There are a million ways to get clean cloth diapers. The only real ‘rule’ is no synthetic fabric softeners.* Everything else is subject to interpretation. I don’t know the details of your life, your diapers or your wash routine. But these are tips that should make sense for most people and give you a good foundation for a solid wash routine.
1. Don’t be scared of washing cloth diapers
As a mom, you will soon realize there are many things that are FAR worse and WAY grosser than washing cloth diapers. I promise. Also, cloth diapers are not delicate nor are they made of unicorn hair. Cloth diapers are really dirty laundry…that is all.
2. Take a minute and breathe
Do a little research. Read the user’s manual for your machine. It pretty much lays out the best way to clean stuff right there in black and white. If you don’t have yours anymore, just google the washer’s model number + manual. Take the info you find, use common sense and apply.
3. Try to keep your cloth diaper wash routine as simple as possible
If you have a detergent that you already know works well on your clothing, start with that one (as long as it doesn’t contain synthetic fabric softener). If it works on your clothes, chances are that it will work on your diapers. But if not, you can always switch to something else. Simplicity is key when you are a parent.
4. Use a prerinse/wash that agitates, spins and drains
If it isn’t doing those things, it’s kind of a waste. The agitation helps to knock the big stuff off and gives your main wash a head start on cleaning. If you have issues with stink or rashes, try adding a bit of detergent to the prewash. I am a Tide user and add a scoop filled to the one line to a large load during the prewash. This is not something that is necessary for everyone but does work in some situations.
If you find your cloth diapers aren’t getting clean, try using a longer cycle for the prewash. Some machines such as old school top loaders have cycles that aren’t all that long in the first place. Mine is like that. I use the heavy duty cycle for both pre and main washes. Finally, if you know you have soft water try reversing the detergent amounts. Use more in the prewash and less in the main. That gives it more of a chance to rinse out as that is the issue with soft water and laundry.
5. Use the LONGEST available HOT wash cycle
The longer agitation allows the detergent and machine time to do its job. This might be the heavy duty cycle for instance. If you have a heavily soiled option on your machine, use it. I think we can all agree if anything qualifies as heavily soiled…it’s cloth diapers!
6. Use an appropriate amount of water for the load size
This applies to machines where you self select water levels. The diapers need to rub against each other as part of the cleaning process. If you use too much water they are just going for a swim; too little water and they won’t be able to move and therefor won’t get clean. For regular old school top loaders, a wash cycle should look like a stew, not a soup. You shouldn’t need to ever mess with front loading HE machines and water levels. However, I have seen some HE top loaders have issues with water levels. If you notice that you have that kind of washer and smelly diapers try running the washer with more stuff in it. Either more diapers or you can also bulk with towels. I only recommend this if you are having issues.
7. Use an appropriate amount of detergent
Soft water requires a little less and hard water requires a little more. I recommend that you start with the same amount of detergent for cloth diapers that you would use for a same size load of heavily soiled clothing. One of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to detergent amounts is not actually measuring.
You could be using way less or way more than you think. And using more than you need can cause just as many issues. Use the included scoop or lid and measure! If you have hard water and find that you are getting stink issues…try adding a little more detergent to the main wash cycle and see if it makes a difference before trying anything crazy. Sometimes the simplest solution is the right one.
8. Don’t overload your washing machine
Consult the manual if you have questions on how to load your machine (trust me, there is a right way) and also the max capacity. An overfilled washer will not clean properly.
9. Clean cloth diapers should NOT smell
If you smell anything yucky out of the washer, dryer or immediately after a child urinates, there is a problem. Check that you are doing the above tips. If you have further issues, reach out for help.
10. There is no ONE right way for washing cloth diapers
Clean cloth diapers are dependent on many different factors including water type, washing machine type, detergent, type of cloth diapers being washed and the wash routine itself. Because of this, there are MANY ways that will work even with the same exact machine. As with anything in life, you may have to research and experiment a little to find what will work best for you and your family.
