Cloth diapers are a great choice for the environment, your wallet, and your baby's well-being. To ensure you enjoy them for a long time, proper care is essential. Don't worry: it's easier than you think! We'll explain step-by-step what's important.
Pre-washing: Once is enough
Before you use your new Lybbie diapers for the first time, a single wash cycle at 60°C is sufficient. Nothing more is needed. After that, the diapers are ready for use and can go straight to work.
The absorbency will increase with each wash, but the Lybbie already achieves enormous absorbency after one wash.
Storage until washing
Between diaper changes, it's best to collect used diapers in a wet bag.
Keep in mind:
- Store in a cool, dry place
- Not in direct sunlight and not near a heater
- Do not put wet washcloths in the same wet bag; store them separately.
- Do not put rinsed diapers into the wet bag.
Water and urine react with each other and lead to unpleasant odors.
The washing process: Step by step
1. Pre-wash
Always start with a cold pre-wash or a short cold water program. This washes out coarse residues before the main wash begins.
From the complementary feeding age, you can add 1 tablespoon of powder detergent to the pre-wash, which helps with stubborn stains.
2. Main wash
Then comes the main wash:
Temperature: 60 °C
Program: Cotton or hygiene program.
Please no short or eco programs, as these often do not wash hot enough or use too little water.
Spin speed: 800–1000 rpm
3. The correct drum filling
The drum should be well filled, with about a hand's width of space at the top.
Too little laundry is not an advantage here:
Too empty drums mean more friction and higher washing power, which can wear out the diapers faster and cause the hook-and-loop fasteners to open.
The right detergent
Use a powder full detergent and follow the dosage recommendation on the package.
Please avoid:
- Fabric softener
- Hygiene rinse aids
- Detergents with care additives or fragrances
- Liquid detergent
Dosage tip:
Weigh 2–3 full wet bags at the beginning to get a feel for the typical weight of your laundry. This way, you can estimate the correct amount of detergent from the start and avoid using too little or too much.
Drying
Lybbie diapers air dry very well. This protects the material and is the gentlest option.
Sunlight is your best friend against stains: UV light naturally bleaches stubborn stains.
However, the rule is: no hot midday sun directly on the diapers, as this attacks the material.
Our tip: Place a fitted sheet or a towel over the diapers on the clothes rack to create shade and still benefit from the brightened environment.
Common washing mistakes
- Using fabric softener - permanently reduces the absorbency of the diapers
- Too little laundry in the drum - increased friction, hook-and-loop fasteners can come undone
- Wet washcloths with diapers - promotes odors & bacterial growth
- Eco or short program - too little water and temperature, diapers don't get properly clean
- Rinsed diapers back into the wet bag - water + urine = unpleasant odor
- Direct midday sun when drying - can damage the material and elastic
FAQ
Can I wash the diapers with regular laundry?
For the main wash at 60°C, we recommend washing cloth diapers separately or only with other baby textiles to ensure optimal cleaning. (Light-colored towels and washcloths are also fine)
How many diapers do I need for one wash cycle?
Ideally, you fill the drum well, leaving about a hand's width of space at the top. This corresponds to approx. 15–20 diapers, depending on the machine size. This corresponds to our Basic or Comfort Set
How often should I wash?
Every 2–3 days is a good rhythm. This keeps the diapers hygienic and the storage time short enough to avoid odors.
Can I wash diapers at temperatures higher than 60°C?
This is usually not necessary. 60°C is sufficiently hygienic and also protects the material. Washing at 90°C can damage the elastic and PUL material.
What do I do about persistent odors?
First, check your detergent dosage and drum filling. It is often due to too little detergent or an overly full drum. An additional rinse cycle or a wash cycle without detergent can help flush out residues. Otherwise, feel free to contact us by email at lea@lybbie.de
Do I need to pre-treat stains?
Not necessarily. Sunlight often takes care of most of it on its own. For stubborn stains from the complementary feeding phase, one tablespoon of detergent in the pre-wash can already help.
Are diapers immediately ready for use after washing?
Yes, as soon as they are completely dry. Do not put them back into the wet bag or cupboard while still damp.
Do you have any more questions about washing? Feel free to write to us, we'll be happy to help!
