No matter what kind they are, cloth diapers are cute. They are so soft, cuddly and cute. The biggest problem is that eventually they get dirty. Really dirty.

Washing diapers seems to get almost as much attention as the diapers themselves. When I tell people that I use cloth, they almost always ask “do you wash them yourself?” Sadly, diaper services seem to be rapidly disappearing, so if you want to use cloth you will probably need to wash your own diapers. Or teach your husband to do it. Luckily, diaper washing can be incredibly simple. I’ve seen countless complicated wash routines, involving endless combinations of washes, rinses, soaps, detergents and other additives. I’ve found that keeping things simple works best for me and my diapers.

Many factors can affect your diaper washing: the hardness and chemical composition of your water, what sort of washing machine you have, and the types of diapers that you use. I have fairly hard well water, a mixed stash of diapers and a front loading HE machine.

The first thing that I do is spray my poopy diapers really well before they even go into the pail. You can skip this step if you are dealing with the innocuous, sweet smelling poop of a breastfeeding-only little one. Diapers that are just wet can go straight into the pail. Our diaper pail is an old step trash can with a plastic inner liner.

When the pail starts to look fullish I dump it into the washer. I try to wash every other day or so. Dirty diapers shouldn’t marinate in the pail too long, so don’t put off diaper laundry. If you have a top loader, try to wash fewer than 18-24 diapers at a time. They need room to agitate and move around in the washer. Front loaders actually work a little better when they are full, so cram as many in as you can.

I start my diaper laundry with a cold rinse. This will get the last of the solids off any dirty diapers.

A bit about detergent: There is much disagreement about detergents in the cloth diapering world. I can only tell you what has worked well for me. My favorite detergents are

1. Tide HE Powder: yes the original, scented, stinky kind

2… Tide HE Liquid: I had to switch to this because the powder didn’t dissolve well in my new HE washer

3. Kirkland Signature Powder from Costco: this comes in a giant 5 gallon bucket and is super cheap. Cheap Detergent=More money for diapers!

4. Allen’s Naturally: my favorite of the “natural” detergents.

I like Tide HE best, even if you have a non–HE washing machine. HE detergents are meant to rinse cleaner and suds less, which makes them perfect for diapers.

I’ve had terrible luck with the “free and clear” detergents. I’ve tried the Costco and Tide versions, and both gave my sensitive skinned kid a terrible rash.

I use about half as much detergent as the label specifies. Remember, we want to clean these diapers! Detergent is not the enemy; it dissolves the icky stuff and then holds it in the water so it can be rinsed away. Don’t be afraid to use a generous helping. So we’ve had a cold rinse and added a half scoop or so of your favorite detergent. What next?

On my washing machine I choose the cycle that has the longest agitation. I wash in the hottest temperature possible. If you have a sanitary cycle or an internal heater in your washer, even better. If you don’t, consider adding some water that was heated on your stove top, or running a nearby faucet to allow the water in your washer to be as hot as possible. Hot water makes any detergent work better, and it kills bacteria. Please don’t turn up your water heater! Hot tap water can cause serious burns very quickly.

Rinse in warm water if possible. The goal of rinsing is to get the soap dissolved and out of the diapers, and warm water does this best. One extra rinse at the end of a normal cycle should be enough. The rinse water should be fairly clear and free of bubbles. A few bubbles aren’t the end of the world, especially if your diapers smell clean and are working well. If you see a lot of bubbles then go ahead and rinse again. I always feel that plenty of soap and an extra rinse are better than diapers that aren’t clean because I skimped on the detergent.

At the end of the wash I pick out my pocket diapers and any PUL covers and hang them to dry. I know that many manufacturers say you can dry PUL and pockets, but I’m a nervous nelly about it. Some of my fuzzibunz are 4 years old and still going strong, so I’m sticking with the air drying. Everything else gets thrown into the dryer on medium. Medium heat is easier on fabrics and elastic than high. In the summer I love hanging my diapers outside, but here in the Northwest that only lasts for a few brief months. The sun is a great sanitizer and stain remover, not to mention cheaper and greener. So, if your weather allows get the diapers out on the clothesline.

The only additive (other than detergent) that I have ever needed is bleach. Regular use of bleach can cause your diapers to wear out quickly and will also bleach the color out of all your cute things. There are times though, that a little bleach can be a good thing. If I buy used diapers or we have a nasty bug I like to use a little bleach. I add 1/8 to ¼ cup to my regular wash. I’ve never had any problems with the occasional use of bleach, and it seems to freshen the diapers well.

After things are clean and dry, all that is left is to fold stuff and tuck away all your fluffy clean diapers, ready to use again.

I find washing my own diapers to be a rewarding experience, rather than a chore. The time that I spend washing, hanging and folding is a moment of reflection and connection for me. All over the world and all throughout time, women have been lovingly washing diapers for their children. I feel a spiritual bond to mothers everywhere who may be doing the exact same thing as me at that moment.

Before I begin, let me clear up a few things. You may have read Brit’s post that mentions me. It’s down there somewhere, past all the adorable baby pictures. For the record, I don’t break up with friends because they don’t use cloth diapers. I try not to even nag about it. But if you hang around long enough, I’ll eventually send you off with a dozen diapers. You see, I love cloth diapers, and I want everyone to share the love. But only if they want to.

