How To Create Your Own Cloth Diaper Wash Routine

The biggest fear for me when entering the world of cloth diapering was not washing the diapers correctly. I heard horror stories of ammonia build-up searing the nostrils and leaving terrible rashes on baby's behind, of diaper smell that permeated the washing machine, of diapers melting and tearing and becoming useless.  I read all sorts of articles on the best way to wash the diapers, and the tips were overwhelming (use only detergent made for cloth diapers - don't leave the diaper sitting in the pail/bag for more than X amount of days - you'll have to strip them every couple months - only dry in the sun - use cold water - use hot water - separate the diapers by covers and inserts - and on).

Now that I have several months of cloth diapering behind me, using about 5 different brands, 2 different categories of diaper, and 3 different washing machines, I realized something.

There is NOT a set way to wash cloth diapers.  It really depends on you, your diapers, and your washing machine settings.

Here are the main things to keep in mind when setting your routine: