New Product: Charlie's Soap Hardwater Treatment & Laundry Booster!

Did you know that we carry Charlie's Soap Laundry Treatment and Hardwater Booster?  Did you even know that there was such a product?  Well we do, and there is!

What exactly is it and how can you tell if you need it or not?

Charlie's Soap Laundry Booster & Hard Water Treatment uses a biodegradable phosphate that leaves no residue on your clothes while softening your wash water. 

Certain phosphates can safely eliminate these problems and be environmentally friendly. They're only a problem with overuse.

If hard water is an issue, why not use an environmentally-safe product from Charlie's rather than take a chance with other detergents that put bad things into the environment?

The advantage of using Charlie's Soap with our new Laundry Booster & Hard Water Treatment is that you get the benefit of really clean clothes without a lot of chemicals left behind.

The Charlie's Laundry booster and hard water treatment works hand in hand with our Powder or Liquid to give you the best of both worlds. 

How to use it?

Simply add a 1/2 tablespoon per large load with your Charlies Soap detergent!  Your laundry will be whiter, brighter, softer and you can rest assured that they'll be clean, even if you have hard water issues.

MSRP, Just $18.99 for enough to treat 80+ large loads

Cloth Diapers 201: What is Hard Water?

If you call or live chat with Cotton Babies customer service for some troubleshooting assistance, many of the questions we will ask revolve around your laundry routine. How often you wash? What detergent are you using? How much detergent do you use? How many cloth diapers do you wash in a load? Do you have a high efficiency machine or a traditional machine? Do you know if you have hard water?

What is hard water? Hard water is water that has high mineral content. This is different from region to region based on what types of minerals are in the ground where you live and what your water sources are.

Why is it important to cloth diapering? The level of hardness in your water can affect how well soaps, shampoos and detergents work. It can determine how much soap or detergent you need to use to get your dishes, hair and laundry clean.

How do I know if I have hard water? There are a couple of ways. First, there are hard water maps that will tell you generally if you have hard water or not. Another more specific way to find out is to check with your local water utility company. My water company has a place on their website where I can fill in my zip code and it will tell me the water hardness in grains per million. I have 7 grains per million, which is considered hard water. If you water company doesn't have a website, the information should be available with a simple phone call.

If I have hard water, what do I do? If you discover you have hard water and are having issues with stink, there are a couple of changes you can try. First strip your diapers so you have a fresh start. Next, try using a little more than the recommended amount of detergent in each load to make sure your cloth diapers are getting clean. If you find you have really hard water, adding Calgon water softener to your cloth diaper loads (and other laundry) may help your detergent work more effectively.

I thought I had hard water, but it's really soft! If you find out you have soft water and are having leaks, this may be due to detergent buildup. In this case, you will want to strip your diapers to start fresh and begin using slightly less than the recommended amount of detergent in each wash cycle. This will help prevent detergent buildup. Soft water may also mean you need to add an extra rinse to your laundry routine to make sure all the detergent is out.

If you have further questions, give us a call at 1-888-332-2243 or live chat with us at www.cottonbabies.com

Have you had issues with hard or soft water? How did you adjust your cloth diaper laundry routine?

Cloth 101: Cloth diapers double as swim diapers!

You don't need to buy swim diapers this year! With the insert removed, your bumGenius 4.0 One-Size cloth diapers will work as a swim diaper. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly after use, whether in a pool or at the beach.

This is another way that cloth diapers can save you money. Have you used a bumGenius pocket diaper for a swim diaper? Share your story and tips with us.

Travel Tuesday Giveaway

It's June! Which means many families are beginning to think of summer vacations. Whether it's a trip to grandma's house, a cruise or a two week beach vacation, chances are you'll be adapting your cloth diapering routine.

One of our favorite ways to adapt a cloth diaper routine is the Flip Travel Pack. Each pack has two Flip diaper covers and a pack of disposable inserts. Even if you pack your regular cloth inserts, it's always nice to have a few disposables on hand for the car trip or just in case your fun lasts a diaper change longer than you expected.

To enter today's blog giveaway for your chance to win a Flip Travel Pack, leave a comment on this blog post telling us how you alter your diapering routine when away from home. Share your tips with others and maybe learn a new tip from another Cotton Babies customer.

Still packing for your getaway? Be sure to check out our Vacation Essentials section for natural sunscreen, insect repellent, swim wear and more!

Eligible entries must be posted today, Tuesday, June 7, 2011. U.S. Residents only. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary to win. Winners will be drawn at random on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 and notified via e-mail. (Please make sure Cotton Babies staff can see your e-mail in your comment or through your Blogger profile page, please.)

Cloth Diapers 101: How To Prep Your Cloth Diapers

Once you decide which style of cloth diapers is right for you, the next major question is how to prepare those new cloth diapers you purchased.