A few things I’d like to add…
If you are having stink (ammonia or barnyard) or rashes on baby that are due to the diapers not getting clean, a few things to try:
- Clean your washing machine on a regular basis. Here’s directions. We can’t expect a filthy machine to get other stuff clean, right? I was surprised at how gross mine had become. Now I clean it no more than every 3 months or so and it’s good to go.
- Use hot water for the prewash and main wash (up to 125 degrees is safe).
- Increase agitation. That can be done with longer wash cycles, especially for the prewash.
About Hard Water and washing cloth diapers
80% of the United States has some level of hard water. That DOES NOT mean that 80% of the US has to add a water softener to get clean laundry. Don’t immediately think that if you have hard water your diapers will be hard to clean or you will absolutely need to use a water softener.
If you have issues, first try the above steps. Again, simplicity is key. If your clothing is getting clean without a softener, chances are you can make it happen with your cloth diapers too. That’s not to say that some people don’t need a water softener. If you find that you do Calgon and Borax are both options. I personally recommend Calgon as it is gentler on laundry and rinses cleaner. Borax can sometimes leave items with a slightly crunchy feel.
For more information on washing diapers, go here.
For those of you with clean cloth diapers and no issues, are there any tips you can share for anyone who might be struggling?
* You will know that a detergent contains synthetic fabric softener because the bottle or box will say it right on the front, for example Tide w/Downy.
Jenn is a long-time cloth diaper educator and a passionate small business advocate. She has worked in the reusable diaper industry for over a decade, helping millions of families via her websites All About Cloth Diapers, Thinking About Cloth Diapers and Cloth Diaper Geek as well as hundreds of small businesses during that time. Her goal always to provide simple, reliable information.
Katie S says
First time CD user. We have VERY hard water where we live and I have purchased Calgon to combat this issue. I have a Samsung HE front load washer. Just wondering where to put the water softener in? Should I mix it with the laundry detergent? Everything I google directs me to “fabric” softener which is obviously not what I’m looking for.
Jennifer Reinhardt says
Hi Katie! I know this is a tricky one. For non HE machines it’s easy because you put it right in the drum But for HE you have to be a bit more careful. the calgon. co. uk site states that you should add the water softener ON TOP of your detergent in the main detergent drawer. I hope that helps!
Monica says
Thanks so much for these awesome tips!! Really useful!!
What I was also told, and I can’t believe how well it works, is to take advantage of the sun! Dry your cloth diapers in direct sunlight as much as possible and this will help with any stains. Particularly if you are breastfeeding (before starting solids), the poo stains will magically disappear!
mona says
I know diaper washing can be done in basically any washing machine if you use the right routine, but is there a great machine out there that makes it easier? I’m looking at top loaders with agitators, but almost everything is HE and so many reviews say the washer doesn’t add enough water.
Jennifer Reinhardt says
I really like my speed queen.
Lauren says
I live In a small apartment, and do my laundry at my parents 2x a week. Does anyone do hand washing as a prewash before washing machine? As a newbie to CD, that’s what seemed best to me, but now my daughter is getting nasty rashes ( ammonia I think?) so I’m now I’m doubting myself.
Jennifer Reinhardt says
Handwashing can actually get the diapers cleaner sometimes because of all the scrubbing. If you can tell me more about your washing process, I might be better able to help.