I grew up the child of hippies, in an extended family that was green and environmentally conscious way before green was cool. We lived in a rural neighborhood with lots of other like minded hippy freaks. I saw my mom use cloth diapers with all my younger siblings and changed more than a few of their diapers myself. And then my cousins diapers. And the diapers of the neighborhood kids that I babysat. So for me, diapers have always been cloth.

Around the fall of 2000, my husband and I started to think about having a baby of our own. It turned out that trying to getting pregnant and actually becoming pregnant are totally different things. So I filled my childless hours (which became childless months and then years) with planning and shopping for the baby that wasn’t even on the way yet.

I checked out the diapers available at few local stores, and discovered that they were nothing like the soft, fluffy flannel squares I remember using with my siblings. These were thin flimsy things and I couldn’t imagine how they would work.

Eventually, I turned to the internet. I found a baby gear swap at babycenter, and bought three dozen gently used infant prefolds and 8 covers for $35.00 It was a steal! The diapers came and I washed them and put them onto a shelf. And waited. And waited.

Finally our sweet baby girl arrived. We diapered her with those prefolds, and then her brother. Those infant prefolds went on to diaper four of my nieces and nephews as well. They were finally retired to the rag bin this winter. Along the way I’ve discovered that there is a giant world of cloth diapers. The variety is amazing. Today, I’m hoping to give you a brief overview of the different kinds of cloth diapers.

All diapering systems (even disposables) have three basic parts. There is an absorbent material that does the dirty work of sucking up and holding the liquid. There is a waterproof layer that keeps the ick from landing on baby’s outfit or your lap . Finally there is some sort of fastening system that holds it all together and on the baby. In a disposable diaper the absorbent layer is a combination of fiber-y pulp and gel stuff, the waterproof outer feels something like soft paper and of course there are velcro-like tabs that hold the diaper on.

Cloth diapers have a lot more variety. I’ll start with the diapers that are most like disposables, and move to the old school stuff (like your grandma used) I’ll try to give a few pros and cons for each type as well.

All In Ones

These look and work much like disposables. There is an inner layer of absorbent material, sewn into a waterproof outer. The inner layer can be cotton, hemp, bamboo or microfiber. Some All in ones are lined with fleece or suedecloth to wick moisture away from the baby’s bottom. The outer layer is usually made with PUL, a durable, flexible and waterproof coating. There are snaps or velcro that hold the diaper on.

Pros: Easy to use, even for the most dedicated disposable diaper user.

Cons: Typically the most expensive type of diaper. Can be difficult to wash and dry, because the outer shell prevents water from moving through the diaper.

Example:

bum genius AIO

Thirsties AIO

All in Twos

All in twos are a lot like all in ones. The only difference is that instead of being sewn together, the absorbent layer snaps out of the outer shell. So if a diaper is only wet, you can snap a new insert into the outer. When the outer shell is soiled, you wash it.

Pros: Easy to use. Washing is easier than all in ones

Cons: Expensive. You will need quite a few shells.

Examples: Baby Soft Wraps

Pocket Diapers

Pocket diapers are one of my favorites. The diaper itself has two layers. The outer layer is waterproof and the inner layer is fleece or suedecloth, which allows liquid to pass through to the middle. There is an opening, typically at the back that allow you to put an absorbent insert into the diaper, between the two layers. The inner layer protects the baby’s skin from wetness. When the diaper is soiled you remove the insert and wash both pieces. Inserts can be natural materials like cotton and hemp, or synthetics like microfiber.

Pros: Easy to use, wash and dry fairly easily.

Cons: Can be expensive. Stuffing inserts into diapers is time consuming.

Fuzzibunz

bum genius

Green Acres Designs

Fitted Diapers

Fitted diapers still look a lot like a disposable. They are shaped like an hourglass, with elastic gathers around the legs and waist, and velcro or snaps to hold the diaper on. There is an unbelievable variety of materials and styles of fitted diapers. Fitted diapers don’t have a waterproof layer, so you’ll need to use a separate waterproof cover (more on that later)

Pros: Generally less expensive that AIOs or Pockets.

Cons Need a cover, can take a long time to dry

Motherease

Muttaquin

Goodmama

Prefolds

Prefolds are rectangular flat diapers. They are technically a big long piece of fabric that is folded and stitched in the manufacturing process so that they have a middle section that has more layers and absorbancy than the outer sections. Prefolds are described by their size and the number of layers. Typically infant prefolds are 11X14 inches and have 4 layers of material on the outer edges and 8 in the middle. Prefolds need to be fastened on, with a snappi, pins or a snug fitting cover. Prefolds need a cover.

Pros: Inexpensive. Easy to wash and dry

Cons: Need a cover. Can be intimidating at first.

Green Mountain Diapers

Little Lions

Flats

Flats are probably what your grandmother used. They are, as the name implies *flat* Most flats are a 27×27 inch single layered square of material. The flat is folded origami style to create a diaper that fits your baby. Flats need to be fastened with a snappi or pins. They also need a cover.