The first step to preparing your cloth diapers is to make sure you have a laundry detergent that is free of enzymes, scents and brighteners that is safe for cloth diapers. For more information on cloth diaper safe detergents, we have a PDF file of recommended detergents or you can read our previous blog post about detergents to learn more about what ingredients to avoid.

The next step in preparing your cloth diapers is to determine whether they are made of natural or synthetic fibers. Stay dry, fleece, polyester, suedecloth and microfiber are all synthetic fabrics. Hemp, cotton and wool are natural fibers.

bumGenius 4.0 cloth diapers, Flip Stay Dry inserts and all Flip and Econobum covers are made from synthetic fibers. For these covers and inserts you only need to wash your covers and inserts once before the first use. Line dry the covers. bumGenius and Flip inserts can be tumbled dry on a medium heat setting.

bumGenius Elemental diapers, Flip Organic inserts, Econobum inserts and all Hemp Babies products are natural fibers. Items with natural fibers contain natural oils that need to be removed before they will be fully absorbent. This is why we recommend washing natural fibers 5 to 7 times in hot water with a little bit of detergent, drying between each wash cycle. If you do not fully prep these diapers, you may experience leaks, as they will not be fully absorbent.

For any wool products, we recommend hand washing in lukewarm water with wool wash and line drying.

If you have further questions about preparing your cloth diapers or need assistance in determining what type of fabric your cloth diapers are made from, give us a call at 1-888-332-2243 and we'd be glad to help.

Cloth 101: Laundry Detergents

More than a year ago, Jenn wrote a great blog post called Good Detergent / Bad Detergent. We wanted to update that post with some current information, so we are reposting and adding some new information, because a lot has changed with laundry detergent since 2009.

Jenn wrote:

Choosing a good detergent for your cloth diapers is easy. When you purchase from Cotton Babies' detergent selection, anything you pick is fine. Cotton Babies ships all detergents for free using the coupon code GOODWASH. No minimum order. Order as often as you want to... we want you to take care of your diapers well.

The good news for you is that now, free shipping extends to most products carried by Cotton Babies. No coupon code needed! For full details on Cotton Babies free economy shipping, please see our shipping page.

In 2009, Jenn wrote:

Mainstream Detergents - We're often asked if there is a mainstream detergent available that is "safe" for cloth diapers. The answer is no. The least of the evils is Tide Free. Tide Free does not contain any fragrances, optical brighteners or dyes. It does contain enzymes though and will require diligence with rinsing your diapers well or more frequent diaper changes to avoid the mild diaper rash that can be caused by lingering enzymes from the detergent.

There is more good news here as well. There are a few cloth diaper safe detergents that have recently been spotted in stores, although depending on where you live and what stores you have in your area, they still may be difficult to find. Country Save is often available in Whole Foods and other natural life stores and is a highly recommended detergent for cloth diapers. Seventh Generation Delicate Care formula is sometimes available in stores, but be careful - only the Delicate Care formula is safe for cloth diapers, not the other varieties. Some customers have also reported success with Dropps Baby; while it is free of enzymes, brighteners and scents, these are pre-measured packets, so you won't be able to adjust your detergent amount as easily if you have especially soft or hard water conditions.

One of the common mistakes we see is that people sometimes assume laundry detergents marketed for babies (such as Dreft, Ivory Snow, etc.) are safe for their cloth diapers. These detergents often have enzymes, brighteners and scents which can clog the fibers of your cloth diapers and lead to leaks.

The bottom line about detergents was best said by Jenn in her "What To Avoid" list:

• Optical brighteners - if the box mentions anything about making your colors brighter or your whites whiter, don't buy it. Optical brighteners remain in your clothing and are designed to "bend the light" so you see the colors brighter or whiter. They do nothing to extend the life of your clothing. Optical brighteners caused buildup.
• Enzymes - if the box talks about removing certain kinds of stains easily, don't buy it. Enzymes attack protein-based stains. Those same enzymes can react with your baby's skin and cause a mild rash.
• Perfumes/Fragrances - that mountain breeze is best left on the mountain where it came from. Really, perfumes and fragrances are oil based. Oils are left in fabrics when rinsed. Again, this can cause a diaper rash and buildup.
• Dyes - dyes can remain in your fabrics when rinsed, potentially causing diaper rash and buildup.

Cloth 201: Cloth Baby Wipes

As you progress along your cloth diapering journey, you may find yourself looking for other ways to 'green' your home. A next logical step for many families is to use cloth baby wipes.

The first question many customers ask is "What kind of cloth wipes should I use?" Just like cloth diapers, there are many different kinds and styles of cloth wipes, so you should be able to find a cloth wipe that works best for you and your little one.

At Cotton Babies, we carry a variety of cloth wipes. bumGenius cloth wipes are 100% unbleached cotton flannel. Kissaluvs wipes are also unbleached, but have a 'loopy' terry side to handle messes. If you prefer organic fibers, Kissluvs Organic wipes may be for you. Want to add a little color to your diaper change? Try Thirsties Fab wipes or Kissaluvs Premium Designer wipes.

The next thing to consider is how you will store your wipes. You can store your wipes dry and wet them at each change or you can store them wet.

Wet wipes should not be stored longer than 2 days. That means you should use a wet wipe within 48 hours of when you moisten it to prevent mold. For a quick and easy wipe solution, mix a squirt or two of Kissaluvs Diaper Lotion Potion concentrate with distilled water. We recommend using the Prince Lionheart wipe warmer to keep your cloth wipes moist and ready to go.

If you prefer a dry method, you can stack your dry cloth wipes and keep bumGenius Bottom Cleaner or Kissaluvs Diaper Lotion potion right beside your changing area. These sprays can be sprayed directly on a cloth wipe and are even safe enough to spray right onto baby's bottom if you choose. After using, just toss your cloth wipes right into your pail or wet bag.

While cloth wipes can be washed with your cloth diapers, be cautious when washing wipes with cloth diapers that have hook and loop closures. The natural fibers of the cloth wipes are more likely to stick in the closure tabs of these diapers.

If you use a homemade cloth wipe solution that contains oils, we do not recommend washing your wipes with the cloth diapers. The oils from the solution may clog the fibers of your cloth diapers, which can lead to leaking.

If you have further questions about using cloth wipes, give us a call at 1-888-332-2243 and we'd be glad to assist you.

Cloth Diapers 201: Help! My diapers are stained

As baby grows and changes, you may encounter substances that stain your cloth diapers from time to time. Certain foods, such a blueberries, or other substances you or your little one ingest (like medications or vitamins) can affect the color of the output.

We get lots of questions here at Cotton Babies about how to deal with stains.

Our first recommendation is to bleach your cloth diapers once a month. We recommend 1/4 cup of bleach added to the hot wash cycle if you have a high efficiency machine. You may use up to 1/2 cup of bleach if you have a traditional top-loading machine. This helps to sanitize your diapers and fight odors. Some customers like to add an additional rinse cycle when they bleach to ensure the diaper is thoroughly rinsed before it touches baby's bottom again.

If your stains don't come out with bleach, or if you prefer a more natural stain removal solution, we recommend sunning your diapers.

To sun the diapers:

After completing all your wash cycles, find a safe, sunny spot outdoors if possible.

Place diapers on a drying rack or other flat surface with the inside of the diaper facing the sun.

Let the sun work it's magic to dry and sanitize your diapers.

Some customers have success sunning indoors during the winter near a window. With modern windows that block UV rays, indoor sunning is usually less effective than outdoor.

Some stubborn stains make take more than one round in the sun to be completely removed.

Cloth Diapers 201: Help! My diapers stink!

A question we get frequently in our customer service e-mail and phone calls is how to get rid of "stink" in cloth diapers. Keep in mind that as your little one's diet changes, their output changes. Sometimes this means that a laundry routine that has been working well for you suddenly seems like it's not working.

If you experience stink issues that you haven't had before, one of our first questions is, "Have you changed something in your laundry routine?" What we have learned over the years here at Cotton Babies that not every detergent works well for every customer, which is why we offer a variety of cloth diaper safe detergents for purchase. Factors such as water hardness or skin sensitivities can mean that your best friend's go to detergent or the "it" detergent of the moment may not work well for you.

One common reason for sudden stink is a change in detergent. Unfortunately, the best way to find a detergent that works for you is trial and error. We recommend trying a small package or sample size of a detergent to make sure it works well for you and your little one before committing to the value size.

If you haven't changed your detergent, our next question is, "What is your laundry routine?" Another common issue, especially with newer high efficiency machines, is that your diapers aren't being rinsed enough to remove all the urine or all the detergent.

If you are having "stink issues" we recommend changing to the following routine:

Wash a full cold wash/cold rinse cycle with recommended amount of detergent.

Wash a full hot wash/cold rinse cycle with recommended amount of detergent.

Run a second cold rinse cycle.

If this is your routine, you have a high efficiency machine and your diapers still smell, we recommend this little tip. To 'trick' a high efficiency machine into adding more water to your laundry cycles, try adding a wet towel (or two if they are small) to the beginning of your wash routine. Let the towel go through the entire laundry routine to make sure the machine adds the most water possible to every cycle.

If you are still having odors after trying these basic troubleshooting methods, give our customer service team a call at 1-888-332-2243. We can talk you through your laundry routine and give you some tips specific to your routine and little one's needs. We want your laundering routine and cloth diapering journey to be successful. We'll be glad to help you find the products and routine to ensure your success.

Cloth Diapers 101: How do you wash cloth diapers?

Ahh, a topic all cloth diapering parents have to learn at some point in their cloth diapering journey. Yes, cloth diapers do take a little more effort than some other types of laundry, but the extra TLC (tender loving care) can help your cloth diapers reach their full potential.

