🧼 Cloth Diaper Washing 101: How to Keep the Poop Off and the Joy On

So you’ve stocked up on the cutest cloth diapers ever (yay!) and now you're staring at your washing machine wondering, “Wait… how exactly do I clean these things?” Don’t worry—we’ve all been there, and good news: washing cloth diapers isn’t nearly as scary as it sounds.

In fact, once you get the hang of it, it becomes just another part of your weekly rhythm—like brewing coffee or pretending to fold the laundry while actually watching baby videos on your phone. 😉

Here’s everything you need to know to keep your diapers clean, fresh, and ready for all those adorable wiggles and wiggle-related messes.

Let’s break it down.

🌀 Washing Routine Basics: The Two-Wash System

Cloth diapers like to be washed in two rounds—think of it like a warm-up and a deep clean.

1. Pre-Wash (Round One): This is the rinse-and-scrub part. It removes most of the pee, poop, and grime so your main wash can do the real cleaning.

2. Main Wash (Round Two): Now that the heavy lifting is out of the way, the second wash swoops in to deep clean your diapers and get them fully fresh and stink-free.

 

💧 How to Wash Like a Pro

Your routine may vary a little depending on whether you have a top loader or front loader, but here’s a solid starting point:

 

PRE-WASH
The pre-wash is a your 1st wash cycle that removes most of the yuck: urine, poop residue, and any funky buildup. This cycle preps your diapers so the main wash can work its magic without being overrun by leftover muck.

Step 1: Pre-Wash

• Full wash cycle

• Use warm or cold water (not hot—you’re just loosening things up)

• Add a small amount of detergent (about ½ of your regular amount but no more than to line 1 on your measuring scoop)

• Spin on high if your machine allows it

 

MAIN WASH
This is your deep clean cycle—the one that gets your diapers truly fresh and hygienic. After the pre-wash clears the battlefield, the main wash swoops in to scrub everything clean.

Step 2: Main Wash

• Select the heaviest soil setting your machine has

• Use hot water (ideally 120–140°F / 49–60°C) for thorough cleaning

• Add the full recommended amount of detergent for your load size

• Spin on high to wring out as much water as possible

 

💡 Pro Tip: Both washes should be full cycles with detergent. You’re not just rinsing in the first round—you’re cleaning in stages.

 

🧺 Load Size Matters: Agitation Is Key

Cloth diapers get clean through agitation (fancy word for tumbling and rubbing against each other). You need the right amount of stuff in the drum—not too empty, not too stuffed. Goldilocks style.

• Aim for about ¾ full when wet or loosely full when dry.

• If you don’t have enough diapers to reach that, toss in small items like baby clothes, towels, or washcloths—just avoid anything with strings or large sheets that could wrap around and prevent proper agitation.

💡Pro Tip: Your machine should be about ¾ full when wet (or loosely full when dry). Too full = poor agitation. Too empty = not enough friction. Aim for that diaper washing sweet spot!

If you’re short on diaper laundry, you can toss in some small, non-linty items like baby clothes, towels, or washcloths to help balance the load. Just avoid things like sheets or large blankets that can wrap around diapers and trap them in a soggy cuddle.

 

🧽 Detergent: The Real MVP

Here’s where things get real: You need actual laundry detergent—yes, the kind with science-backed cleaning power. Homemade “soap” just won’t cut it. Here’s why:

• Soaps leave residue and don’t rinse well in washing machines.

• They lack surfactants (which are the molecules that lift dirt and oils out of fabric).

• They can cause buildup, stink issues, and even lead to rashes or repelling.

What you want is detergent with both surfactants and enzymes:

• Surfactants break down and carry away oils, residue, and urine.

• Enzymes help break down proteins (like those in poop and pee) at a molecular level, making it easier for your detergent to get things fully clean.

Let’s talk about actual detergent—because it really does matter.

You want a detergent with: ✔️ Surfactants (they help lift and remove the yuck from your diapers) ✔️ Enzymes (they break down proteins and bodily waste—gross, but necessary!) ❌ No fabric softeners or dryer sheets (they coat your diapers and make them repel liquid)

🧼 Some solid, science-backed detergent choices:

Here are a few tried-and-true options we love (and that many cloth parents swear by):

• Tide Original (powder or liquid) — powerful, reliable, and cloth diaper–approved

• Arm & Hammer Clean Burst or Free & Clear

• Persil ProClean (liquid)

• Seventh Generation Ultra Power Plus (enzyme-formulated, eco-conscious)

 

Note: All homemade laundry “soaps” are a no-go. They’re technically soap, not detergent, and soap just doesn’t cut it when it comes to human waste. We totally get wanting a natural option—but when it comes to cleaning diapers, nature needs a little help. 😉

Soap-based cleaners leave residue, cause stink and repelling, and can damage your diapers. Plus, they void warranties (including ours) and may lead to rashes from diapers that aren’t fully clean.