Pros: Inexpensive and versatile. Extremely easy to wash and dry, even without a washing machine or dryer.

Cons: Need a cover. Need to be folded before use.

Little Lions Flats

Green Mountain Diapers Flats

Covers

Covers are the outer waterproof thing that you need over fitted diapers, prefolds and flats. Covers can close with snaps or velcro. Some even simply pull on. There are covers that fit very snugly and can hold a prefold or flat without a snappi or pins. Covers come in a variety of materials like nylon, PUL, fleece and even wool.

Bummis

Thirsties

Sustainable Babyish

Crankypants

If you made it this far, I’m hoping that you’ll consider using cloth. Maybe you already are.

For me the best part of using cloth, the thing that has kept me washing, folding and loving my diapers for the last five years is this:

They are beyond cute.

I’m a little sad that I’m only just now starting to use cloth diapers, now with my third and final child.  Why didn’t I start with my first, back when he was born in 1999?  I knew people then who were using cloth diapers and was aware enough that I knew the process of cloth diapering was different than it was for my mother’s generation.  But something held me up.

I know exactly what that something is.  It’s the same something that holds any of you who are reading this from trying cloth diapers.  It’s the poop.  I was nervous about having to deal with it more than I already had to.  And dunking a diaper in a toilet to rinse poop off?  Oh hells NO.  Anyone who even remotely knows me knows that’s about the LAST thing I’d ever want to do.  I’d rather throw the damned thing away than do that.  Which led back to disposable diapers.  It’s a lot cheaper to throw away something that is meant to be thrown away, you know?

I was also nervous about the cost.  It’s a lot of money upfront.  It’s a tremendous savings in the long run, pretty much no matter what you do.  But having a couple hundred dollars on hand to start a stash of cloth diapers?  Well, that doesn’t happen too often around here.  It’s a lot easier to rustle up the $14 for a box of cheap diapers from Walmart than $300 for a couple dozen pocket diapers.

But I’m here to tell you that it’s not as hard as all that.  If you are unfamiliar with today’s cloth diapering methods, take everything you think you know about cloth diapers and throw it out the window.  I thought I knew, only to learn that I don’t.  It’s like learning to read all over again.  It’s so much different, so much easier, than I ever expected.

There is no dunking diapers in toilets if you really don’t want to.  Honest!  First off, if your child is a newborn you don’t even need to do anything with the poop since it easily washes out.  You just toss it in the pail and you’re done with it.  You can use flushable liners that catch all the poop and just dump them into the toilet.  The best solution, the one I’m going to be using, is a diaper sprayer (like Brit mentioned in her post).  Just spray the diaper and it’s contents into the toilet and voila.   Toss it in the pail and you’re done.  And that’s another thing.  You don’t have to have a “wet pail” or anything like that.  I have a regular garbage can from Walmart with a lid that closes.  Inside, I have a waterproof and washable liner and when it’s time to do laundry, I just take the whole liner upstairs and dump the whole kit and kaboodle in the washer.  Never have to touch a diaper.

And, believe it or not, I realized that you don’t have to buy your entire stash all at once.  If you are still pregnant, you can set aside money each month or buy little by little until the little one arrives.  If you already have a child, you can buy a diaper here and there and fill in the gaps with disposables.  Using prefolds and diaper covers is a lot easier than I would have figured and it’s VERY inexpensive.  Trust me, if I can afford it, anyone can.  I use those in the day, when we’re going to be home and it has worked out great.  One dozen prefolds lasts me about a day and a half with using the pocket diaper at night.  I do laundry every other day.

That brings me to the issue of laundry.  You might be thinking: I don’t think I can handle ALL THAT LAUNDRY.  I thought the same thing.  I can hardly stay on top of the regular laundry around here, after all.  Anytime I would look into it, I would see instructions on all the different cycles of wash and the process and get freaked out.  But, seriously, it’s not too bad.  If I had a real nice washer that had programmable cycles, it’d be even easier.  Still, it’s not at all bad.  And while I may have piles of regular laundry stacking up around me, I have no trouble getting the diaper laundry done.  I do a cold wash or a cold rinse first (depending on how dirty the diapers in the wash are), followed by a wash in hot water.  I use maybe 1/2 the detergent you’d normally use (and I’m using Purex Free and Clear, which comes recommended and is so far working really well for me).  I finish up with another cold rinse before putting the diapers in the dryer on medium heat.  I take the prorap covers out and let them air dry.  I also take out anything that has a stain on it.  All you need to do is let that lie or hang in the sun and the stain will be gone.  BELIEVE ME, IT’S TRUE.  And that’s it, ya’ll.  It’s that easy.  I stuff the pocket diapers with their inserts when they come out of the dryer, fold up the washcloths we’re using as wipes and put them in the container and stack up the fleece liners and prefolds and I’m ready to go.  It is as easy as that.

Today’s cloth diapering is all about convenience.  Well, convenience and cute patterns, soft fabrics and adorable designs.  But convenience and functionality most of all.  In the immortal words of Alka-Seltzer and Kathy Griffen, “Try it, you’ll like it.”