laundry bag within the basket.

4. Dealing with Poop

For exclusively breastfed babies, the poop is water-soluble and can be washed away in the machine. For older babies on solid food, the poop should be dumped into the toilet or trash. Liners, often called poop liners, can be placed inside the diaper to make poop disposal easier. But remember, never flush these liners down the toilet.

5. Changing Cloth Diapers On-The-Go

Changing cloth diapers away from home is straightforward. If you usually rinse the diaper after changing, you can wait until you're back home. Use PUL fabric diaper bags, which are designed to lock in moisture and odor. Vera's PUL bags come with two compartments to keep clean and dirty diapers separate.

6. Conclusion

The storage method for dirty cloth diapers largely depends on individual preferences and circumstances. Not everyone has spacious bathrooms or personal washing machines. If you can't wash every third day, rinsing and drying diapers before storage is a good idea. Always ensure diapers don't remain damp for more than three days as it's conducive to mold growth.

While some parents rinse diapers with poop, others never rinse, and some always do. Ultimately, the choice is yours!

Pro Tip:

Want to air-dry diapers without hanging them in the bathroom? Attach some straps in the laundry basket and let them dry there. If you keep your laundry basket open, the diapers will actually smell less compared to keeping the odor trapped.