Claire says
I’ve been using CDs for almost 7 months now. I feel like I am constantly troubleshooting ammonia issues to no avail. My daughter seems to develop redness/sunburn appearance around her girly parts, but not on her bum. I wash every 3 days as I don’t have enough diapers for a good load after 2 days. The smell when I dump the diapers in the wash after 3 days is a pure ammonia smack in the face. I have stripped my diapers twice now (2 months apart) and changed laundry routines but ultimately the ammonia smell returns. We only use natural fibers inserts and AIOs and spray all #2 residue off as well as a Bac Out spritz on all diapers before going in the pails. Now using Tide powder detergent (was using Kirkland Eco Friendly) and using Calgon as I have hard water. I always do a prerinse on longest cycle (we have an old school top loader) with cool water, a line of powder detergent and a cap of Calgon. This is followed by hot water wash with full amount of detergent (line 5)and a cap of Calgon. I always make sure the water level is set correctly (stew consistency rather than soup) and that the diapers feel clean after wash cycle and not slimy. They always come out looking and smelling clean but eventually they stop smelling clean out of the dryer. Where am I going wrong?
Linh says
Do you sterilize after stripping the diapers to kill the bacteria that surface after?
Jennifer Reinhardt says
Nope, because if they surfaced they are also rinsed away. They don’t just hang on for dear life. Now if the strip did not work and they are embedded in the fibers the strip process may need to be redone. You’d know this is the case if the diapers still smell or cause rashes.
Karli says
Did you ever figure this out? I’m having the same exact issue and I’m so stressed out. Ughhhh. I had an he front loader but we bought an old top loader because the front loader sucked. After the first use I re washed the cloth diapers and they were finally clean! Then after the first dirty wash since getting them clean for once they went back to having amonia issues! I tried adding calgon (I have hard water too) and went back to using purex f&c I’ve been trying to avoid tide and the like (especially with scents) but am thinking about using it now. I’ve also added bacout to my routine and still have stink!! I make sure I have stew and still amonia smell!!! :+( My poor girl. Idk what to do. I don’t want her private parts to be messed up forever! I’m just concerned about her getting or having a vaginal infection. Sigh
Jennifer Reinhardt says
Karli, Was there ever a time that they didn’t smell? If so what is different now besides the washer itself. How much detergent are you using for how many diapers. You may need less if it’s a smaller load or more if it’s larger. Also, what cycles are you using for the pre and main wash. You may need more agitation. Finally, have you tried using hot water for both cycles?
Natalie Huffman says
Using white vinegar with the pre wash and white vinegar again during rinse on the wash and an extra rinse, works for me. White vinegar also keeps your washer clean! I use white vinegar as fabric softener on all our laundry!
Kayda says
I realize your post was months ago, but did you find a good solution??
McKenzie says
Hello! First time mom to a 3.5 month old and cloth diapering. Baby is getting a fine rash with the cloth diapers. We do disposable at night and it clears completely up, then when placed in a cloth during the days she gets a rash. I have done HOURS of research and I know my baby has more sensitive skin. Detergents I have used so far: all free and clear, purex free and clear, costco’ s free and clear brand, percil, tide free and clear. We also moved about a month ago from a house with a softened water system to an area with hard water. I’m at a loss. Should I add the in washer water softener, should I strip the diapers?
Jennifer Reinhardt says
What does the rash look like? Detergent sensitivity also presents very similar to ammonia burn which comes from diapers not getting clean in the wash.
Meaghan says
I’m currently doing a bleach soak on stinky diapers. When I go to wash them, what’s the best amount to use for detergent when I’m using regular arm and hammer clean burst? I looked at FLU but heard they suggest too much detergent.. I’m going to start using either the heavy duty cycle or super wash versus the normal for main wash to see if that is better.
Jennifer Reinhardt says
Amounts will also depend on load size and soil level. But using what the bottle or box says for a heavily soiled load is a good starting point. Or try the same amount you would on a same size load of heavily soiled clothing.
Chelsey Thomas says
Hi I recently tried out a flu routine on a regular wash with just our clothes…I’m kinda sad because the results were not what we expected, clothes came out almost slimy? Using tide and borax. Can you possibly help me w a better wash routine?! TIA
Jennifer Reinhardt says
Hi Chelsey, If they were slimy it’s quite likely that you used too much detergent. As for the borax I would personally drop that add just stick with the detergent first and see how that goes.