Think of it this way, if you spent $100 (or more) on a pair of jeans that you wanted to wear every other day for two (or more) years, you would follow the manufacturer's suggested care to give them the longest life possible, right? Cloth diapers are much the same.

For bumGenius, Flip and Econobum diapers, we recommend the following basic routine:

• As you would with the rest of your laundry, separate your diapers into like materials. Wash natural fibers separately from synthetics.

• Wash the entire load on cold with a laundry detergent recommended for cloth diapers. Washing once on cold water is important to remove leftover "yuck" from your diapers.

• Wash the entire load again on warm or hot (100F/40C) - also with detergent. We do NOT recommend the sanitize cycle, as it is too hot.

• Do a second rinse.

• We recommend that you line dry your diaper covers, pocket diapers and anything made with hook & loop closures. Inserts and prefolds can be tumble dried on a medium heat setting.

I hear you asking, "But what detergents are recommended for cloth diapers?" Generally speaking, you want a detergent without brighteners, scents, dyes or fabric softeners. You can read more about these additives in Jenn's post Good Detergent / Bad Detergent. Want to save time and skip the research? 

Please keep in mind that each type of cloth diaper may vary sightly in their recommended laundry routines, so please read the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Keep them handy, because as your child ages, expands their diet (as well as their output), your laundry routine may need to be altered slightly.

As always, if you are having trouble finding the laundry detergent or routine for to fit your needs, give us a call at 1-888-33-BABIES (1-888-332-2243) and we'd be glad to help you find a solution that works for you.

Real Mom Talk: My Econobum Challenge

Throughout my cloth diapering career our family has experienced circumstances and phases that have dictated our ability to use (or not to use) cloth diapers. There have been seasons of all cloth all the time, seasons of disposable dependence, and seasons of both (cloth at home and disposables on the go).

I read Jenn's recent post about families struggling to buy disposable diapers and sometimes choosing between buying diapers and food. Providing Econobum to needy families is really exciting. It got me thinking. I know that using cloth diapers saves money. I know that an Econobum Full Kit costs less than $50. I know that Econobum is easy to use and wash. What I didn't know was about the ease of transition for a family switching from disposables to Econobum. So, on Thanksgiving weekend I set out to compare the use of 1 Econobum Full Kit to our typical use of disposables during the busy Holiday season.

My husband works full time; I work full time from home and we have six awesome children. Our house is always bustling (read noisy and probably messy). Our extended family is large and active. Beginning with Thanksgiving and ending with New Years Day we spend weekends going from one celebration to the next. During the weekdays in between our house is in recovery mode.

I am now in the third week of my self-induced Econobum Challenge. I have added 2 Flip Stay Dry Inserts for overnight use because my son has very sensitive skin. I am washing a small load of cloth diapers every morning. I had anticipated that this might be a problem and leave me with no diapers if I got behind on laundry. But something quite the opposite has happened. The daily routine actually has left me victorious in the taming of the laundry volcano! Another unexpected positive has been the lack of diaper pail (or trash can) stink. Econobum has accompanied us on several all-day outings. I was even able to change a diaper on my lap in the front seat of the car while out Christmas shopping. I have been pleasantly surprised with the absorbency of the pre-fold and the cover has contained some serious power poopies.

So far, I would say that Econobum has stood up to the convenience factor of disposables. But alas, there are still a few weeks left in this delightfully busy Christmas season so we will see what I have to report nearer to the end of my Econobum Challenge.

How does your family handle diapering during busy, hectic, or stressful times?

Things I learn about cloth diapers - while traveling internationally

I've done quite a bit of traveling for business. Everywhere I go, I look for cloth diapers and how other cultures handle diaper care. Diaper care is an important issue in other parts of the world too, so I'm just as interested in what people put on their baby's bottom as I am in how they take care of it after it's dirty.

In every bathroom, in every country, I notice the toilet design, what's on the wall, whether or not there is toilet paper, how many years it might have been since the toilet was cleaned... (you get the picture). One thing seems to be consistent (other than a lack of toilet paper).... most bathrooms have a bidet sprayer on the wall.

This has been true in Egypt, France, Germany, England, India... everywhere I've been recently that isn't part of North America! People using cloth diapers in these areas rarely call us with stinky diaper problems, but in the United States, stinky diapers are all the mamas seem to chat about on the diapering forums! I think we are, as a culture, missing something important in our diaper care. It all started when cloth diaper businesses started recommending that parents leave poop in the diapers, instead of dunking and swishing to rinse them out. That recommendation was the popular thing to do when Cotton Babies first started. It's true, you CAN leave the poop in the diapers if you want, but it's going to take more than a few washes to get your diapers clean because the first wash or two is just diapers swishing around in brown, poopy water.

So, parents using cloth diapers in foreign countries are telling me that it is EASY to take care of their diapers and they can't understand why Americans have such a tough time washing diapers. What's the difference? They spray every diaper out in the toilet using the bidet sprayer on their bathroom wall. Every diaper gets rinsed. Their diapers don't sit in a diaper pail full of poop and pee for days before getting washed.

