Every purchase from our website (or in person) comes with a quick-wash and prep guide, but sometimes there are some additional questions, and clarification required. Here are some commonly asked questions on how to properly and effectively prep polyester diapers.
What materials are in your polyester diapers?
Our polyester diapers are made out of a man-made, synthetic material. Because they are not a natural material, prep is much easier than cotton, bamboo, or hemp.
What is your prep routine?
- If I have any fuzzy diapers, I give them a quick rinse in the sink with a little bit of vinegar (helps hold the colour). This should take no more than 10 minutes.
- Once wrung out, I simply wash the polyester diapers in my top load washing machine. I do one regular wash cycle, on a large load setting, with the inserts in the same load.
- I dry the diapers, usually on the line, but if feeling lazy, I tumble dry.
Why do I have to wash my diapers if they are brand new?
Diapers protect our baby’s nether region… do you want to chance anything being on that diaper? Believe it or not, whether the diaper is made at home or in a manufacturing facility, they are exposed to allergens, dust, dirt, chemicals, or pet hair. Just as you would a new pair of jeans, or a new bra, you should always give new items a quick wash.
Should I boil my diapers to purify them?
No! Boiling can actually can harm synthetic materials, not to mention the damage it can cause to the outer shells. Boiling could melt snaps, or even worse, cause delamination.
What kind of detergent should I use with my cloth diapers?
Detergents can make your cloth diapering journey difficult, or very simple. I have done a ton of research online and here with physical products, and I have found a few “really good” detergents, and a few “really bad” detergents. Honestly though, it is going to come down to your budget and preference. Personally, I don’t believe in paying a ton of money for detergent, as the whole point of cloth diapering is to save money.
Here is what you want to AVOID:
- Chlorine Bleach – can ruin the PUL on the outer covers
- Fabric Softeners – causes inserts and covers to repel liquid
- Stain Protection – creates a barrier, causing inserts and covers to repel liquid
- Scents/Perfumes – mixed with urine, perfumes and scents smell really gross
- Dyes – can transfer to your white diaper, leaving stains
- Alcohol – can damage the PUL
- Soap-based detergents – please visit here for additional informaion)
Before you decide on a detergent based on the above, you also need to determine the hardness of your water, as it can play a major role in your ability to wash and properly clean the diapers.
For soft water, my “go-to” detergents, based on performance and price, is Purex White, and Sunlight Cold Water. If you are looking to spend the extra money on something “exclusively cloth diaper friendly”, Rocking Green and Nellie’s are suggested.
For hard water, while you can used the detergents listed above, you may need to increase the amount of detergent you use, to offset the effect of the hard water. You can also add a water softening agent (such as Borax) to make your detergent more effective. For more information, check out our article on Hard Water Issues and Resolves.
How much of said detergent should I use?
For best results, base your detergent use off the detergent manufacturer’s recommendations, and then use less for soft water, and more for hard water. Each company has a different amount of “recommended amount”, especially when factoring the newer 2x and 3x concentrations. Be sure to read each bottle and adjust your detergent appropriately.
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