Becky says
My washer (Bosch) doesn’t have a heavily soiled setting. There’s a cotton setting and there’s a sanitize setting (which is over 2 hours). Which would I choose?
Jennifer Reinhardt says
I would try the cotton setting first and see what happens. If it doesn’t work you can always adjust later.
Hannah says
I’ve been using cloth successfully for about 10 months now, but just recently my diapers come out of the dryer smelling slightly poopy. After they have cooled off, they smell fine. I’m not sure what is going on. Baby isn’t getting a rash and I have been using the same routine forever. Any suggestions??
Jennifer Reinhardt says
Give them a good deep cleaning. I usually either soak clean diapers overnight in oxi clean. (wash after with a small amount of detergent) Or I really like Mighty Bubbles for this.
Sandra Hammond says
I just prepped my diapers in Tide with Downy. (The exact thing that was mentioned not to use.) I read FLU wrong, I thought it was recommended and top pick when actually its neither. Will my diapers be okay from just the one wash? Is there a need to rewash with original Tide or strip or anything before the baby can wear them? Thanks in advance!!
Jennifer Reinhardt says
Ok, first thing is to just take a breath <3 You won't hurt your baby. The worst that will happen is that the diapers might repel. Fabric softener coats fabrics as a way to soften them. That coating can stop fibers from absorbing the way we want them to. One use probably didn't ruin them. You could certainly use them on baby and see what happens. I don't think it's necessary to strip at this point. You'll be washing them again anyway. Just be sure to not use that detergent on diapers.
Kacie says
HELP! first time mom and cloth diaper user. Less then a week in. I am at a list on what I am doing wrong or how to fix the issue.
1. Used diaper washed same day but color from #2 won’t come out in the machine wash. Is this common, or am I doing something wrong. Did hot and long cycle with pre-soak.
2. I used Boudreaux butt paste (green tube) I looked on the fluff love site and it stated this was okay to use on cloth but when I washed the diaper it won’t come out ?luckily I only did this with one diaper
Jennifer Reinhardt says
Hi kacie! Don’t worry! You got this. Stains don’t mean dirty they just mean stained. If it bothers you here is a good post to read. As for the stains you see from the butt paste it is likely just a stain from the zinc in it. That should come out in a few washes and doesn’t affect the function of the diaper at all.
Nikki says
Do you believe that making your own detergent would work as well? My friend has made detergent using dawn and other simple ingredients. Also, do you recommend simply washing them with regular clothing after a pre wash?
Thank you for all of your info and tips! My daughter is 11 months old, but I am interested in doing cloth diapers. The only thing is that we live in apartments and don’t have our own washer/ dryer. But it should still be doable, right?
Jennifer Reinhardt says
Hi Nikki, While I do know people that use homemade detergent with success, it is usually in soft water and very high agitation. Due to the fact that there are also MANY people who cannot get it to work for them, it’s not something I would personally recommend.
As for washing with clothing for the main wash, you certianly can. However be aware that the hotter temps and longer agitation can cause premature wear on clothing.
Kelly says
So, I’m extremely new to cloth diapering, but this is my current input on washing. If you are still getting a urine smell after a prewash and hot wash, then I add a splash of vinegar (white or apple cider) and run them through the cycle 1 more time. Surprise! Absolutely no more smell!
Hannah says
My machine doesn’t have a prewash cycle!! There is soak which says it’ soaks agitates and drains. (Doesn’t spin) or there is a rinse spin cycle … help me!!!!
Jennifer Reinhardt says
Depending on the type of machine you have, you can also use a speed or quick wash as the prewash. Or if it’s just an old fashioned top loader, just go ahead and use the regular wash cycle.
Maria says
My washing machine doesn’t have a hot water connection – could I still wash cloth diapers effectively with just cold water?
Jennifer Reinhardt says
Absolutely. Washing is all about a balance. If you are using cold I would say just make sure you have lots of agitation. Longest heavy duty cycles are important. I have a basic old school top loader and all the cycles are pretty short. I use the same heavy duty wash for the pre and main washes.
