Washing guidelines & Tips

Initial steps

1. Wash diapers prior to first use. (Please note that all newly bought Cloth Diapers, Inserts, Soakers, and/or Booster must be pre-washed before use). This is to remove residues left behind from fabric manufacturers It will also enhance its full absorbency after being washed around 3 times (wash-dry-wash-dry-wash-dry cycle).  
2. If you machine-wash, please be reminded to put the diapers and inserts in the separate laundry bags. This is to reduce its wear and tear and if you have a Velcro type diaper, please use the laundry tab.
3. To test whether the diapers are ready to be used, place a few drops of water on the fleece. The water should be absorbed straight into the fleece and not bead up on it.

Detergent 

Use detergent with: Enzyme-free mild detergent (Suggested detergent - Nappi Kleen, Pureen HAD)

DO NOT USE:  Bleach product 

                     Fabric softener or products that contain fabric softener 

                     Natural soap products such as glycerine soap

 (These products will reduce their absorbency and lead to leakage)

 

Washing Instructions:

1. Remove any solid in the toilet.

2. Separate inserts from diaper and rinse immediately after use.

3. Rinse into a bucket and then tip the bucket contents down the toilet and 

    flush.

4. Hand wash / machine wash - cold or warm (30 degrees).

5. Use minimal detergents (1/4 or 1/2 cup of the recommended amount of   

    washing detergent).

6. DO NOT use bleach and fabric softener.

7. Line dry only. Do not tumble dry.

8. For front loading washing machines - use double rinses.

9. DON't wash or dry on HOT or HIGH HEAT! - The PUL layer (waterproof outer cover) is meant for warm or low heat only! Preserve the life of your diapers by following this recommendation.

If you find your diaper begins to leak, but your inserts stay relatively dry, you may have developed a "residue build-up" in the fleece lining. To strip away any build-up, simply follow the residue stripping instructions.

 

Residue Stripping / Stripwash instructions

1. Warm-wash at 30 degrees with no washing detergent.

2. Wash again with 1/2 cup white vinegar & 1/2 cup of baking soda.

3. Cold rinse with 1/2 cup white vinegar.

4. Cold rinse again.

5. Repeat this process, if necessary.

OR 

1. Fill a sink with hot water.

2. Add in some dish-washing detergent.

3. Hand wash your diaper, rubbing the fleece vigorously or use a medium bristle dish brush or hard bristle tooth brush to scrub the fleece.

4. Turn inside out and repeat on this side.

5. Rinse well, making sure the water runs clear.

6. Toss into washing machine and wash without detergent.   

It is best not to use the same detergent that caused the problem. 

Tips on how to care the diapers

For newborn

    

If the pocket diaper suits the newborn nicely, instead of using the microfibre insert, it can be replaced by the cotton cloth, a square muslin as insert. Its the best way to use this kind of cloth as insert since newborn urinates frequently. With this cloth, the drying time is much shorter than the microfibre insert.   

Pre-washed issue


Brand new diapers require several washings before use to remove natural plant oils before they become absorbent. If pre-washed has been done, and the water droplets bead up then your diapers need a few more washings in hot or warm water using detergent.  

What if after washes the fleece still repel waters - then most probably the issue is with the detergent. Check detergent whether it contains fabric softeners.Fabric softeners as you know work by coating fabric fibers and it will decrease absorbency. 


Detergent found that initiate repelling issues - Dynamo 
Research found that brand Kao Attack to yield the best result

Extra insert for higher absorbency

An extra insert or 2 insert can be put into the pocket diaper for higher absorbency for night use. It is also recommended to use a bamboo insert together with a microfibre insert for night use. This is because the bamboo insert absorb more than microfibre and it is much trimmer.

Soaking dirty diaper

The dirty diaper does not need to be soaked. Just washed off the soiled/poo out of the diaper and rinse well, then leave it in a dry pail. It is not necessary to wash immediately after use, unless you have a limited stock of diapers.

The washing routine can be done every alternate day.

Control odor

After rinsing off the dirty diaper, leave it in a dry pail until wash day. Sprinkle baking soda on the diapers or put a deodorant disc at the bottom of the pail to control odors.

If experiencing odor problems after washing, you should wash them again, the odor you’re smelling most likely means there is bacteria present in your diapers which could cause irritation to your baby and potential problems like diaper rash. In a washer, drop 2-3 drops of Tea Tree Oil to eliminate bad smell. After washing is done, you should have a fresh clean diapers.

Line drying the diapers under the sun is wonderful for getting out tough stains on diapers. Make sure to set them out on the line during early morning or late afternoon when they will not dry as fast under the hot sun to avoid stiff diapers. Line drying your diapers will also extend their life, especially AIOs and covers.


Selection of Detergent

A few of important tips to remember:

Caring for your diapers properly will keep your diapers looking & performing their best. The following is a list of things that can harm your diapers and cause the fabrics to break down, resulting in a leaky diaper!

• Don't use bleach as it leaves a residue on diapers and can cause irritation to the baby's skin. It also breaks down the fibers in the diapers, shortening their life.
• Don't use fabric softener. It will coat the diapers making them water repellent and will cause leaks! Some babies are sensitive to the softener residue left on diapers as well. The same problem might happen if you use dryer sheets in your dryer. If you encounter leaks, try line drying instead.
• Don't use natural soap products such as pure glycerine soap. They may clean the fibers, but a slight oily film or "soap scum" is left on the fleece. When this happens it makes it very difficult for urine to get through the layer of fleece to the insert.
• Don't wash or dry on HOT or HIGH HEAT! The PUL layer (waterproof outer) is meant for warm or low heat only! Preserve the life of your nappies by following this recommendation
• Don't use a nappy barrier or balm cream with these diapers - it will leave a greasy residue on the fleece which is very difficult to remove. If you want to use a cream because of severe nappy rash, use nappy liners to prevent cream getting onto the cloth diaper.