A FAQ Guide To Caring
For Your Cloth Diapers & Accessories

PREWASHING CLOTH DIAPERS

Q: Do I need to wash my diapers and inserts prior to their first use?

A: All cloth diapers need to be washed (with cloth diaper safe detergent) before their first use. It is recommended to use about 1/2 to 1/4 the amount of detergent you would normally use. The exception to this would be if you are using a detergent made specifically for cloth diapers that rinses clean, like Rockin Green. The material your diaper is made of will determine what sort of prewash routine you will need to complete.

1. Prefolds, Pocket Diapers, All-In One Diapers. All of these types of diapers can usually be washed together. The exception is any diaper or insert made of organic cotton. These items need to be prewashed seperatley. (See below for further instructions on natural/organic fabrics). Pre wash on hot and rinse in cold. These items can be machine dried on low to medium heat. It is recommended to line dry where possible to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.

2. Bummis Diaper Covers. These items can be prewashed with your prefold, pocket or All in One diapers. Prewash on Hot and rinse in cold. However, we recommend hanging your diaper covers to dry.

3. Natural fabric diapers and inserts such as unbleached cotton, organic cotton, bamboo & hemp. These items contain oils and waxes that can rebel liquid.  These diapers need to be prewashed separately from any other diapers prior to their first use. Prewash in hot and rinse in cold. These diapers can be stand being machine dried at a hot temperature. Repeat this process two to three times. You will know these diapers are ready to use when they absorb liquid rather than repel it. Once prewashed, and readily absorbing liquid they can be washed with other diapers without negative effect.

*Remember it is important to not prewash your pocket, all in ones or diaper covers with any of your hemp, bamboo or unbleached/organic cotton diapers or inserts. Only once the prewashing stage has been completed on both groups is it safe to wash them together.

REGULAR CLOTH DIAPER CARE

Q:How to I store dirty diapers until I am ready to wash them?

A: The best way to store you diapers inbetween washes is with a dry pail system.No more diaper pails filled with dirty water! In the dry pail system dirty diapers are placed into a diaper pail liner or tote bag and require no soaking.

Q: But what about the POOP?

A: The poop needs to be knocked into the toilet prior to placing the diaper in a pail liner. For assistance in this area you can use a diaper sprayer to spray diaper clean or you can use biodegradable flushable liners to catch the poop for easy disposal into the toilet.

WASHING CLOTH DIAPERS

Q: How often do I need to wash my diapers?

A:It is recommended to wash your diapers every 2-3 days.

Q: Is it alot of work to wash cloth diapers?

A: If you have the time to turn on your wash machine every 2 days you have time to wash cloth. Below we have outlined the very simple process for you.

Start by emptying the contents of your pail liner into the washing machine by turning the liner inside out ( this keeps your hands clean!).  You can wash the pail liner with your diapers so throw it in as well!

Set you machine to complete a cold rinse cycle with no detergent. This doesn't need to be a full wash cycle--just a rinse! The idea here is to dampen the diapers and help lift stains. After you have rinsed your diapers follow it up with a long HOT wash with an extra rinse cycle.

Note: You should be using 1/2 to 1/4 the amount of detergent you would normally use. We recommend using a residue free detergent such as Rockin' Green , in which case you can use the amount recommended on the package. If any detergent remains on the diaper it can cause build up (a big offender of leaky or stinky diapers!).

Q: I've heard that I need to use less detergent and only special approved detergents on my cloth diapers?

A: Most cloth diaper manufacturers advise that it is okay to use conventional detergents. It is advised, however, to steer clear of detergents promoting "active enzymes" as they have been known to cause rashes.

Manufacturers recommend that you do not use bleach, bleach alternatives or fabric softener sheets.

Suggested detergents:

Booty Boutique is proud to carry Rockin' Green Detergent. It is cloth diaper safe, comes in yummy scents and is HE machine safe.

Our friends at Bummis have done a fantastic job and have compiled a list of as many detergents as possible and advise whether they are safe for cloth or not. It is a very helpful resource so please check it out here before buying any detergent.

Q: Do I use the same process with a front loader/HE machine as a top loading washing machine?

A: In a HE machine you want to use as little of detergent as possible. This may take some practice in order to find the right balance with your particular machine. If your diapers still feel soapy after they have been washed, rinse them a second time and reduce the amount of detergent next time you wash.

Also, HE machines use very little water to clean your clothes. They base the amount of water needed by how heavy the load is. This feature is wonderful for saving water, but not always wonderful when cleaning dirty diapers.  If you can, manually adjust the water level to high. If you cannot adjust your machine and are noticing your diapers not rinsing clean, then try throwing in a few wet towels with your diapers to make the load heavier.

Q: Should I machine dry or line dry my diapers?

A:Many diapers adn inserts do fine in the dryer. Always check the manufacturer suggestions before drying. We recommend air drying whenever possible as it helps extend the life of your diapers. If you choose to machine dry your diapers, use caution and dry these items on a low to medium heat. It is always best to air dry diaper covers, tote bags and pail liners.

Q: My diapers are leaking!

A: There are a few reason why a diaper may leak:

1. They don't fit! Be sure that your diapers are the right size for your child. Check for gaps in the legs or waist.  Also, if your baby is a heavy wetter they simply may be wetting through the diaper quicker than expected. In this case you could add an extra diaper insert or doubler for additional absorbancy.

2. BUILD UP! Using too much detergent or oil based diapers cream without a liner can cause build up. 

Q: I think my diapers have build up---how do I get rid of this?

A: Do a few hot water washes (with no detergent!) to rinse out any detergent build up. Another tip of the trade that has worked for us is to hand-wash the inner layer of your pockets/all in ones or covers using a drop or two of DAWN dishwashing detergent. Follow with a rinse in the sink until the water runs clear and wash them as you normally would.

Q: Are bum creams safe to use with cloth diapers?

A:YES. As long as you use a liner to prevent the cream from coating the diaper. Oil based rash creams tend to leave a water (pee) repelling coating on diapers.  This coating can result in build up and stinky diapers. You should always use liners when using diaper cream in to keep your diapers working properly and absorbing liquid.