Washing cloth diapers has become much easier over the years. While our grandparents used to have to laboriously boil used diapers in a pot of hot water, we can simply throw them in the washing machine and then hang them up to dry. Although washing cloth diapers has become significantly easier, there are still a few small points to keep in mind.
Since there are many different cloth diapers on the market, and each diaper has its own specific requirements regarding detergent and washing cycle, we will focus on all-in-one (AiO) diapers. All-in-one diapers are characterized by the fact that they can be used like disposable diapers. There's no need to insert additional absorbent materials or buy multiple products; you can simply put the complete diaper on your child as is and change them.
The problem with all-in-one diapers is that they consist of two different materials, which theoretically require different washing procedures. One material is the waterproof outer layer, usually made of PUL or TPU. The other material is the absorbent core, which in the case of Lybbie diapers is made of bamboo.
How do you wash all-in-one diapers correctly?
Used cloth diapers are stored in a wet bag and placed in the washing machine after a maximum of three days. The diapers are then washed at 60 degrees Celsius with a pre-wash cycle and sufficient detergent powder. The pre-wash cycle ensures that coarse soiling is removed from the diapers before the main wash cycle begins. Therefore, the pre-wash cycle should also include a pumping function. When choosing a detergent, ensure that the manufacturer's recommended amount is used and that it is suitable for cloth diapers. This means it should be sensitive and preferably surfactant-free (or contain very few surfactants). This will help ensure that the cloth diapers last a long time.
Do you add any additional products to the wash cycle?
If the cloth diapers smell or have an unpleasant odor, oxygen bleach can be added to the washing powder for disinfection. Hygiene rinses should absolutely be avoided. Fabric softener should also not be used when washing diapers.
Can cloth diapers be ruined by washing?
Yes. With cloth diapers, as with all other specialized products, proper washing is crucial for their longevity. For example, functional fabrics, sheep's wool, or silk require equally gentle handling in the washing machine to prevent shrinkage or damage. To keep your cloth diapers leak-proof for a long time, you should therefore follow the washing instructions precisely.