What's the lesson to be learned?

You need a diaper sprayer. Your American toilet didn't come equipped with a bidet sprayer and chances are, you don't even know what one looks like. Save yourself hours of headache and buy a bumGenius Diaper Sprayer for your bathroom. Install it and use it to rinse out your diapers. Ignore the advice from the websites who say you can leave big kid poop in your diapers for days and still expect to easily get them clean. You can't - and you shouldn't. Breastfed baby poop does wash out... don't get me wrong... but once you introduce solids, that poop changes (you'll know when it happens). When it changes, you need to rinse it out. A diaper sprayer makes it really, really easy.

So simple, so easy, so not "deep".... but essential to every cloth diapering parent.

Have you tried one?

New! Thirsties Pre-Wash & Super-Wash!

PRE-WASH Features:

• Completely non-toxic solution

• 100% biodegradable

• Custom formulated by a chemist specifically for use in pre-washing diapers

• Designed to help loosen and rinse away waste and eliminate bacteria

• Antimicrobial ingredient naturally disinfects

• Washes completely clean; will not leave residue

• Highly concentrated to reduce costs and carbon output

• HE Safe

• Made in the USA

PRE-WASH Description:

Thirsties® Pre-Wash is the only solution custom formulated by a chemist to pre-clean your cloth diapers. The active antimicrobial ingredients in Thirsties® Pre-Wash actually eliminate bacteria from your diapers, which are often the culprit of residual odors and diaper rash.

Be sure not to skip this important step in cleaning your cloth diapers! Thirsties® Pre-Wash is specially formulated to loosen and rinse away waste and works to prevent stains from setting. Our pre-wash solution is completely safe against your baby's skin and washes clean from your diaper leaving no residue behind.

Most detergents contain harmful enzymes, artificial fragrances, man-made whiteners, and leave behind harmful residues. Thirsties® Pre-Wash is entirely non-toxic, is safe for your HE washer and is 100% biodegradable.

SUPER WASH Features:

• Completely non-toxic solution

• 100% biodegradable

• Odorless & colorless

• Custom formulated by a chemist specifically for use in washing cloth diapers

• Probiotic solution introduces good bacteria to eliminate odor-causing bacteria

• Helps prevent diaper rash by naturally destroying bad bacteria

• Effectively brightens and whitens without harmful additives

• Washes completely clean; will not leave residue

• Highly concentrated to reduce costs and carbon output

• HE Safe

• Made in the USA

SUPER WASH Description:

Finally a cloth diaper detergent that does it all! A wash that truly lives up to its name: SUPER! The amazing probiotic component of Thirsties® Super Wash actually introduces constructive bacteria to your wash which helps to eliminate the bacteria that are often the culprits of residual odors and diaper rash. It's the only wash of its kind that offers this important ingredient.

Most detergents on the market will 'clean' your diapers, but none of them work to eliminate bacteria. Adding an oxygen bleach booster to your regular detergent will certainly disinfect, but it is very harsh on your baby's delicate skin and will deteriorate your diapers at a much more rapid rate. As well, using a boosteralso adds up the expense to launder each load. Thirsties® Super Wash is completely safe against your baby's skin, yet has everything you need to thoroughly clean your diapers, and is custom formulated specifically to suit the needs of your reusable diaper laundry.

In addition, most detergents contain harmful enzymes, artificial fragrances, man-made whiteners, and leave behind harmful residues. Thirsties® Super Wash is entirely non-toxic and is just as safe as rainwater against your baby's skin.

Use our washes from Day One on your cloth diapers to maintain that 'like-new' appearance. Thirsties® Super Wash effectively brightens and whitens your diapers--you will be amazed! Test it yourself by reserving some of your dingiest used diapers. Wash some of them in Thirsties® Super Wash and watch them brighten more and more with every cycle. After several wash cycles, compare your dingy diapers still on reserve to the diapers washed with Thirsties® Super Wash and you will notice a difference.

Use:

Pre-clean with 1/2 ounce Thirsties® Pre-Wash on COLD (if your machine has a pre-wash cycle, use it; if not, use a short cycle). Follow with 1/2 ounce of Thirsties® Super Wash in heavy cycle on HOT with an extra rinse. DO NOT USE ON HAND-DYED TEXTILES. We recommend testing for color fastness prior to using on dyed textiles.

Also, available in a Value Pack! Save money and grab both the Pre-Wash & Super Wash!

Good Detergent / Bad Detergent

Choose a good detergent for your cloth diapers is easy. When you purchase from Cotton Babies' detergent selection, anything you pick is fine. Cotton Babies ships all detergents for free using the coupon code GOODWASH. No minimum order. Order as often as you want to... we want you to take care of your diapers well.

