How to Wash Cloth Diapers

Why Cloth Diaper Washing Is Different

Cloth diapers deal with solid and liquid waste — which means they require a more thorough cleaning routine than regular laundry. The goal is not just to remove stains and odor, but to fully sanitize the diapers while preserving their absorbency and waterproof covers. Using the wrong detergent or washing method can cause buildup that reduces absorbency, or damage the waterproof PUL layer.

What You Need

• A diaper sprayer attached to your toilet for removing solid waste
• A wet bag for storing dirty diapers between washes
• A cloth-diaper-safe detergent (free from fabric softeners, optical brighteners, and heavy fragrances)
• A washing machine with a hot water setting

Step 1: Remove Solid Waste Immediately

For exclusively breastfed babies, breast milk poop is water-soluble and can go straight into the wash. For formula-fed babies or babies on solids, solid waste must be removed before washing:

• Use a diaper sprayer to rinse solid waste directly into the toilet — it attaches to your toilet's water supply and makes this step fast and mess-free
• Alternatively, use a diaper liner that catches solids and can be lifted out and disposed of

Step 2: Store in a Wet Bag Until Wash Day

Store dirty diapers in a wet bag — a waterproof, zippered bag that contains odors and moisture. Wet bags are washable and go into the machine with the diapers on wash day. Wash diapers every 2–3 days — leaving them longer allows bacteria and ammonia to build up and degrade the fabric.

Step 3: The Two-Wash Routine

Cloth diapers require a two-wash routine for thorough cleaning:

Wash 1: Cold Pre-Wash

• Run a cold rinse or short cold wash cycle with a small amount of detergent
• This removes the bulk of waste and urine before the main wash

Wash 2: Hot Main Wash

• Run a full hot wash cycle (at least 140°F / 60°C) with a full dose of cloth-diaper-safe detergent
• Hot water is essential for sanitizing diapers and breaking down ammonia buildup
• Use enough water — diapers need room to agitate and rinse properly; don't overfill the machine
• Add an extra rinse at the end to ensure all detergent is removed — detergent residue reduces absorbency

Step 4: Dry Properly

• Inserts and prefolds: Can be tumble dried on medium heat or line dried
• Covers and pocket diapers with PUL waterproof layer: Air dry only or tumble dry on low — high heat degrades the waterproof membrane
• Sunlight is a natural sanitizer and stain remover — line drying in direct sunlight removes stains and kills bacteria without chemicals

How to Strip Cloth Diapers

If diapers develop persistent odor, reduced absorbency, or repelling issues, they need stripping — a deep clean to remove mineral and detergent buildup:

• Fill a bathtub with hot water and add a stripping solution (RLR Laundry Treatment is popular)
• Soak clean diapers for 4–6 hours, agitating occasionally
• Rinse thoroughly and wash as normal
• Strip every few months or when performance issues arise

Quick Tips for Cloth Diaper Care

• Never use fabric softener — it coats fibers and destroys absorbency
• Avoid diaper creams that aren't cloth-diaper-safe — they cause buildup and repelling
• Wash every 2–3 days — don't let dirty diapers sit longer
• Use enough detergent — under-dosing is a common cause of odor and buildup

Recommended Products

• Purrfectzone Bidet Diaper Sprayer — easy toilet-mounted sprayer for removing solid waste before washing
• babygoal Wet Dry Bags (3 Pack) — waterproof storage for dirty diapers between wash days
• Dreft Stage 1 Newborn Detergent — gentle, cloth-diaper-safe formula for baby laundry