How to wash cloth diapers

Before i started to use cloth diaper, i always worry washing of cloth diapers giving me more work to do, takes more time and effort to wash. But these are still not the most worry of me , in fact i m more worry about the stain or odour left on the cloth diaper. After i have read a lot of information from the Net on the cloth diaper washing method, now my worry has thrown away and i would like to share it with others of what i have learned from the Net.

Methods
Wet pail VS Dry pail

In wet pail method, cloth diapers are placed in a pail filled with water. Storing the diapers in water (usually accompanied by baking soda) is said to help prevent stains from setting. When wash day comes, the water is drained and then the diapers go into the wash. This method has lost much of its popularity due to odour issues that arise from stagnant water, the potential for messiness, and the potential drowning hazard present by having a pail full of water in the vicinity of children.

The dry pail method seems to be the preferred method, whereby wet and soiled diapers are placed within a covered or uncovered pail with no pre-soaking. Odour can easily be controlled by sprinkling baking soda on the diapers at the bottom of the pail.

Which Detergent to use?
Generally you will need to use less detergent than normal for washing cloth diapers as they are easily susceptible to build-up. The detergent you use for washing your other clothing will usually work just fine for cloth diapers as well. There are some detergents that work especially well for cloth diapers though and fragrance free detergents are usually best for something so close to your babies skin.

Not forgetting the amazing cleaning power of adding baking soda to your wash cycle and distilled white vinegar to your rinse cycle. Not that they highly effective but also cheap.It is best to avoid detergents with whitening enzymes .The enzymes can actually attack baby`s sensitive skin and cause horrible, blistering rashes! You should also avoid washing cloth diapers with soap products since repeated washing with soap creates a waxy build-up that reduces the absorbency of cloth diapers.

DONT DO's

Chlorine Bleach - It is great for killing germs but it is bad for cloth diapers and covers. It will actually eat away at the fibers in your diapers, leaving holes and frayed edges, decreasing their durability and absorbency. It will also adversely affect the waterproofing in certain cloth diapers. Baking soda and oxygen bleach are great whiteners to use instead.

Fabric Softener - This product is equated with super soft and fresh smelling clothing, so it is only natural that you would want to use it on your cloth diapers but this would be a mistake. Fabric softener, either in liquid or sheet form – leaves a water-repelling residue on your diapers, making them less absorbent and useful in the very purpose that they serve. It also coats your diaper covers and can deteriorate their water-proof laminate.

Pure Soaps – Natural choice in the world of cleaners, but soaps will leave a residue on your diapers and covers – similar to the soap scum you find in your tub. Soap scum on diapers makes them repel moisture rather than absorb it and it is also harsh on the laminates used in your diaper covers, making them absorb rather than repel water.

The best choice for washing your diapers is to use detergent on them.