Mainstream Detergents - We're often asked if there is a mainstream detergent available that is "safe" for cloth diapers. The answer is no. The least of the evils is Tide Free. Tide Free does not contain any fragrances, optical brighteners or dyes. It does contain enzymes though and will require diligence with rinsing your diapers well or more frequent diaper changes to avoid the mild diaper rash that can be caused by lingering enzymes from the detergent.

What To Avoid:

• Optical brighteners - if the box mentions anything about making your colors brighter or your whites whiter, don't buy it. Optical brighteners remain in your clothing and are designed to "bend the light" so you see the colors brighter or whiter. They do nothing to extend the life of your clothing. Optical brighteners caused buildup.
• Enzymes - if the box talks about removing certain kinds of stains easily, don't buy it. Enzymes attack protein-based stains. Those same enzymes can react with your baby's skin and cause a mild rash.
• Perfumes/Fragrances - that mountain breeze is best left on the mountain where it came from. Really, perfumes and fragrances are oil based. Oils are left in fabrics when rinsed. Again, this can cause a diaper rash and buildup.
• Dyes - dyes can remain in your fabrics when rinsed, potentially causing diaper rash and buildup.

Are my cloth diapers repelling?

Are my cloth diapers repelling? Probably not. Most of the time, leaking cloth diapers are caused by one of the following issues:

• Diaper Fit (the diaper was put on wrong) - Most often, fit problems are around the legs. Be sure that the elastic is fitted around your baby's legs. If the elastic is not fitted to their leg, the diaper will leak. To solve a gapping problem at the legs, fasten the diaper tighter around the middle and use a lower rise setting. For a newborn, fold the top edge of the diaper down and cross the velcro tabs over in the middle.
  
• Stuffing - Wetting habits vary by child. Wetting habits will also change. If your baby is growing, they may eat more. This increases their urine output. You may need to use more inserts or change more frequently to accommodate the increased urine output. Inserts also vary in their performance when saturated. A completely saturated microfiber insert will leak when compressed. You'll experience this if you put your baby on your hip when he has a wet diaper. If this is an 'all-the-time' problem, consider switching to hemp inserts (like Hemp Babies Bigger Weeds).
  
• It just needs changed. A wet diaper needs to be changed.

If you are sure that your diapers are repelling, please review these guidelines and instructions.

Rule #1 - Most leaky diapers just need to be changed. A full diaper will leak. Period. The end. Amen. Just go change the diaper and all will be well with the world.

Rule #2 - It's probably not repelling. True repelling is really uncommon. Try everything else FIRST. Do not skip straight to stripping your diapers. Personal note: I've been cloth diapering for seven years and have never, ever stripped my diapers.

Rule #3 - (refer back to #2) The symptom of a repelling diaper is a continuously dry insert and a very wet lap. This should happen over and over again regardless of how it is stuffed. This won't be a one-time occurrence.

What exactly is happening? A diaper that is repelling is not allowing liquid to absorb into the inner core of the diaper because the surface of the diaper is coated with something that is hydrophobic. Hydrophobic means tending to repel and not absorb water. Oils and waxes coat fabrics and cause them to repel moisture. The most common sources of oil in your cloth diaper laundry are detergent, fabric softeners and essential oils.

Can I prevent it? Sometimes. Some households have water that leaves deposits on everything - not just their diapers. Everybody will get buildup if you use bad detergent. To best prevent buildup:

• Be sure that you are using a completely additive free detergent.
• Do not add essential oils to your wash.
• Do not use fabric softener.

Can I fix it? Yes, you can fix repelling diapers. Before you do anything, be sure that the problem is repelling. If it is, it will affect all of your diapers and it will happen over and over again. Have you checked to be sure the diaper is on right? Is the insert really dry?

How to strip your diapers:

• Wash your already clean diapers in hot (not boiling) water with a squirt of Dawn.
• Rinse twice.
  
• Put on your baby.

How NOT to strip your diapers:

• Do not put them in the dishwasher. You could set your house on fire.
  
• Do not use boiling water. You could ruin the waterproofing.
  
• Do not wash with weird things you can only find at the hardware store. This is dangerous for you, for your diapers and for your baby.
  
• Just because a product is labeled as "safe for cloth diapers" doesn't mean that it is.
• When in doubt - don't.

Warning!!
Some of the information available online about stripping absolutely will RUIN your cloth diapers. You are solely responsible for taking care of your diapers properly. If you have questions, call Cotton Babies customer service at 888-332-2243.

Doing diaper laundry can be simple!

When I first started using cloth diapers, I had this fear that I would ruin them. That somehow I would add too much soap, or the water would be the wrong temperature, or I would use the wrong soap, or something bad would happen. I would mess up all my new diapers that I just bought! I don't know why, but I seriously feared washing my diapers.

A silly thought, sure, but that's actually a common concern of many new cloth diaper users! You just spent $15 + on a diaper. The last thing you want to do is ruin them!

