How to wash Cloth Diapers with SmartKlean Laundry Ball

No matter what type of cloth diaper you use, they’ll need washing so you can use them over and over again. (In fact, new cloth diapers should be washed at least once before using, to increase their absorbency.) Start by checking the directions provided by the manufacturer on the label or packaging. Some require special handling. (For example, most wool covers need to be hand washed, lanolized, and air dried.) Special instructions aside, here’s how to wash most cloth diapers with our laundry ball:

First of all, we recommend that you wash no more than two dozen diapers at one time, as too much friction can cause pilling.

1. Remove all solids from diapers.
2. Make sure you fasten all velcro tabs to avoid diaper chains.
3. You can choose to pre-treat the stains with our non-toxic Stain Remover or your favorite stain remover.
4.  Send your diapers through two cycles with the laundry ball – a COLD/COLD wash or a COLD rinse or soak, and a COLD/COLD wash.
5. Once the diapers are freshly cleaned, they are ready to go in the dryer or be line dried. The heat from the dryer or the sun help to sanitize the diapers. Generally, you should dry your diapers on hot for 60-90 minutes. Some extra thick diapers may take longer.

Line Drying
If you want to cut your electricity usage by 50-60%, line drying is a good option. Not only will you help to conserve energy, but the sun is wonderful for getting out tough stains on diapers. To avoid stiff diapers, set them out on the line during early morning or late afternoon hours when they will not dry as fast. Line drying your diapers will also extend their life, especially AIOs and covers.

Odors?
If you are experiencing odor problems, 2-3 drops of Tea Tree Oil can help. Add the drops to a cup of water and pour it in the soap dispenser when starting the wash cycle. But please be aware that using too much of an essential oil in your wash routine may begin to cause repelling in your diapers. (Water and oil don’t mix!)
If your diapers do not smell clean or if you can still detect a lingering diaper odor – you should wash them again. The odor you’re smelling most likely means there is bacteria present in your diapers which could cause irritation to your baby and potential problems like diaper rash. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your wash routine. Many factors can come into play when washing your diapers. For example: hard/soft water, type of diapers, type of detergent used before, etc.

Just switched to SmartKlean?
After the washing portion is finished, your diaper should smell fresh and clean with no hint of urine, feces, ammonia or other unpleasant odors. If you just switched to the laundry ball, you may need to do an extra rinse to help eliminate odors caused from old build-up of detergent. Especially when using an HE machine, be sure to take note of any suds left in your final rinse water and re-rinse if needed. RINSING IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT STEPS WHEN CLEANING YOUR CLOTH DIAPERS! Be sure your rinse water rinses your diapers completely free of bubbles.

Happy and safe cleanings!