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      Cloth Diaper Laundry Basics

      Laundry Basics

      Here at GroVia, our top priorities are getting your diapers clean and keeping your baby’s skin healthy. We want to make it as easy as possible to wash your cloth diapers by offering a common sense approach that includes a simple wash routine and easily-accessible detergent options. The information below is just a guide - you may need to do some trial and error in order to find the perfect solution for your unique situation. If you have questions on your wash routine, please reach out to us anytime!

      Printable Wash Instructions

      Here are a few tips to get you started:

      • As with any other diaper, remove as much solid material (flush or otherwise dispose) as possible at time of diaper change. Consider GroVia BioLiners to simplify this process.
      • For Hybrid Shells (hook & loop only), tuck tabs under the integrated tab loops before washing.
      • GroVia All-In-Ones, Hybrid Shells, and Soaker Pads may be washed together on warm.
      • Always use the full recommended amount of a good-cleaning detergent.
      • We HIGHLY recommend that Hybrid Shells be line-dried. They dry very quickly and will last longer this way. All In One diapers and Soaker Pads may be tumble-dried.

      Best-performing Detergents

      Our favorite detergents for getting cloth diapers clean are:

      • Tide
      • Persil
      • Wisk
      • Arm & Hammer
      • Gain
      • Purex
      • Sun
      • Country Save
      • Vaska
      • All (Powder)
      • All Free & Clear (Powder)

      Plant-based Detergents

      In general, plant-based detergents do not clean as well as mainstream detergents. That being said, we know that some people will still want to use them. If you do decide to use an eco-friendly option, you may need to increase the amount of detergent to compensate for the weaker cleaning ability and/or add a water softener if you have hard water. If using a plant-based detergent, start with 1x the recommended amount in your prewash cycle PLUS 1.5 – 2x the amount in the main wash.

      Plant-based Detergents

      • Method
      • Seventh Generation (Powder)
      • Planet Ultra (Liquid)
      • Purex Naturals
      • Biokleen (Powder)
      • Ology

      The GroVia Recipe for Success

      "There is no mystery for getting clean diapers, but there are a few basic things you need, a washing machine, enough of a good cleaning detergent, and warm water. Do not fall prey to the false notion that you can clean wet, poopy diapers with a tablespoon of detergent!” - Kim Ormsby, GroVia Founder

      Recipe

      Prep Time: 5 Minutes
      Wash Time: 2 Hours
      Ready In: 1 Hour
      Servings: 24 Clean Diapers

      Ingredients

      • 16-24 Soiled Cloth Diapers
      • Warm or Hot Water (Not Sanitize Cycle)
      • Enough of a good-cleaning detergent. How much is enough? Read the dosing instructions on your detergent container and use the FULL RECOMMENDED AMOUNT.

      Tips for Success

      • Wash every 2 days.
      • Do not try to clean your diapers with tiny amounts of detergent. They will not get clean. Use the full recommended amount of detergent as indicated on the package.
      • A diaper sprayer or BioLiners are awesome for making poop removal easy and quick.
      • Do not use fabric softeners or water-repellent diaper creams.

      Directions:

      1. Discard the majority of the solids before placing in your diaper pail.
      2. Remove your soiled diapers from your diaper pail or bag. Pay close attention to be sure you have folded your hook and loop closures over and under the laundry tab.
      3. Add the full amount of detergent to your machine’s drawer or into the bottom of the drum. If you have hard water, just add a little extra detergent to compensate.
      4. If your machine has a setting for a warm prewash/rinse prior to washing, go for it! You may even wish to add a small amount of detergent to this cycle. Choose your heavy soil wash cycle with WARM or regular HOT water for your wash cycle.
      5. Walk away from the machine. Resist all urges you may have to come back and check for bubbles. Go for a nice stroll with your little one, or enjoy a nice cup of tea if it is naptime.
      6. When the wash cycle is complete, remove your now-clean diapers from the machine. Place any PUL or TPU covers or Shells on top of the dryer to air dry. Put all of the remaining diapers into the dryer and set them on a warm tumble. You can also hang-dry everything if you want to really go green and save on energy!

      If you notice your diapers are stained, DO NOT PANIC.This is normal and does not mean that they are unclean. Simply take your freshly washed, still wet diaper outside and lay them in the sun to dry. It’s like magic… the stains will literally disappear in a few hours!

      SHOP LAUNDRY