Jennifer Reinhardt says
People use cold water all the time and still get clean diapers. The key is to adjust the rest of the equation to compensate for it. You might need more agitation or a stronger detergent for instance. But still totally doable.
Katie says
What is the best cheap store bought laundry detergent to use for cloth diapers
Jennifer Reinhardt says
Lots of people like Foca. But honestly anything is ok to use that doesn’t have synthetic fabric softeners in it. Try using what you already use on your clothes. Adjust the length of agitation or water temp if you need more cleaning power. Detergent is just one part of the equation.
Sarah Osborne says
Such a helpful guide!
Robin says
Hello! So glad I found this, my diapers come out clean smelling but sometimes still have some yellow on them, is this a cleaning issue or a staining issue?? I sun them sometimes outside but not religiously. We’ve been cloth diapering for about 1.5 months now and I LOVE IT!!!
We waited so long because we got disposies at her baby shower and used all those while we were learning how to breastfeed!! Next baby I will cloth from day one! :)
Jennifer Reinhardt says
If they don’t smell, leak or cause a rash it’s probably a stain. Sunning is for sure the easiest and best way to get it out :) So good to hear you love cloth!
Charissa N. says
Great info. I am new to cloth diapering and often worry I’m going to somehow accidentally ruin them while washing.
Sandra Caballero says
Amazing tips! I never cloth diaper cause of fear changing a dirty diaper in public. But I really want to start some time soon to give it a try with my toddler.
Kelly says
Thank you so much for the info! I am unfortunately not a mommy yet, but i keep switching from wanting disposable to cloth. I think its my apprehension with washing them, so this definitely helps. I was wondering, could something be sprayed on be diapers before washing or even before tossing in the dirty pile? If so, is there a homemade solution that could help or is a store bought one “better”? Thank again!
Jennifer Reinhardt says
Do you mean as a stain treater? If so it isn’t really necessary. Any of the commercially availabe ones are safe. Although I prefer Buncha Farmers or Bac out myself.
Roberta says
This was decades ago, but I used “liners” in the cloth diapers which were almost thinner than tissues. I’d wash and fold the cloth diapers, put the liner in, and then safety pin it on the baby. The liner would catch BM’s which then could be flushed down the toilet. Cloth diapers wouldn’t stain. If I had no liners, I’d swish the dirty diaper around in the toilet to get the “chunks” off.
Jennifer Reinhardt says
Thanks for sharing your experience Roberta! It’s always good to read that things don’t always have to be hard.
Mary says
I would be worried about flushing the liners. Things say they are flushable but really not so much.
Jin Tran says
Great! Thanks for your sharing, these are very useful information.
stephanie o'day says
Thank you for these wonderful tips! I’ve been researching all the information I can find on cloth diapering for my first! Any little bit helps!
Lena Tatum says
money saver
Madison Mann says
Thank you so much for sharing this! All of this is great information! I have so much to learn still!! ?
Karyn says
Going to wash my first load of cloth this weekend, wish me luck! We are ditching our diaper service and using our own stash now that we have our own washer!
Jennifer Reinhardt says
You can do it! <3
Amy Hall says
The keep it simple part is key, I think. I just learned all this time (2 years) I’d been using a prewash that supposedly is useless b/c it was too short and didn’t agitate enough. Oops. Never had any stink issues, though.
Jennifer Reinhardt says
The thing is, if it’s working for you…that is all that counts
helen banner says
I’m sharing this with my friend who is reluctant to try CD!
Jessica C. says
These are great tips! I’ve read that natural fibers come clean easier, and flats are best of all (they’re quick drying, too).
Rebeca k says
Thank you for the straight forward directions!
