Taking care of your diapers

Cloth diapers should be washed in hot water with 1/6 - 1/4 the recommended amount of detergent. Using too much detergent will make rinsing it all out difficult and detergent build up is one of the two the most common causes of leaking pocket diapers, using free and clear or natural soap based based detergents is the other most common cause of leaking diapers. Use only regular detergents not free and clear detergents, detergents containing plant based ingredients have a tendency to build up on fleece causing repelling stay dry diapers. If your baby has sensitive skin and store brand detergents are causing problems try Allens Naturally it is a gentle detergent that works great on all types of diapers. It is very concentrated, so while it may seem like a more costly detergent it lasts for a very long time. It's easy to add more than you need so using a soap pump dispenser makes dispensing the right amount much easier.

These detergents work well. If your baby has very sensitive skin the first 3 on the list are better choices. 

  • Allen’s Naturally
  • Country Save
  • Norwex
  • Tide
  • Sunlight
  • Cheer
  • Gain

The following detergents are often reported for causing leaking troubles and rashes we suggest switching to a recommended brand if you are experiencing problems with leaks or rashes.

  • Claudia's Choices
  • Nature clean
  • Bio-vert
  • Wonderwash
  • La parisienne bio
  • Kirkland (cosco brand)
  • Tide Free and Clear


If you experience leaks try switching detergents or adding less and rinsing more. If you have a front load washing machine and are having difficulties rinsing the diapers try using the delicate cycle, it helps to rinse the diapers by adding more water than the other cycles.

Cloth diapers can be dried in the dryer on medium heat or hung to dry. If you hang dry your diapers and notice that the waterproof fabric is no longer functioning 100% throw them in the dryer, the heat will refresh the waterproof fabric.

Diaper rash creams tend to leave a greasy coating on the diapers making them repel be sure to use liners to keep your diapers functioning properly.