How to Wash Cloth Diapers

For certain families, cloth diapers are the best option for their little ones, so knowing how to wash cloth diapers shoots to the top of their chore lists. Discover the best way to machine wash or hand wash cloth diapers, as well as tips for keeping them durable and absorbent over time.

How to Machine Wash Cloth Diapers

Cloth diapers simply have to be washed using warm water (104 degrees Fahrenheit), using gentle detergent. Then dry them on a low tumbler setting or let them air dry.

1. After removing a soiled diaper, dispose of solid waste in the toilet.
2. Pretreat stains with an enzyme-powered Stain Remover. Gently massage the area with a soft brush before letting it soak for anywhere from 30 minutes to 48+ hours (the longer you leave it, the more time it has to work).
3. Wash soiled cloth diapers in warm water using a gentle natural detergent.
4. Some diapers require air-drying while others can go in the dryer on medium-to-low heat. Be sure to check manufacturer recommendations.

How to Handle Specific Stains

Even the most stubborn baby stains can be removed with the right cleaning method. Discover tips and tricks below.

• Soft poop stains: Soak the diaper for up to 30 minutes in warm water and a small amount of detergent. Then machine wash the diaper on a delicate cycle.

• Hard poop stains: Pre-treat the stain with water and lemon juice (or an enzyme-based stain remover) and let it sit for up to 15 minutes.  Then machine wash the diaper.

• Mildew stains: Spray the affected area with a natural stain remover, and let the solution soak the surface for at least 8 hours before rinsing the fabric. When machine washing, use the hottest water setting to effectively kill mold and mildew spores.

• Urine stains: For heavy stains, pre-soak the diaper in cold water and 1/2 cup of baking soda. Then machine wash it using the hottest water setting possible based on fabric care instructions. Make sure the stain is completely lifted before placing it in the dryer.

Pro tip: Drying cloth diapers in the sun is also an effective way to remove stains, as well as neutralize odors and help get rid of bacteria.

How to Hand Wash Cloth Diapers

When hand washing, determine how much your load of dirty diapers weigh to figure out how much detergent to use. (It's generally between 0.5-1.5 lbs.)

1. Thoroughly rinse diapers and squeeze out any excess water.
2. Add detergent and scrub it into each diaper until they are thoroughly saturated.
3. Drain out the water and squeeze excess water out of the diapers.
4. Thoroughly rinse out the diapers in clean warm water, continuing to drain and squeeze out water.
5. Repeat step 4 until the water is clear and free of detergent.
6. Hang diapers up to dry.

Pro tip: Use a washboard to tackle tougher stains when hand washing, and use rubber gloves (and a gentle hand soap afterward) to protect your skin.