Changing diapers is one of the less pleasant aspects of raising a baby. Disposable diapers are the most common type of diapers used in the U.S. Disposable diapers are made of a combination of paper, plastic and chemical polymers. However, the Real Diaper Association estimates that 5 to 10 percent of babies wear resusable cloth diapers instead. Cloth diapers are an economical alternative for parents concerned about the amount of trash generated by disposable diapers. Some parents use diaper services that wash the diapers for them, but most choose to wash cloth diapers themselves.
Step 1
Shake solid waste from diapers into the toilet. Some people choose to "swish" the diaper through the toilet water to rinse them, especially in cases of loose stools. Disposable diaper packages also advise to remove feces from diapers before throwing them in the trash, but few people do so.
Step 2
Store dirty diapers in a diaper pail. You can either leave the diapers in the pail with no liquid until washing time, called the dry pail method, or fill the pail with water for diapers to soak, which is the wet pail method. The Diaper Pin website recommends the dry pail method because it is less messy and unwieldy. If you choose the wet pail method, make sure the pail has a tightly-fitting lid to prevent toddler drowning accidents.
Step 3
Empty the contents of diaper pail into the washing machine when the pail is full. Soak the diapers in cold water if you used the dry pail method. Add 1/2 cup of baking soda and refill the machine with cold water. Let diapers soak overnight or for at least six hours.
Step 4
Drain the wash tub; running the prewash cycle is the easiest way to do this. Wash the diapers in hot water with 1/2 cup of laundry detergent. Some people also add 1/2 cup of washing soda. Use a fragrance- and dye-free detergent if your baby has sensitive skin.
Step 5
Rinse the diapers in cold water. Use a double-rinse cycle, adding 1/2 cup of white vinegar during the first rinse cycle. Dry the diapers in a clothes dryer or on a clothesline.
Tips and Warnings
- Wash diapers every two to three days. Dry diapers in the sun on a clothesline to minimize stains.
- Do not use fabric softeners; these will reduce the absorbency of diapers. Use caution in using bleach; many reusable diaper manufacturers do not recommend bleach because it can reduce absorbency and shorten the life of the diapers.
Things You'll Need
- Diaper pail