⚠️ Avoid anything with fabric softeners or “oxi-boost” additives unless verified cloth-safe, as these can coat the fibers and reduce absorbency.

 

🌊 Water Type: The Hidden Factor

If you have hard water (high in minerals), you might need a water softener like Calgon or Borax to help your detergent work properly. Too many minerals can bind to your diapers and create buildup.

Soft water? Lucky you! Your detergent will work more effectively with less resistance.

 

⚠️ A Note on Hard Water

If you live in a hard water area (lots of minerals in your tap water), you might notice buildup or stink over time. In this case:

• Avoid extra rinse cycles (they can redeposit minerals)

• Use a detergent formulated for hard water (or consider adding a water softener like Calgon or Borax, if needed)

• Watch for signs like dingy diapers, ammonia smells, or mineral crustiness

☀️ How to Dry

You’ve washed, rinsed, and conquered—now it’s time to dry!

• Pocket Shells: Line dry if possible or tumble dry on low. They dry super fast, so if you’re using the dryer, 20–30 minutes is usually plenty. Overdrying can damage elastics over time.

• Inserts: These can handle higher heat—but be mindful that natural fibers like hemp and bamboo can shrink if dried on high heat repeatedly. Medium is usually your friend.

Bonus Tip: Shake out inserts and shells before drying to prevent them from sticking together in the wash

 

🌞 Treating Stains Naturally

Enter: the magical power of the sun. ✨

• Lay damp (not dry) diapers in the sun with the inner lining facing up.

• Let the UV rays work their magic—it’ll fade most stains right out!

• Be mindful not to leave the outer PUL side facing the sun for long periods; too much UV exposure can weaken the waterproof layer over time.

• Always sun wet, not dry! Sunning dry diapers can cause brittle fibers or cracks.
  

 

🧴 Bleach: The Backup Hero (Used Carefully!)

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a diaper needs a little extra oomph—whether it's to tackle stubborn stains or give your stash a deep sanitizing reset (hello, mystery barnyard stink). Enter: diluted bleach! Yes, you can safely use bleach on cloth diapers—but only the right way. To sanitize or treat tough stains without fading those adorable prints, use plain, unscented liquid bleach (never splashless or scented varieties). Mix 1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of cold water in a basin or tub, and soak only the absorbent parts (like inserts or flats) for about 30–45 minutes. For an occasional full-diaper refresh, you can run a bleach wash in your machine: add ¼ cup of bleach to the drum (for a standard top loader) or ⅛ cup (for HE front loaders), then run a short cold cycle—no detergent, just bleach. Follow it up with a full hot wash with detergent to rinse thoroughly. Avoid soaking or washing the outer shells frequently in bleach, as over time it can weaken elastics and fade PUL prints. Done correctly and occasionally, a bleach treatment can revive your diapers without compromising their style or function. Just think of it as a diaper spa day! ✨🧼

 

✨ Bonus Tips to Keep Things Smooth:

• Use a dedicated diaper pail or wet bag to store dirty diapers. No need to soak—dry pail storage works great!

• Don’t let dirty diapers sit for more than 2–3 days.

• Always wash new diapers or inserts before first use—most natural fibers take 3–5 washes to reach full absorbency.

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🎉 In Summary: Washing Diapers is Totally Doable

Let’s recap, laundry ninja:

• Wash your diapers twice: a pre-wash, then a hot main wash

• Use a real detergent (with enzymes & surfactants)

• Keep your washer about ¾ full when wet

• Dry your shells low or hang dry, and inserts however you like

• Use the sun as your secret weapon for stains

• No homemade “soaps,” fabric softeners, or dryer sheets

 

🎉 Final Thought: You’re Doing Amazing

Washing cloth diapers doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you’ve done it a few times, it’ll be just another part of your routine (a surprisingly satisfying one at that!). So turn on your favorite playlist, toss in your load, and give yourself a high-five for choosing something that’s better for your baby, your budget, and the planet.

Need help adjusting your routine for your specific machine or water type? We’re always happy to help—reach out anytime!