Washing diapers can actually be as easy as doing any of your other laundry. For some, washing cloth diapers can be a reason they steer away from cloth diapering but once you go through the process you will probably not give it s second thought. Below are some different methods for washing, as well as some tips to help.

The detergent you pick will make the biggest difference.

Detergent
Detergents now come in a wide variety of eco-friendly brands made from renewable resources, rather than harsh petro-chemicals. While they do still contain some synthetics there are still some containing natural fragrances and no dies.

The Basics

• Remove as much solid matter as possible.
• Place soiled diapers in a dry diaper pail- no soaking is necessary.
• Wash every 2 or 3 days.
• Start with a cold rinse.
• Wash in warm water with half the amount of detergent recommended amount of detergent.
• Do an extra final rinse.
• Tumble dry or hang outside for extra freshness and to remove stains.
• Do NOT use bleach or fabric softeners, including softener sheets.

Tips and Tricks

• Wash all new diapers on hot before use.
• Don't wash more than two-dozen diapers at a time.
• Fasten hook/loop closures to avoid clinging.
• Avoid detergents with "brighteners" or "enzymes" as these will break down your diapers and may cause a rash.
• Apply lemon juice to stains before sunning to help get rid of stains then rewash those diapers before use.

Diaper Stripping

Cloth diapers can accumulate detergents, or their absorbency and materials like microfleece can gather oder. The build up can decrease the absorbency and sometimes cause leaking. To get the smell out it may require stripping.

Hot Water
Wash your cloth diapers before stripping, otherwise stains may be set in. You can strip right after washing.

Wash
Run them through a hot wash with NO detergent.
The water should be as hot as possible.

Rinse
Rinse your cloth diapers in the hottest water your machine will allow.
Continue running rinse cycles until there are no more soap bubbles (it may take 4 or 5 rinses to get rid of all the bubbles).

Other Potential Issues

Not Enough Detergent
If your finding that your diapers still smell after all this try using a full cup of detergent in a hot wash and then rinse until you don't see any bubbles in the cycle.

Vinegar in Hard Water
Using a water softener like Calgon (try 1/4 capful to begin with) may help where hard water and vinegar combinations are causing odor.

Still not Enough?

If, after all of this, your diapers still have odor, you may try one these products.

Bac-Out
A natural alternative containing a unique blend of natural living enzyme cultures and botanical extracts. Be sure to rinse a lot and keep an eye out for rashes. Stripping Cloth

Baking Soda
A natural solution with no harsh chemicals. Use 1/2 to 1 cup in a wash cycle and rinse until there are no more bubbles.

Calgon (Take me away)
Calgon can remove hard water minerals and prevent detergent build-up, rinse until you don't see any more bubbles.

Dish Soap
Add a little Dish soap to a hot wash and rinse.

OxiClean
One scoop of Oxi clean in a hit wash can remove diaper residue. It contains chlorine and phosphorus but is safe for laundry.

White Vinegar
The acid in white vinegar breaks down soapy residue, attacks mold and mildew and acts as a fabric softener. Use 1/2 to 1 cup.

Links
DiaperPin.com - For detailed articles on washing and stripping