I've learned that washing your diapers is actually really simple and I'm pretty sure it's virtually impossible to ruin them. My wash routine is very basic. There are many ways to wash your diapers, many different detergents to use, many different ways to dry them, and really- they all work at cleaning your diapers- it's just about doing what works for you!

My routine is very simple.

We keep a regular trash can with a lid ($10 plastic bought at Fred Meyer) in the hall bathroom which is across from my son's room. Inside the trash can we have a normal trash bag which contains all the dirty diapers. Because this is more wasteful, I would prefer to use a wet bag/pail liner. I will hopefully be getting one eventually, but they are certainly not necessary. It works just fine to use a trash bag and throw it away after each wash.

After the trash can is full, I wash! I wash about every 3 days. Currently I'm using Purex Free & Clear detergent. I'm not in love with this detergent, yet I have no reason to complain about it either. I've found something that works to get my diapers clean, so I'll stick with it! I always do two loads and one dry. The first load is a cold wash, the second is hot. Through trial and error I learned that you should always do a cold wash first. This helps prevent any stains from occurring. With both washes I use a tiny bit of detergent. It takes very little detergent to get your diapers clean!

Drying my diapers can be done two ways; the lazy way or the smart way. The lazy way is to throw all my diapers (covers, inserts, rags, etc) into the dryer on medium setting. It usually takes less than 20 minutes to get everything dry. I call this the lazy way because I don't believe this is the best way as I've noticed it really wears and tears on my diapers. Just like our clothes, the more times things are dried, the more wear is caused to them.

The smart way, and the way I believe that really helps contribute to long lasting diapers, is to either hang them to dry or lay them on your kitchen table. Really, anything better than the dryer is better. A clothes line is optimal and nice, however your couch, bed, table, heck even a clean floor! would work as a place to lay your diapers to dry. Avoiding the dryer is going to make the elastic and velcro last longer and keep them looking newer for longer.

After my diapers are dry I stuff them and prepare them for wearing! This takes less than 10 minutes and is almost always done while watching TV. :)

And that my friends, is it! Sounds simple doesn't it? That's because it is! Using cloth diapers doesn't have to be complicated or include 12 different steps. It can be and it is easy! Does it take an extra 20 minutes of my time every few days? Yes. Does it cost more money up front? Yes. Are the benefits of using cloth and the cuteness factor totally worth it? YES!

Reader Contribution
by Samantha at Mama Notes

Cloth Diaper Stink

Who thinks you need a degree in cloth diapers just to wash them effectively? You don't. Really, really, really - you don't. I think the most common question that is asked during our weekly Twitter chats is "my diapers stink, what do I do?". The internet is this vast place full of information - and it's crazy how much inaccurate information is available about how to wash cloth diapers. It's now been seven years since we started selling diapers, five years since we created bumGenius and now, finally, here are my thoughts on diaper stink. It's not complicated.

In a nutshell, here's what you need to know:
1) Cloth diapers stink because they are still dirty.
2) Common sense rules apply.
3) Detergent matters.

If your diapers stink, try the following things, in this order. Use the diapers before assuming you need to go onto the next step.

1. Try washing again. With detergent. When your baby is a newborn, it might only take one cycle to get your cloth diapers clean. As your baby gets older, it really can take two. Once you introduce food, a baby's output changes. It just stinks more and it can be harder to get your diapers clean when it stinks more. This is a great reason to exclusively breastfeed until potty training. Kidding. But not. If you've had one go through this stage, you understand.

(remember to use your cloth diapers between each step... if they still stink, move on)

2. Evaluate the amount of detergent you are using. Microscopic amounts of detergent are not sufficient and you shouldn't be double-dipping either. Please use enough detergent. Don't over do it though. For most detergent manufacturers "enough" now is somewhere between 1/4 and 1/2 of what they recommend for a FULL load of laundry. The only exception to this rule is if you're using a detergent designed for cloth diapers.

(remember to use your cloth diapers between each step... if they still stink, move on)

3. If steps 1 or 2 don't work, you may have detergent residue. Most mainstream detergents intentionally leave things in your clothes designed to make your colors look brighter, fabric softer, remove wrinkles etc. These ingredients aren't good for you, your baby and especially not for your diapers. Detergent residues cling to your fabrics and can interact with your baby's output causing negative side effects (ie: stink). To remove detergent residue, try stripping. This is simple. Use a small squirt of liquid Dawn in your washer. Wash on hot. Rinse twice. Then be sure that you are using an approved cloth diaper detergent designed not to leave residue.

(remember to use your diapers between each step... if they still stink, move on)

4. Assuming you've tried step 1, 2 & 3... and you still have stinky diapers. The last thing that causes stink is bacteria. This happens when diapers sit too long before washing. (Common sense rule: please don't leave your diapers sitting in a diaper pail for ten days. Wash frequently.) Using oxygen bleach or chlorine bleach, go ahead and sanitize your inserts. If you choose oxygen bleach, be sure you're using something that isn't loaded with additives and follow the instructions on the box. If you use chlorine bleach, 3/4 of a cup of bleach in a large wash load is what you need for a top loader. In a front loader, use 1/4 cup of bleach. Rinse well.

