1. Choose the right detergent and know how much to use (read section below).

2. Soaking cloth diapers is unnecessary.

3. Wash soiled diapers every other day.

4. For best results, remove solids from diapers before storing in ventilated pail.

5. Wash cold with correct detergent to remove waste and fight stains.

6. Wash hot (120°F/60°C) to cleanse your diapers.

7. An extra rinse may be required to remove any lingering detergent.

8. Hang dry or tumble dry warm/medium. Hemp or cotton diapers may be dried on hot.

9. Once per month, use oxygen bleach (check with manufacturer first) in the hot wash cycle (step 6)

to sanitize diapers and fight odors.

10. We do not recommend the use of laundry additives (including vinegar and baking soda).

WASHING CLOTH DIAPERS

Polyester Fibers

Wash product once using the proper amount

of detergent for the product. Avoid prewashing

polyester products with natural fiber products.

Dry warm.

Wool Products

Hand wash wool products in

lukewarm water with wool wash.

Line dry.

PREPARING CLOTH DIAPERS FOR FIRST

GUIDE TO WASHING CLOTH DIAPERS

A BASIC INFORMATION SHEET

PRESENTED BY

Some detergent ingredients may coat diaper fabrics, impede absorbency and void product warranties.

Check with the product manufacturer before choosing a detergent.

Optimal Detergents

Allen's Naturally Powder /Liquid

Country Save Powder/Liquid

Planet Ultra Powder/Liquid

Planet 2X Ultra

Mountain Green Free & Clear

Mountain Green Free & Clear Baby

Tide Free*

*Use with caution. Contains

enzymes, may cause rash

or redness.

How Much Detergent

When washing diapers,

start by using 1/2 the

detergent manufacturer’s

suggested amount.

To determine the right

amount, read the label

and then carefully

measure.

High Efficiency Considerations

Use an HE detergent.

Set water levels to high to be

sure that diapers are cleaned

and rinsed properly.

If the weight of the load

determines the water level,

put a wet towel in with diapers

to increase the weight of the load.

Ingredients to Avoid

Natural soaps

Dyes

Perfumes

Enzymes

Softeners

Fabric Enhancers

Optical Brighteners

Troubleshooting Detergent Issues

Watch the second rinse for suds. Suds may indicate that less detergent is necessary. If the diapers smell, slightly increase

the detergent and/or increase water level.

References: Sarah Gesiakowski, Pinstripes & Polkadots (http://www.pinstripesandpolkadots.com); Washing References From Cloth Diaper

Manufacturers; The Great Detergent Debate, 2008 members of the Reusable Diaper Manufacturers Group;

Disclaimer: This information is offered as a public service and is not intended to be a complete resource. Information is current as of September

2008 and will be reviewed again in February 2009. Information is subject to change. Keep in mind that detergent manufacturers change their

formulas without notice. Washing machines vary in capacity and water usage. Water types vary by region. With issues not solved by the

information above, contact the product manufacturer for further instructions.

File Last Update: 11.19.08, by Jennifer Labit, Chairman, Real Diaper Industry Association

Copyright: Portions of this document are derived from material copyrighted by Cotton Babies, Inc. and have been used with permission.

This document may be freely distributed through electronic or print forms provided that it is the latest version available at the time, unedited and

distributed in its entirety, including this notice.

CHOOSING AND USING DETERGENT FOR CLOTH DIAPERS

Natural Fibers (hemp/cotton)

Wash 3-5 times in hot water (120°F/60°C)

using proper amount of detergent for the

product (see below). This enables the

diapers to absorb properly. Dry hot

between each wash to ensure shrinkage

and proper absorbency.

NOTE: Once the prewash process is completed, most diapering products (except wool) can be washed together according

to the manufacturer’s washing recommendations.