Proper Care: Flat Cloth Diapers
How to care for Flat Cloth or Cotton/Birdseye Diapers:
Before Use:
Wash your new diapers first before you use them. Your diapers won't absorb properly unless they've been washed and dried before use. Most all clothing, including diapers, are coated with a special washable coating to protect the garment during the manufacturing/shipping process. This coating will reduce absorbency unless first removed during the wash cycle. If you put a brand new diaper on and wet it, urine may simply bead up and run right out of the diaper. Washing your cotton diapers FIRST will swell and fluff the cotton fibers, maximizing your absorbency.
Stain Prevention:
Pre-washing your diapers with vinegar is an excellent way to reduce future stains. Vinegar "sets" the fabric and may prevent staining altogether. We suggest using the cold cycle with one cup vinegar for that FIRST INITIAL wash only.
Washing:
Properly washing your diapers will extend their life and keep them soft and absorbent. Improper laundering can weaken the fabric and reduce the life of your diapers.
Rinse used diapers in cold water with a cup of your choice of cleaning agent (vinegar, borax, baking soda). Then machine wash COLD. You may also use a cup of vinegar in the rinse cycle to keep your diapers smelling fresh.
DO NOT USE: Bleach or Fabric Softeners. These will leave a coating on the material, reducing the absorbency.
Drying:
Hang in the sun to air dry or machine dry. DO NOT use Softener Sheets, this will reduce the absorbency.