As an expecting parent, even before a baby’s birth, there are many important considerations, as well as essentials that you need to buy. Among the most important things to consider is your baby’s diapers. You’ve probably heard about cloth diapers. There are many good reasons to go for those, as opposed to disposable diapers. However, we know that you are probably thinking that you don’t know how to wash cloth diapers. This is often why people avoid them. Before we help you with that, here are a few reasons why you should brave the extra laundry for this option.
Why Cloth Diapers?
1. Cloth diapers are economical.
Because they are reusable, cloth diapers can save you lots of money. If your child starts potty training at three years old, try to imagine the number of disposable diapers you have already consumed. This could be in the thousands, and this would have already cost you a substantial amount of money. Conversely, you could instead buy around 25 cloth diapers and wash these regularly, saving you money for other expenses, like your baby’s milk.
2. Cloth diapers are more sustainable.
Not only are they economical, but cloth diapers are also better for the environment. A great deal of waste from disposable diapers could be saved if the majority of parents used cloth diapers. This way, you not only get to save money, but you are also helping to preserve the environment for your child and future generations.
3. Using cloth diapers can make potty training easier.
Potty training can be difficult, and the use of cloth diapers can actually help you with this. Because cloth diapers accustom your child to wetness better, as compared to disposable diapers, this feeling will prompt your child to potty train sooner than those who are using disposable diapers.
How Do You Wash Cloth Diapers?
Now that you know why you should use them, it is important to know how to wash cloth diapers. Maintaining a cloth diaper wash routine is essential in making sure that your cloth diapers stay usable and free of foul odors. Further, making sure that cloth diapers are clean is also important for your child’s health. To help you with washing, we have compiled some washing tips as well as some cloth diaper stain removal tips for you.
1. Frequency
How frequently you wash cloth diapers depends on how many diapers your child uses in a day and how many you have available. Ideally, and to avoid stinky odor, it is best to wash used diapers daily. However, this could be time-consuming. As such, you can store your cloth diapers and wash them every 3 days instead.
2. Load Size
To justify the amount of water you use, without mixing in other kinds of laundry, we suggest that you wash about 8 to 15 diapers per load if you plan on washing cloth diapers every 3 days.
3. Number of Washes
You might want to start with a cold rinse for the first cycle and then switch to a hot one on the second. If any foul odors continue to persist after washing, you can add an essential oil or vinegar to either cycle to neutralize it.
Cloth Diaper Stain Removal Tips
One of the simpler ways to remove a stain is to let the wet cloth diaper dry under the sun. The sun is a natural stain remover and will get it done without the use of any chemicals. The tougher the stain, the longer you have to expose it to the sun. If this doesn’t work, you can get a tub, fill it with water, and mix it with one scoop of stain remover. Then, you have to immerse the clean but stained cloth diapers in the solution overnight before washing them again.
Having a hard time washing cloth diapers should not hinder you from using this more economical and sustainable alternative. If you do not have the time to clean them, you can always drop by Kelly’s. We offer dry cleaning in Durango, CO. Bring your used cloth diapers to our shop today to have them cleaned professionally!
