How to Clean Cloth Diapers: Step-by-Step Guide

Cleaning cloth diapers can feel intimidating, but don’t let that prevent you from starting your cloth diapering journey! Cloth diapering is more sustainable, budget-friendly, and a great choice for your baby’s skin. And once you know what steps to take, the process isn’t much different from regular laundry. Some families even keep up their cloth routine while traveling.

If you’re wondering how to clean cloth diapers, consider this your one-stop resource. 

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Cloth Diapers

1. Prep the Dirty Diapers

Fair warning: This is the most intimidating part of a cloth diaper routine. But it’s really not any different from handling the mess when you’re changing a diaper.

• Remove any solid waste: For cloth diapers with poop, shake off as much waste as possible into the toilet. For stickier messes, you can also use a diaper sprayer or rinse the diaper in a sink or shower.

• Separate inserts (if applicable): If you’re using pocket-style cloth diapers, remove the inserts from the covers before washing.

• Store the diapers: Unless you’re going to wash the diaper right away, put it in a wet bag, diaper pail, or laundry hamper.

• Wash your hands: Obviously. :) 

Learn about the types of cloth diapers in this guide.

2. Pre-Wash or Rinse

• Place the dirty diapers in your washing machine.

• Run a cold rinse or pre-wash cycle without detergent to remove any waste and prevent staining. 

Don’t skip this step! It ensures that your diapers are thoroughly cleaned in the main wash.

3. Main Wash

• Choose the right detergent: Use a cloth-diaper-safe detergent free of fabric softeners, fragrances, and harsh chemicals. Look for brands that specify they’re safe for reusable diapers.

• Wash on hot: Run a hot water cycle with the recommended amount of detergent. The heat helps remove bacteria, stains, and odors.

• Add an extra rinse: Include an extra rinse cycle to ensure all detergent is removed. Residue can cause irritation, reduce absorbency, and leave stains.

4. Dry the Diapers

Line dry or machine dry:

• Hang the diapers to dry in direct sunlight whenever possible. Sunlight naturally bleaches stains and kills bacteria.

• If using a dryer, select a low-heat or delicate setting to avoid damaging elastic and waterproof layers. Avoid fabric softener dryer sheets, as they can coat the fabric and reduce absorbency.

Yes, washing cloth diapers really is that easy! 

Dealing with Cloth Diaper Stains

Cloth diapers can be stained by food, poop, mold, hard water, and even certain diaper care products. Staining isn’t just a problem for those cute cloth diaper designs — poor absorbency and residue trapped in the fibers can cause diaper rash. 

Knowing what to avoid will help you keep your cloth diapers (and your little one’s skin) in tip-top shape.

Preventing Cloth Diaper Stains

• Wash soiled diapers every 2-3 days to avoid mold and bacterial growth and prevent stains from setting in.

• Remove solid waste from the diapers as soon as possible.

• Use a cloth-friendly diaper cream like NOLEO 3-in-1 cleansing cream. 

• Avoid fabric softeners which can leave a residue and cause or worsen stains.

Diaper Cream Ingredients to Avoid for Cloth Diapers

Many conventional diaper creams can stain cloth diapers and create a build-up that reduces absorbency. Avoid creams containing:

• Petroleum/Petrolatum: Creates a greasy residue that’s hard to remove.

• Zinc Oxide: Can leave white stains or build-up.

• Cod Liver Oil: Produces unpleasant odors and stains.

• Lanolin: Waxy texture can cling to fabric.

• Tallow: Animal fat that causes greasy residue.

Our EWG-Verified and Certified Organic 3-in-1 Diaper Care is free from all of these ingredients making it a great choice for your cloth diaper routine. It’s even recommended by several cloth diaper companies.

Pro Tips for Cleaning Cloth Diapers

Follow these tips for cloth diaper maintenance:

• Avoid bleach: Regular use of bleach can damage fabrics. Stick to oxygen-based cleaners for tough stains.

• Check manufacturer guidelines: Always follow care instructions specific to your diaper brand to protect warranties and ensure longevity.

• Proper storage: Store soiled diapers in a dry pail or wet bag until wash day. Avoid leaving them damp in an airtight container to prevent mold and mildew.

• Stripping: Over time, cloth diapers can build up detergent residue, hard water minerals, or odors, even with routine cleaning. Occasionally stripping cloth diapers helps restore them to like-new condition. 

READ: How to Strip Cloth Diapers So They Look Brand New 

Learning how to wash reusable diapers is simple with the right routine. By regularly cleaning and occasionally stripping your diapers, you’ll keep them fresh, absorbent, and ready for countless uses. Not only will this save you money, but it’s also an eco-friendly choice that benefits your baby and the planet.

Got more questions about cloth diaper care? Let us know in the comments!