FAQ
Commonly asked questions about cloth diapering.

  • Why choose cloth diapers?
  • What are the different types of cloth diapers?
  • What do I do with my soiled diapers until wash day?
  • How do I wash my cloth diapers?
  • What type of detergent can I wash my diapers with?
  • How do I prepare my new cloth diapers for use?
  • Why choose cloth diapers?

    Cloth diapers have come a long way since the days of pins and plastic pants. Todays options are breathable, stay dry inners and are just as easy to use as disposables. There are many advantages to cloth; 
    1) They are eco-friendly. Saving the landfills from endless disposable diapers. 
    2) They are chemical free.  Disposable diapers contain many chemical ingredients which the safety of these chemicals are questionable. 
    3) They are a cost effective. Considering most children go threw 6 to 8 thousand diaper changes from birth to toilet training; reusable cloth saves money.  
    4) They are fun! Fun? You may ask yourself? But todays diapers come in beautiful colors and prints.


    What are the different types of cloth diapers?

    Cloth diapering types can be broken down into four main groups.
    AIl In Ones (AIO's) These diapers have a leak proof outer and an absorbent inner built into the diaper. They are easy to use and have snaps or velcro to fasten.
    Pockets These diapers have a leak proof out and the stay dry inner. The stay dry inner wicks away moisture from the baby's skin. At the back of the diaper there is a opening to place the absorbancy. The absorbency come from the insert that is stuffed in the opening. They are easy to use and have velcro or snap closure.
    Fitteds and Contours  These diapers are absorbent shaped diapers that require a cover. They fasten with velcro or snaps.
    Flats and Prefolds These diapers consist of a flat retangular piece of material that is folded and placed on the baby. They are snappied or pinned as a closure. A protective outer layer is required in the form of a diaper cover.


    What do I do with my soiled diapers until wash day?

    Just simple place the soiled diaper in a diaper pail (garbage can with lid or 5 gal pail with lid). You may wish to use a diaper pail liner to keep the pail clean but it is not necessary. If you choose not to use a diaper pail liner just rinse out the diaper pail with soap on wash day.


    How do I wash my cloth diapers?

    Washing diapers does not have to be complex. Simply put the diapers in the wash making sure Velcro tabs are fastened and inserts are removed. Shake any solids in to the toilet and flush. Do a cold water pre-rinse then wash on hot, with half the amount of suggested detergent; followed by a (optional) second rise. Hang drying is the most environmentally friendly; but todays diapers can in the dryer also. Be sure to read the manufacturers tag and following there instructions, some diaper differ with washing instructions.


    What type of detergent can I wash my diapers with?

     The best detergents don't contain fabric softener, enzymes, dyes, perfumes and brightners. Although some detergents that contain a little brightners can be okay to use. A note that laundry soap is not a detergent and is not suitable for cloth diapers. We like to use SOAPNUTS to wash our diapers with. It is natural, supports farmers and thier famlies and leaves no residue.

    Bummis has composed a list of detergents that are acceptable and unacceptable:

    Detergent List for Cloth Diapers

     

    This list was put together based on feedback from Bummis' customers and suppliers. They are not detergent experts, and this list is by no means definitive- it is meant as a resource only. Since ingredient lists for detergents are not always readily available, they erred on the side of caution and have not recommended detergents with unknown ingredients.
    Many factors can lead to a detergent giving you a residue problem -differences in water quality, washing machines and the ratio of water to detergent. Some detergents with additives can cause problems for one family, but pose no issues for the next. Because of this, your safest bet is to stick with a detergent that is zero-residue. That said, keep in mind, that most detergents when used in moderation will not cause a residue problem.
    Whichever detergent you choose to use, make sure to use a reasonable quantity. If using a zero-residue detergent, stick to the lower end of the amount recommended on the package. If you are using anything other than a zero-residue detergent, use about 1/2 of what the manufacturer recommends in a top loading washing machine, and reduce to 1/4 for a front loader or HE machine. This will give you enough detergent to clean properly but not enough to create a residue. Make sure your diapers are being rinsed well in plenty of water. Check out our washing guide for more information.

