Answer (by Jennifer Fuentes)

Families new to the world of cloth diapering often ask one simple question: how do you wash diapers? I must admit that for much of Mila’s diapering days we were spoiled by the services of Tidee Didee and just needed to wash soiled covers. Shortly before Mila was out of diapers, I began the laundering on my own and was surprised at how easy it can be.

But how to actually wash? It is tricky to decide how to wash diapers and covers when there are so many different recommendations by the various makers and a common belief that the natural detergents should be avoided (due to natural oils that may leave residue), yet we also want to be friendly to the earth…aaaarrrr! So, I’ll share what has worked for us.
Before you begin: No need to dunk the diapers of babies who aren’t yet eating solids. But once they are eating solid foods, shake those poopy diapers out over the toilet to get the solid poop off, or consider using biodegradable flushable liners ( http://www.bummis.com/en/Products/covers/BioLiner.html ), or attach a sprayer to your toilet.

Now to begin!

Step 1: Cold rinse and spin with Bac-out (about a cup, or two). This will do wonders to prevent stains. The only time I did encounter stains after washing was the time I didn’t rinse! Folks who rinse (as opposed to using a wet pail) often have their own methods. Some use baking soda, others prefer vinegar, or Bi-O-Kleen’s Bac-out (stain & odor eliminator), and others use just plain old water.
Step 2: Warm-warm wash (would choose hot but my machine lacks that option…) with the Bi-O-Kleen detergent (tip: use less soap then you think you need). Through two kids I have never had negative results from using this detergent on either the diapers or covers. Occasionally I will do an extra rinse. Too much soap can linger.
Step 3: Dry diapers and all in ones in the dryer, or once summer has decided to stay, air dry! The sun really does remove lingering stains!_Dry covers per manufacturer’s instructions. If it says I can dry them, I do, but I often just air dry the covers since they are generally made with quick drying fabrics. I also have a general feeling that it will prolong the life of the cover.

Note: Pocket diapers can conceivably get a build up of the natural detergent over time, suddenly making them seem leaky. Now, I haven’t had this happen from washing, but did indeed experience a leaky pocket a couple of times after needing to use rash ointment on my son. I followed “stripping” suggestions on the Happy Heinys’ website and then they worked fine.

And Another Note: If you have a front loading washer, remember to really use less soap than you think you need (sort of the general rule for diapers anyway, but especially so with front loaders). Be sure not to overload the washer because the diapers need to move in the water. And if you can do a second rinse you can ensure that any extra detergent is gone.

You may find some more tips on http://www.diaperpin.com.
Happy Diapering!
Jennifer
http://www.milagrosboutique.com