How to care for your diapers

the do's

  • DO wash your diapers on warm and dry them on high heat. The heat helps kill bacteria.
  • DO use 1/4 - 1/2 the recommended amount of detergent. Detergent residue can cause diaper rash and can affect absorbency.
  • DO protect your weehuggers™ from wear and tear by securing the hook side to the loop side before washing.
  • DO bleach out stains with natural sunlight. It really works!
  • DO store your dirty diapers with the "dry pail" method.
  • ... AND DEFINITELY DO use diaper change time to bond with your baby!

the don'ts

  • DON'T use bleach. It will break down the natural fibers in your diapers.
  • DON'T use fabric softener. It will adversely affect absorbency and cause your diapers to repel liquids.
  • DON'T let your diapers sit in the dirty pail for more than 2 or 3 days.
  • DON'T leave your clean but wet diapers in the washing machine overnight. This can encourage mold growth.
  • DON'T use "wet pails" to store your diapers. They are potentially dangerous to babies.
  • ... AND DON'T EVER leave the room or turn-away from your baby on the changing table.... even if the restraint is buckled! You never know what day your baby may learn a new trick (like wiggle out of the restraint or unlock the buckle).

stuff you should try

  • TRY a cold pre-rinse to remove solids. Especially helpful for breast-fed babies' diapers, when solids don't have to be removed before washing. A cold pre-rinse is believed to prevent stains.
  • TRY an additional rinse cycle. Great for removing detergent residue. Recommended for extra sensitive bottoms!
  • TRY drying your diapers on a clothing line to save energy. Throw them in the dryer for a minutes to fluff and soften them, if necessary.
  • TRY using your washing machine for a pre-soak. If you absolutely must use the "wet pail" method, we recommend using your top-loading washing machine as the pail. Spin out the water before washing.
  • TRY Calgon® water softener. If you have hard water, your diapers may not be clean enough. Extremely helpful if dealing with odor issues.
  • TRY Grapefruit Seed Extract. Great for disinfecting. Place 6 drops in the final rinse water. Especially recommended after bouts with sickness or diarrhea.
  • TRY flushable, biodegradable rice paper liners. A quick and easy way to deal with solid waste.
  • TRY a personal mini-shower. These are easy-to-install spray hoses that attach to the water line on your toilet and help you easily rinse off solids.