    PRODUCT
    RECOMMENDED
    WHY NOT / USEFUL INFO
    Ace Powder
    NO
    Enzymes
    AJAX All-Purpose powder
    NO
    Brighteners
    All Free and Clear
    NO
    Anti-allergens/brighteners
    All Baby
    NO
    Brighteners
    All w/stain lifters
    NO
    Full of extra ingredients
    Allen's Naturally liquid/powder
    YES

    Arm & Hammer liquid laundry detergent essentials
    MAYBE
    There are natural oils. Should be fine if used in moderation.
    Arm & Hammer Fabric Care
    NO
    Full of extra ingredients.
    Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Perfume Free and Dye Free
    NO
    Brighteners
    Bi-O-Kleen All Temperature liquid/powder
    MAYBE
    Reports of repellency issues with pocket diapers - perhaps caused by natural extracts or degreasers.
    Bi-O-Kleen laundry liquid
    MAYBE
    Reports of repellency issues with pocket diapers - perhaps caused by natural extracts or degreasers.
    Bi-O-Kleen Premium Plus All Temperature Powder
    NO
    Enzymes
    Biovert Detergent
    NO
    Some reports of residue
    Biovert Stain Remover
    YES
    Low additive oxygen bleach
    Cheer/Cheer Free
    NO
    Enzymes and brighteners
    Charlie's Soap
    YES
    The liquid leaves zero residue and is cost effective. The powder has not been tested.
    Claudia's Choices
    YES
    Zero residue
    Country Save Liquid
    MAYBE
    Has not been tested for use with diapers
    Country Save Powder
    YES
    Certified non residue by manufacturer
    Dreft
    NO
    Enzymes and brighteners
    Earth Friendly Products Baby Hypoallergenic
    NO
    Soy Softener
    Ecos Free & Clear
    MAYBE
    Some reports of residue in hard water conditions
    Ecos w/ soy softener
    NO
    Fabric softener
    Ecover
    NO
    Some reports of residue
    Envirorite
    NO Complete ingredient list unavailable
    Era
    NO Enzymes
    Fab
    NO Complete ingredient list unavailable.
    Fresh Start
    NO Complete ingredient list unavailable.
    Gain w/bleach
    NO Enzymes
    Ivory Snow liquid/powder
    NO Enzymes
    Jewel Ultra Original
    NO Enzymes
    Hydrox
    YES
    Safe bleach alternative if used in moderation
    Kirklands Signature
    NO
    Brighteners
    Lemieux
    NO
    Oily softener could leave residue
    Method
    NO
    Enzymes, brighteners
    Mountain Green Ultra, Skin Sensitive, Baby
    MAYBE
    Recommended by many users but does contain natural oils
    Mountain Green Baby Free & Clear
    YES

    Mrs. Meyer's
    NO
    Enzymes
    Nature Clean Powder and Liquid
    YES
    Erin's Notes: this is what I used on Catherine's diapers.
    Oxyboost
    YES
    Oxygenated bleach with no other additives
    Oxi-clean
    NO
    Complete ingredient list unavailable
    Oxi-Prime powder
    MAYBE
    Has oxygenated bleach in formula
    Planet Delicate Laundry Wash, Hypo-allergenic
    MAYBE
    Recommended by many but no evidence as to zero residue
    Planet Ultra, Powdered Hypo-allergenic
    MAYBE
    Recommended by many but no evidence as to zero residue
    Purex, Purex Free & Clear, Purex Baby
    NO
    Brighteners
    Sears Ultra Concentrated, powder
    NO
    Enzymes
    Sensi-Clean (Sportwash)
    YES
    Confirmed zero residue by the manufacturer
    7th Generation liquid, Baby
    NO
    Enzymes
    7th Generation powder
    NO
    Enzymes
    7th Generation Free & Clear
    NO
    Enzymes.
    7th Generation Delicate Care
    YES

    Shaklee liquid
    NO
    Enzymes
    Soap Nuts
    NO
    Not enough information available
    Sun, Sun Free
    NO
    Brighteners, enzymes
    Target Baby, powder
    NO
    Enzymes
    Tide, Tide Free(Tide Nature), Tide Powder
    NO
    Brighteners, enzymes
    Trader Joe's Cleanliness Next to Godliness NO
    Brighteners, soy
    Wisk, Wisk Free Clear
    NO
    Brighteners
    Wonder Wash
    YES

    XTRA
    NO
    Brighteners


    Bummis Logo
    The above instructions are courtesy of Bummis. You can visit them at www.bummis.com


    How do I prepare my new cloth diapers for use?

    In most cases a simple wash is all you need. If the diaper is hemp you may need to wash the new diaper (or insert) several times to get the natural oils out and make it absorbent. It is important when prepping hemp it be washed on hot water and by itself so the natural oils don't coat other items in the wash.