Stripping Your Diapers

Build up refers to residue left by detergents, fabric softeners, and other substances used to clean diapers. In rare instances, baking soda will react with certain minerals in water and also cause build up. If you notice a decrease in the functionality of your diapers, build up may be the culprit.

Stripping refers to the removal of residue on diapers. There are a few different options for you to try:
Option 1: Repeat the following process twice (standard top-loading washer):
· Run your covers and diapers through a wash with only hot water (if allowed by manufacturer’s washing instructions).
· Run a second wash using 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup vinegar in this second wash.
· 1/2 cup vinegar again in first rinse cycle.
· Run a second rinse cycle with plain hot water.
· Dry covers/diapers in dryer.


Option 2: To strip diapers, simply hand wash your diaper with your regular dish soap (gets the oils out), add a bit of dish soap to the fleece, either rub the fleece vigoriously together or use a medium bristle dish brush or hard bristle toothbrush to scrub the fleece. Turn inside out and repeat on this side. Rinse very good, making sure that the water runs clear. You may use this method at any time you feel that the diaper may be repelling or as a preventative measure once a week.

Option 3: If you are still having problems, special cleaning agents may be used to strip diapers. These options include a very hot wash using 2 scoops Oxiclean or you may also try a hot wash with 1 ball of RLR

How do I wash my cloth diapers?

Standard Top Loading Machine

1. Set washer to highest water setting for a big load of diapers.
2. Run a Cold Rinse Cycle.
3. Wash Warm or Hot (as recommended by manufacturer) with about 1/4 cup of detergent.
4. Rinse well to ensure all detergent is removed from diapers.
5. You can dry your diapers & inserts in the dryer on Medium or High heat (as recommended by manufacturer) -or- you can air dry them outside.  Sunlight acts as a 'bleaching' agent and will keep your diapers & inserts looking fresh & white -- naturally!

HE or Front Loading Machine

1. Run a Rinse/Drain cycle with no spin.
2. Run Warm or Hot wash cycle (as recommended by manufacturer) with 1 scoop of Charlie's Soap (recommended for its low-sudsing wash).
3. Rinse well to ensure all detergent is removed from diapers.  (We run an extra rinse!)
4. Spin on High to reduce drying time!
5. You can dry your diapers & inserts in the dryer on Medium or High heat (as recommended by manufacturer) -or- you can air dry them outside.  Sunlight acts as a 'bleaching' agent and will keep your diapers & inserts looking fresh & white -- naturally!