To prevent diaper stink, use bumGenius Odor Remover while your diapers are in the diaper pail. This is an all-natural product that actually removes the bacteria that cause odor in your diapers. wash your diapers every other day using the right detergent and plenty of water. Wash cold. Then wash hot. Open the washer and do the sniff test. If they still smell funky, wash them again.

Someday, when I'm done selling cloth diapers and I write my book, then I'll tell you how badly I treat my diapers and why I know what it takes to ruin them... and why I know exactly what won't ruin them. :) I'll also tell you the absolute craziest customer service stories we've had surrounding this topic. You. Would. Not. Believe. What. People. Call. Us. About. That has to wait for the cheeky little "tell-all" diaper book though.

While you wait on me to find time to write a book, remember that the stuff that goes in the diapers when your baby is wearing them will stink. We can't make that go away, no matter how you wash them. =-)

Have a great Saturday everybody.

Did you know? Cotton Babies carries a selection of "five star" rated cloth diaper detergents. Cotton Babies also offers free shipping on ALL detergents when you use the coupon code GOODWASH at checkout.

Something Stinks in Here

We all have those days, those loads, those diapers...

Those days - weeks really, when too many days squeeze in before you get the diapers washed again. Those loads - that sit too long before they get dried. Those diapers - that explode with a knock-you-on-you-butt ammonia smell the minute urine hits them.

The stinkies have hit again.

But today I am not going to detail all kinds of stinky remedies. I am only going to give you the easiest one.

Two steps:
1. Follow your usual washing routine, but add in 1/4 cup of bleach.
2. Add a lot of extra rinsing. A LOT.

Every now and then I run my diapers through 3 or 4 wash loads in a row with no detergent. It does wonders for preventing build up and keeps things fresh.

Laundry in a Minute

I deal with a mind boggling amount of laundry each week. Having nine people in the house will do that to a family, especially when those nine people include a spitty baby, a daddy who gets really dirty in his work, a three year old who loves to play in the sand, and a little princess who loves to wear multiple outfits each day. Adding in the multiple washes suggested for cloth diapers can make me feel like I am getting backed up even further. Here are some ways that I stay on top of things, maybe they can help you too.

1. Sort clothes. I have two hampers (light and dark) in the laundry room and the kids can sort their clothes as they bring them downstairs, and so can I. Grabbing a load of laundry to throw in is easier that way. All family clothes and towels except my husband's work clothes go in here. No special baby laundry, it all goes in the same place.

2. Throw sheets directly in the washer. They don't get sorted. Sheets always seem to back up my system more than anything, so I don't strip any beds unless the washer is already empty.

3. Start wash as soon as I am done with my morning shower. That way I feel like I am getting something done even if the rest of my day is unproductive.

4. Don't start any (normal laundry) loads after 3pm. This gives me time to make sure everything gets dry and gives me a fighting chance at getting to fold it. I usually fold a couple loads at a time while either indulging in a little television or a book on CD.

5. Now we get to how the cloth diaper washes fit in. The CottonBabies recommendation for washing cloth diapers is to do a cold wash, a hot wash, and then a second rinse. I like to start the diapers about dinnertime in the cold wash, start the hot wash before I go to bed. Then when I get up I do that final rinse when I would normally start laundry.

So maybe that has made things seem a little complicated. Let me break it down for you. Pick a time when you are not doing laundry and, well, do laundry - the diapers. It will take you less than five minutes to get them started, and less than two minutes to start them again. Starting that last rinse is just a couple minutes too. Time yourself sometime and see how long it actually takes you, you will be surprised!

And after drying I no longer fold my diapers. I toss the covers in a drawer, stuff the pocket diapers and all the rest of them go in a big hamper.

Your washing machine is like your willing servant. You only have to take a moment to give it some instructions (load it) and send it to work (start it) and then you get to go do something else. That is multi-tasking at its finest!

What if my diapers are repelling? Use Dawn...

One wise mom's advice for stripping diapers that are repelling is:

A quick scrub with DAWN (or other grease cutting dish detergent) – it works like a charm!

On a clean, dry diaper, apply a little bit of dawn to the inside, add water, work into a lather by hand (one diaper at a time), rinse and then launder.

Be sure that you are using a reduced amount of detergent as detergents leave residue (the more you use, the more residue you can expect) and the problem will likely return. Avoid scented detergents as these are specifically designed to leave residues. The thought that the more detergent you use the cleaner your diapers will be, is not the case. Also be sure to do a second rinse after the wash cycle to rid as much detergent as possible.

Some “for baby” detergents can also be problematic as plant oils tend not to rinse out as well.