1. Any solid waste should be shaken into the toilet. Some diapers may require swishing in the toilet, or being sprayed with a diaper sprayer.
2. If you are using a pocket diaper, remove the insert from the diaper.
3. Place the diaper and your cloth wipes in your dry pail.
4. If you desire, you can add Fluff Dust directly to the pail or shake on top of the diapers to reduce smell. You can also add an essential oil to a square of cloth on the side of your pail. Do not put the essential oils directly on your diapers as it may damage them.
5. Wash your diapers every 2-3 days depending on your number of diapers. Letting them stay in your pail longer than that may cause staining and a strong smell. If you are using a pail liner, you will wash that with your diapers every time.

NOTE: You may see recommendations for using a "wet pail" storage method. We do not recommend a wet pail as it is a drowning hazard, heavy to lift, and will be cause more odor than a dry pail method.

1. If you are using pocket diapers, be sure to remove the inserts from the diaper. Try to fasten Velcro tabs onto the small place holder made for them, so they don't all stick together.
2. Place your dirty diapers in your washer and set them on a cold rinse with NO detergent or soap.
3. Open your washer and add your desired detergent or soap.
4. Run your diapers through a hot wash/cold rinse cycle.
5. Dry according to manufacturer's directions. You can also hang dry to extend the life of your diapers.

What to Avoid

• Fabric softener and dryer sheets - these coat the diapers and decrease their absorbency. Some detergents include fabric softeners, so check the ingredient list!
• Chlorine bleach and other stain removing products. These may irritate baby's skin, as well as break down your diaper and cause it to wear out faster and absorb less. For stains you can put diapers out in the sun following your wash cycle and "sun out" the stains.
• Most commercially available diaper creams will stains your diapers. If necessary to use a cream you must line the diaper with a fleece or flushable liner to protect the inner of the diaper. Northern Essence Diaper Salve is safe for use with cloth diapers.

There are many opinions on which type of detergent you should use. What works for one family may not for another due to different water types or wash routines.

We recommend using detergents that do not contain optical brighteners, enzymes, dyes, scents, or fabric softener.

If your child has an adverse reaction to any of the detergent you use (rash, redness, blisters, etc.), discontinue use and try a different kind.

As parents, we personally have used and loved Country Save detergent.

Be sure to only use about 1/4^th of the recommended amount of detergent.

Detergents that do not contain any of the above listed items include the following. Most of these detergents will be found in specialty/natural stores.

Country Save Powder Detergent

Eco-Max

Mountain Green Free & Clear

Mountain Green Free & Clear Baby

Mountain Green Ultra Baby

Nellie's All Natural Laundry Soda or Laundry Nuggets

Planet Liquid or Powder

Soap Nuts

Some of the above detergents may not be readily available in your town, or are out of your desired price range. The following detergents are also good choices, but do contain brighteners.

All Small & Mighty Free & Clear Military Version (does not contain optical brighteters)

Arm & Hammer for Sensitive Skin

Publix Store Brand Free & Clear

Seventh Generation Delicate Care

Sun Free

Xtra Perfume & Dye Free

Leaking/Repelling or Stinky Diapers?

If you are following the above wash routine and find that your diapers and/or inserts are stinky it is likely due to detergent build up.

To get rid of this smell, you need to strip your diapers. Stripping is also the first course of action if your diapers are repelling rather than absorbing.

Before beginning the stripping process, be sure your diapers are not soiled. Go ahead and wash them first.

To strip your diapers in hot water, place them in your washer and run them through a wash with NO detergent on the hottest wash setting. Then, rinse your diapers in the hottest possible water. You will need to check your rinse water for soap bubbles. These are different from agitation bubbles, as they stay in the water when the washer is not moving. It may take a few rinses to be rid all of the suds, but continue until all the suds are gone.

You can also add a squirt or two of Original Dawn Dish Soap to the wash and continue to do rinses until the water runs clear of bubbles. Dawn will help remove any oily residues in your diapers. If the inner part of the (diaper part closest to baby's bottom) is not allowing wetness to go through then you will want to scrub a bit of Dawn directly into the fabric with a small brush (a toothbrush works great). Then do all your rinses until the water runs clear. Be sure the water level is not too low so you get enough water per rinse cycle.

You can also try 1/4^th cup of vinegar in your rinse water. The vinegar helps cut the soap suds.

Baking soda is another additive that can be used. It helps to balance out the pH in your load. Add about 1/2 cup to 1 cup in the wash cycle and then rinse until you see no suds.

You can also add OxiClean. This is a laundry booster, and it is safe for cloth diapers. Add it during the wash cycle, and as with baking soda, rinse until no suds are present.

Soap Nuts is a chemical free method to strip your diapers. Two Soap Nuts (or making the tea following package instructions) in a hot wash followed by a few rinses and your diapers should be smell and residue free!