How do you effectively clean cloth diapers at home?

Question

I'm researching on whether cloth or disposable diapers are more cost efficient. For now I figure I will use the cloth diapers at home, and the disposable diapers when we're out, to keep from having 2 transport used diapers. My only question insofar with the cloth diaper is how to effectively clean it at home. Common sense tells me that soaking the diaper before throwing it in the wash is probably a good idea, but are there any special types of solvent I will be needing, or a special type of pail (w/ a lid) to keep odors at bay?

I know u are supposed to swish the diaper in the toilet first, but are there any cleansers that are especially effective, and any that I should stay away from (harmful to baby)?

Answer 1

With the new line of cloth diapers such as kooshies and fuzzibunz, you dont' have to swish them in the toilet anymore! It's so much easier than the ones our grandmothers or mothers used. I'm only 26 weeks along but plan on using cloth diapers. I've gone to websites about caring for cloth diapers and it is recommended that you either toss the dirty ones (after getting rid of the solids down the toilet) into a diaper pail. The pail doesn't have to have water unless you want. Just sprinkle a bit of baking soda in there to tame the smell. Most people machine wash their diapers and then let them air dry. Whatever you do, do NOT bleach them! Here are a few helpful links:

http://www.diaperpin.com/howto.asp

http://www.earthyfamily.com/diapering.htm

Answer 2

we shake off solids into the toilet, threow the diaper into a pail with a waterproof bag and then push them from the bag into our frontloader every 3 days or so. I wash with all free and clear with a little "Bac-Out" in hot water. No rinsing, no fuss. If I feel like they need a bit more sanitation I'll throw a couple tablespoons of vinegar into the fabric softener dispenser.

(p.s. Pocket diapers or fleece liners keep moisture away from baby's skin. Not so great when you want to potty train, but great for infancy and nighttime!)

Answer 3

Cloth diapers are more cost efficient, but disposal diapers keep the moisture away from the baby. Cloth diapers do not. I used cloth with 2 kids and Pampers with my twins. I didn't have to change as often. Cloth diapers, if you use fabric softener will not absorb as well. I did not have one case of rash with the disposable diapers. When my babies wore the cloth diapers and ran around the house, when they soiled their diaper it went right through to the floor. I tried all sorts of cloth pants that you put over them, but then they had this big wad of fabric between their little legs. If you are traveling they are the BEST! I'm not a very good writer but I hope this will help you. Enjoy every minute of you little one!

Answer 4

I just wash mine in really hot water with a few drops of tea tree oil.

Answer 5

I "plopped" the diry ones and put them in a bucket.. washed as normal in the washing machine.. but I have a front loader.. it cleans anything....