Lesson #3: Less IS more!

When it comes to cloth diapering, you need very little detergent.  Whenever I tell people how much to use they look at me like I’m nuts….I’m not.  I’ve learned my lesson in this area. 

Just like using the wrong detergent can cause build-up, skin irritation, and if left long enough, burns on your poor baby’s bum – so can using too much detergent. 

I use Allen’s Naturally with my cloth diapers and I literally use a dime size for a whole load of diapers.  I have a top loader, so if you have a front load, you should be using even less than that.  The detergent is very concentrated and it goes a long way.  This lesson can save you money (because a bottle of detergent will last what seems like forever), time (because you won’t have to be stripping your diapers that have build-up from too much detergent), and even anxiety (if it gets so bad that your sweet baby wakes up with a rash or burn on their bum). 

Lesson #2: Detergent Matters

When I started cloth diapering, I used a "free" detergent.  Scent-free, dye free, etc. and dermatologist tested.  It seemed safe to me.  However, this detergent caused massive build-up on my diapers and lead to many leaks and some skin irritations on my son because of it.  I ended up getting rid of those diapers because the build-up was so thick.

I had absolutely no idea that detergent is so impotant when cloth diapering.   The right detergent means cloth diapering successfully...no rashes, burns, or odours and very few leaks.  Because some detergents don’t rinse well, they end up leaving a residue on the diapers that builds up and causes the diapers to lose absorbency, leak, and even irritate baby’s skin.

When washing cloth diapers, you should be sure to stay away from most baby and natural oil based detergents (this shocked me).  They often leave a residue on the diapers and cause a waxy build-up which will eventually lead to diapers that not only do not absorb, but essentially repel liquids.  You should also stay away from chlorine bleach as it can breakdown the elastics and waterproof layers of some cloth diaper fabrics. You should also never use any fabric softener when drying cloth diapers in the dryer.*

A good detergent should leave your cloth diapers soft, absorbent, and smelling clean.  If your cloth diaper detergent isn’t doing this, maybe it’s time for a change!

                                                             *some information taken from www.ampdiapers.com