HELP! How do I use my new cloth diapers?

[sardam]

Last night after picking-up my new diapers (thanks mommamanda) I realized I don't know what to do with them to get started! I've always had handmedowns and bought used that I just disinfected and went to it. How many times do I wash them to make them absorbant? This may sound stupid, but do I have to dry them inbetween or can I just keep running them through the washer?

[mommyg]

I wash and dry the diapers a couple of times (maybe 3 or 4) in very hot water, when they are new ones.

[Leigh]

I wash about 3-4 time then dry.

[Mamarazzi]

LOL I didnt wash them at all - I'm a noob too, but meh, we went through some extra pants. They work like a dream now.

[julia]

Wash and dry 3 or 4 times...depending on the dipe. Have fun! I love new diapers.

[Mrs.Crunchy]

I didnt realize you had to wash new diapers first!
I got all mine second hand. I learned something new today!

[Leigh]

yep, you definately wanna wash new diapers before use- otherwise they won't really be absorbent!

[FlowerAngel]

OI! I JUST signed in to post this very question. My new dipes look SUPER cute and I want them to stay that way but wanted to make sure that I prepped them properly first before use. I just hope they don't shrink as I'm about to do the first HOT wash........do you need to use any cleaners/vinegars with them during prep?.........but can't wait to feel that fluffy feeling.

[Leigh]

Originally Posted by FlowerAngel

OI! I JUST signed in to post this very question. My new dipes look SUPER cute and I want them to stay that way but wanted to make sure that I prepped them properly first before use. I just hope they don't shrink as I'm about to do the first HOT wash........do you need to use any cleaners/vinegars with them during prep?.........but can't wait to feel that fluffy feeling.

I always use a light detergent for the first wash- in case they've come in contact with something.

They won't shrink.

But, I've heard using Hot for these one may detoriate the materials faster- I'm going to wash mine in warm.

[InTheSun]

Ok, so wash them a few times-

but how do I USE them?
Is there a good old thread someone can point me to, or explain step by step?

Do I rinse them in the toilet? Pull out the insert? What kind of detergent? Put them in a wet pail or dry pail, what kind of pail?
I have been using a diaper service so far, so I have no experience how to “handle“ the diaper re; cleaning.
Also -how do you find that cleaning the diapers affects your water/energy bill?
Thanks in advance!

[Leigh]

Originally Posted by jennontheroad

Ok, so wash them a few times-

but how do I USE them?
Is there a good old thread someone can point me to, or explain step by step?

Do I rinse them in the toilet? Pull out the insert? What kind of detergent? Put them in a wet pail or dry pail, what kind of pail?
I have been using a diaper service so far, so I have no experience how to “handle“ the diaper re; cleaning.
Also -how do you find that cleaning the diapers affects your water/energy bill?
Thanks in advance!

Put the insert inside the dipe, put dipe on babe.

When you remove dipe from babe, you can use a wet or dry pail. I think most LMs dry pail, I always have. I personally take the insert out- some people don't- it will come out of the dipe naturally in the washing machine.

For young nursing babes- you need not do anything- no rinsing or anything like that.
Just toss in the washing machine.
I've always used purex on my dipes.
Once your babe starts eating solids and the poops get a little messier, i always just brushed off what I could into the toilet (shaking it off) and then tossed into the diaper pail.

[FlowerAngel]

Originally Posted by Leigh

I always use a light detergent for the first wash- in case they've come in contact with something.

They won't shrink.

But, I've heard using Hot for these one may detoriate the materials faster- I'm going to wash mine in warm.

Hmm........good to know. I don't want these dipes to weaken in the material so I'll do warm too. I'll use a couple of drops of tea tree as well in my first to disinfect and vinegar to rinse. Then I'll do 2 more warm washes to soften more. Never knew why diapers always had to be washed in HOT water, was just always told to do it. I never washed underwear in hot even if when V was little and had a poopy accident. Saves on energy costs too cuz my water tank is pretty much set to sterilize hot.

[FlowerAngel]

Originally Posted by jennontheroad

Ok, so wash them a few times-

but how do I USE them?
Is there a good old thread someone can point me to, or explain step by step?

Do I rinse them in the toilet? Pull out the insert? What kind of detergent? Put them in a wet pail or dry pail, what kind of pail?
I have been using a diaper service so far, so I have no experience how to “handle“ the diaper re; cleaning.
Also -how do you find that cleaning the diapers affects your water/energy bill?
Thanks in advance!

I always pulled the inserts out with pockets.......I wanted everything flowing easily in the washer for a good wash, kinda like unbunching my teen's and DH's socks for good wash. I'll do all my inserts myself and just split half for the daycare and half for home. That way no one will be able to say that they don't know how to use them as there is no need for covers etc.

As for energy bills, we have fish tanks in our house so going back to CD'ing will only put my bill up MAYBE?? $20 per month, if that. If you line dry it won't be much at all!!

[a_bun_in_the_oven]

Our hydro/water bill didn't go up anything noticable at all. With a HE machine, it uses like 5-10 gallons a load normally. I was washing 2x a week and tossed on an extra rinse at the end. We have old toilets so really it's the same as flushing a few extra times. I love hanging up clothes in the summer (but don't have a line at this house yet).

[Leigh]

oh.. and don't use fabric softener.

Your dipes won't absorb a darn thing if you do!