The Cloth Diaper Geek Explains it all! #2

Welcome to this week's edition of The Cloth Diaper Geek Explains it all! Here, every Tuesday, at Diaper Discussions you'll find answers to reader submitted questions. No question is too big or small for The Cloth Diaper Geek! Post your questions as comments or feel free to use our Reader Contribution Form to submit your question.

Below you'll find some frequently asked questions answered by The Cloth Diaper Geek!

Question: I've heard of stripping your diapers but I've never heard of stripping your washing machine? What does that entail and how do I know if I need to do it or not?

The Geek's Answer: Stripping your washing machine is pretty much just a deep cleaning to remove any dirt, debris, or laundry detergent buildup that may have occurred inside the washing machine. Prior to using/washing cloth diapers you may have used a detergent with additives not suitable for cloth. When washing your diapers there is a chance that the buildup inside your washer can affect your wash load and cause your diapers to repel even though you are currently washing with a diaper safe detergent.

Here's how:
Add 2 cups of white vinegar or 1 cup of bleach to an empty washer. Fill with cold water for the bleach method, hot/warm water for the vinegar method, and run a full wash cycle. This can be done monthly.

Question: I've read that hemp diapers shouldn't get washed with other non-hemp diapers? Is this true? Why?

The Geek's Answer: Good Question. Even the Geek hadn't known the answer to this one until recently. New Hemp diapers will need to be washed at least 2-3 times prior to washing with your regular diaper laundry. Hemp oil (a natural plant based oil) is naturally found in the fabric and washes out after a few washes. If washed with your other diapers the oil could coat your diapers, causing them to repel. This only applies to new diapers which haven't been washed/prepped. Wash them separately at least 2-3 times before use.


Have a question for the Geek? Post your comments below.