Before using your new diapers
Wash your new diapers first before you use them. Your diapers won’t absorb properly unless they’ve been washed and dried before use. Most all clothing, including diapers are coated with sizing which facilities handling and protects the garment during the manufacturing process. This coating will reduce absorbency unless first removed during the wash cycle. If you put a brand new diaper on and wet it, urine may simply bead up and run right out of the diaper. The washing swells and fluffs the cotton fibers maximizing your absorbency.
Stain Prevention
Pre-washing your diapers with vinegar is an excellent way to reduce future stains. Vinegar "sets" the fabric and may prevent staining altogether. We suggest doing the first wash using the cold cycle with one cup vinegar only. Then follow with three warm or hot washes with detergent and a run in the dryer after each of these three washes.
How to Wash Your Diapers
Properly washing your diapers will extend their life and keep them soft and absorbent. Improper laundering can weaken the fabric and reduce the life of your diapers.
Wash day should be at least once and ideally twice a week. Either rinse soiled diapers in the toilet or soak them in the pail with cold water and a cup of Borax, baking soda or vinegar. Begin by running one cold wash followed with another wash on longest hot cycle with detergent and Borax but no bleach and cold rinse. Bleach will damage your diapers in the long run and is never recommended (It also voids your guarantee). A cup of vinegar during the rinse cycle is also recommended (use a Downy ball with vinegar in it) but NO fabric softeners. Using vinegar in the rinse cycle helps to get out the uric acid and keeps your diapers smelling clean and fresh. Fabric Softeners leave coating of a wax-like substance on your diapers which makes them less absorbent.
How to Dry Diapers
Put diapers in dryer for at least 60 minutes or hang in the sun. If after they’ve dried in the sun your diapers get stiff, put them in dryer with a damp washcloth for a few minutes to soften. Do not use fabric dryer sheets as they leave a coating that reduces absorbency.
