Washing cloth diapers - Everything parents should know

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• Washing cloth diapers - The right routine
• The preparation
• Washing in the washing machine
• Washing by hand
• Drying the cloth diapers
• The right washing rhythm
• Storing cloth diapers correctly
• Preparing new cloth diapers correctly
• Washing tips at a glance

The right washing routine: step-by-step instructions

A regular washing routine helps extend the lifespan of your cloth diapers and ensures good hygiene for your baby. And washing cloth diapers is neither complicated nor disgusting if you know the right process.

Keep in mind that cloth diapers can be made of different materials, so you should follow the care instructions at every step.

Step 1: Preparation

Preparing to wash cloth diapers is pretty simple. First, remove the inserts from the diapers if they aren't already built in. If the diaper is just wet, you can put it directly into the laundry bag.

You should carefully remove solid waste. You can simply rinse the stool with water. Or you can place a diaper liner inside the cloth diaper. You can then simply dispose of the dirty diaper liners in the general waste.

Before washing, you should close all Velcro fasteners and zippers on the diapers. If the fasteners no longer close properly, wash the diapers in a closed laundry bag. You should always wash diaper covers in a laundry bag.

It's different with snap fasteners, including those used for size adjustment. These should be opened before washing. This way, all fabrics in between can also be washed. Otherwise, the coating of the cloth diapers or the snap fasteners themselves could be damaged.

Of course, you should also make sure that you have enough diapers on hand to provide your child with clean diapers during the washing process.

Step 2: Washing in the washing machine

You can simply wash the cloth diapers along with the rest of your laundry, so you don't need to schedule a separate wash cycle for them. However, you should also sort the cloth diapers by color to avoid discoloration.

In addition, the choice of detergent , washing program and washing temperature is important for proper cleaning.

The right detergent

When choosing a detergent for cloth diapers, it is important to pay attention to the following points:

1. Choose a detergent without optical brighteners , as these can impair the absorbency of the diapers.
2. Avoid detergents containing bleach and phosphates , as these can cause diapers to wear out faster. They can also irritate your baby's skin and harm the environment.
3. Avoid fabric softeners and soap as these damage the fibers and reduce absorbency.

Instead, choose a sensitive or eco-friendly laundry detergent that's free of these harmful additives. Just remember: the more natural and simple the ingredients, the better for baby's sensitive skin and the longer the diapers last.

Follow the dosage instructions on the packaging to avoid overdosing. Any detergent residue could irritate baby's skin.

Since conventional detergents aren't designed to remove extreme odors, we recommend using our Bactador Laundry Rinse and Odor Remover, which has been dermatologically certified "Excellent," in addition to your laundry detergent. This removes stubborn odors, including urine and stool, reliably and permanently using natural, microbiological methods. You can simply add our laundry rinse to the fabric softener compartment.

The washing program

The right washing program is crucial for cloth diapers. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

We generally recommend starting with a cold pre-wash cycle. This effectively removes urine and stool residue before the main wash cycle begins. To ensure optimal cleanliness, the pre-wash and main wash cycles should be performed separately.

For the main wash, it's best to choose a program for whites/coloreds. Also, use a full-wash program with plenty of water, as cloth diapers are very absorbent. Avoid eco or short cycles, as these often don't reach the required washing temperature. The Bactador Laundry Conditioner Odor Remover is flexible and can be used at all washing temperatures.

For most cloth diapers, the ideal spin speed is between 800 and 1200 rpm. However, the speed depends heavily on the material. Polyester and PUL, for example, require a lower spin speed.

The optimal washing temperature

The correct washing temperature for cloth diapers depends on various factors. For heavily soiled diapers, a washing temperature of 60 degrees Celsius is recommended. For less soiled diapers, a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius is often sufficient.

A common mistake is to wash diapers at higher temperatures to ensure they're truly clean. But be careful: excessively high temperatures can damage diapers over time.

By using Bactador Laundry Rinse , which is suitable for all washable fabrics and all washing temperatures, you can easily and reliably remove even the most stubborn odors and stains. At the same time, your washing machine will also be freed of unpleasant odors during laundry. It's important to follow the manufacturer's care instructions to ensure the longevity of your diapers.

Alternative step 2: Washing by hand

Handwashing cloth diapers can be an alternative, especially for wool products. While it requires more time and effort, it is a feasible option for cleaning cloth diapers.

The diaper is first soaked in warm water to loosen any stubborn dirt. Then it is thoroughly cleaned with a mild detergent. It's important to rinse the diaper thoroughly afterward to remove all detergent residue.

Step 3: Drying the cloth diapers

You can let the diapers dry in the fresh air, which is particularly environmentally friendly. In bad weather or during the winter, we recommend drying the diapers on a clothes rack in your home. Make sure there's good ventilation to prevent mold growth.

Some cloth diapers are also suitable for gentle tumble drying. If you've used Bactador Laundry Rinse Deodorizer , please do not use a dryer. This is the only way to keep the heat-sensitive microorganisms active and permanently eliminate unpleasant odors.

When drying cloth diapers, make sure they are completely dry. Any residual moisture can cause skin irritation in your baby.

The right washing rhythm – How often should you wash cloth diapers?

The frequency of washing depends largely on the number of cloth diapers you have. If you have enough, it's best to wash them every two to three days. This routine keeps them hygienically clean and prevents unpleasant odors from developing between washes.

Washing more frequently could cause diapers to wear out faster, while washing less frequently could lead to bacterial growth. Make sure to store diapers properly before washing.

How often should you wash inner diapers and outer diapers?

Inner diapers and diaper liners should be washed after each use. This is because they come into direct contact with baby's skin and waste. Outer diapers should be washed every few days. Generally, washing every two to three days is recommended, provided they aren't heavily soiled. If you notice that the outer diaper is wet or stained, wash it immediately. It's important to always ensure thorough cleaning and complete drying. This ensures hygiene and prevents skin irritation.

Instructions for storing cloth diapers

Proper storage of cloth diapers is important to avoid odors and the growth of bacteria.

Dirty cloth diapers

Store dirty cloth diapers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Plastic bags are not suitable for storage. A diaper pail or wet bag, for example, is best.

You should clean the container regularly. Our Bactador Odor and Stain Remover Spray is ideal for this. Simply spray the diaper pail or wet bag, and the microorganisms will ensure that the odor-causing bacteria are permanently and completely eliminated from the diaper pail.

Our tip: A laundry net in the bin makes handling easier on laundry day. You can put the diapers, including the net, directly into the washing machine. Rinse heavily soiled diapers briefly before storing them. Then let them pre-dry on the edge of the wet bag or diaper pail. This will prevent mold.

Clean cloth diapers

Breathable cloth diaper bags are ideal for storing clean cloth diapers. They should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent mold growth. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can fade the colors and damage the material.

New cloth diapers – what do I need to consider before using them for the first time?

Before using new cloth diapers for the first time, it's important to wash them at least 3-5 times. This is to ensure they reach their full absorbency. You don't need detergent, as this is to remove manufacturing residues.

Use a 60-degree wash cycle and avoid fabric softener, as this reduces the absorbency of the diapers. Let the diapers air dry afterward. This way, they'll be perfectly prepared for their first use.