Allyson Bossie says
I am printing this to share with my neighbor. SHe just had a baby and I have shared cloth with her. However, I forgot she likely has no idea how to properly wash them. Lord knows I didn’t the first go round
Amber Ludwig says
#1 Made me laugh lol!! So so true!! And Im all for #3, simplicity really is the best!!
Deborah D says
I will have to tell my sister about this post. I learned a lot as I am sure she will.
Joan Flores says
I need advice from other moms! I have been using a cloth diaper service since my 9 month old daughter was born. For reasons I won’t go into, I plan to stop using the service soon. I’m looking into getting a supply of reusable cloth inserts vs disposable inserts for my daughter (I’d rather go with the reusable inserts). I work full-time and realistically can’t do laundry more than once per week, plus I live in CA where there is a major drought, so I need to be water-conscious…will I end up with permanently stinky inserts if I’m only able to wash once per week? Seems like most people wash several times per week when using their own cloth diapers.
Any advice would be appreciated!!
Jennifer Reinhardt says
Will you also be using disposables to supplement because you will need A LOT of diapers to last a whole week. An yes, the longer they sit the harder they are to get clean. It’s not impossible, just not as easy. You might look into flats or prefolds. They wash and dry easier and can take more of a beating.
Michelle says
I would stick with natural fibers (cotton, hemp, bamboo..) Ideally prefolds and covers would be the most simple to clean and dry. Synthetics definitely hold stink much easier!
Jane Dee says
I’m using cloth diaper for 5 mos already for my 5 mos old baby girl name Candace. It’s a great stuff, envi friendly, low cost (if your on tight budget). Just labor intense to wash it, but its fine as long as my baby dnt hve diaper rash. Thanks for the tips :)
Amy Vanstraaten says
THANK YOU. Oh my gosh it’s not that complicated people !
I LOVE LOVE LOVE all the wonderful things Fluff love & CD science has done as far as making sure people use REAL detergents with REAL soap to clean their dirtiest laundry, diapers – but they have made it a little too complicated for the full on newbies.
Your list is basically what I tell people who ask:
1) use a detergent with no softeners & do not use any softeners
2) use detergent. whatever you already use is probably fine
3) prewash your diapers – pre WASH not pre rinse or pre soak. pre WASH. Use detergent, but not much. A dash is my technical term.
4) main wash on heady duty, heavily soiled, heavy whatever your machine has – using its default settings (warm or hot wash) with the max amount of detergent your machine allows.
5) dry in dryer on medium or hang to dry.
if things smell – it’s not working…..
Keep it simple! “wash routine” doesn’t have to be a novel!
when something works – write or type it out and put it beside your machine. then SO/ grnadmas/ well meaning friends can’t “mess it up” because they will just follow the clear and concise SIMPLE posted instructions.
Oh – and you can wash clothes with diapers. duh! Yet so many people are afraid to do so. If your diapers come out clean, so will your clothes.
Jennifer Reinhardt says
Glad you found this useful! AACD has been saying that about detergents and washing since 2012. So it’s not really anything new. We also troubleshoot right in the AACD Chat group. It’s linked in the post if you want to check it out! Thanks for commenting :)
Lisa says
I was beginning to think I had imagined that there were groups that advised using “normal” amounts of detergent back in the 2012-2013 period when I was pg and considering cd. I seem to recall the group I started cloth diapering with recommended washing like any other laundry after doing the pre-wash step to start and adjusting from there based on results, but many of their old wash advice posts were deleted so I can’t verify.
Kathryn W says
I pretty much use the same wash routine as Amy V outlines. I just wanted to add one piece of info that might help other parents. I live in a city that has slightly hard water (not hard enough to have a water softener installed but hard enough to cause a bit of a problem washing cloth diapers). I started having a problem with stinky diapers (they would come out of the wash smelling fine but as soon as my son peed in them they would just reek!). After much experimenting I found that a scoop of Borax in the pre-wash cycle really helped. I also switched from Purex to Tide and found that helped too.
Good luck with CD! Your child’s heiny thanks you for your efforts!