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Hot water and cloth!! PLEASE HELP :)

Rebecca - posted on 05/07/2010 ( 4 moms have responded )

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I recently recieved my first bundle of cloth diapers, and when reading washing instructions, I found a majority suggest a full wash in hot or at least warm water. I have neverrr use hot or warm water to wash anything in my life [wasting energy!!] and I was a little worried. Sooo, I went to my washer to prep, set it to hot, turned on the washer only to be greeted with a very loud buzzing and no water, and the "warm" cycle seemed pretty cold to me. This washer is very old, so I'm not surprised if it doesn't have these options anymore...and getting a new one at the time is out of the question! I was wondering if there are any suggestions for how to get them washed in the hot water? without having to get a new washer or go anywhere else...
I was thinking of just doing the cold wet rinse first, and then possibly doing a hot handwash myself? Will this be a good alternative?

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4 Comments

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Jesi - posted on 05/10/2010

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This info was very helpful to me, looking into the same matter. Thanks everyone!

Nicole - posted on 05/10/2010

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Hi - I second Majaliwa's advice except that Enzyme's should never be used on cloth diapers. They cause rashes. I personally use warm water with two rinses. I don't worry about germs or bacteria I guess. My baby only got a rash when I used soap with Enzymes (unknowingly) and then did some research when she seriously busted out in the rash - and that is when I learned about them. A great link is: http://www.diaperjungle.com/detergent-ch...

Rebecca - posted on 05/07/2010

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Thanks soooo much!

but it turned out that the valve for the hot water was only shut off. I think I must have still been sleeping while I was trying to figure it out! Good to know a back-up plan though if need ever be!

Majaliwa - posted on 05/07/2010

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The hot wash cycle is meant to kill the germs and bacteria on the diapers. With only a cold wash option you'll need to make some changes to your wash routine to ensure that you still kill the germs and bacteria so baby doesn't get a diaper rash. I don't recommend hand washing because even with gloves on you won't be able to handle the level of heat required to kill the bacteria in the diapers



OPTION 1: HAND WASH

1. run a cold rinse cycle

2. wash cold with detergent in washing machine

3. rinse cold with no detergent in washing machine

4. boil on stove for 10 minutes

5. dry



OPTION 2: WASHING MACHINE

1. Use vinegar or an enzyme

2. Line dry in the sun

3. Use cloth diaper friendly detergents



VINEGAR OR ENZYME

If you use vinegar you'll want to use white distilled vinegar. Rinse diapers on cold with no detergent, wash cold with detergent, rinse again with 1/4 cup of vinegar and no detergent. The vinegar will help to kill the bacteria. (*NOTE: be careful not to overuse vinegar with pocket, all in one, or all in two diapers as overuse can breakdown your PUL).



If you use an enzyme I recommend Biokleen Bac-out Stain and Odor Remover - it has live enzymes that will eat the bacteria on the diapers. You can find it online or at Whole Foods stores



Before washing, spray each diaper with the Biokleen Bacout and be sure to follow your wash cycle with 2 to 3 rinse cycles with no detergent to make sure the enzyme is fully rinsed out. If not, the enzyme will irritate baby's bum.



LINE DRYING IN THE SUN

Whenever possible, line dry in the sun to kill any remaining bacteria on the diapers.



CLOTH DIAPER FRIENDLY DETERGENTS

A cloth diaper friendly detergent will help to cut down on any residue or bacteria being left on the diaper. Here is a list of recommended cloth diaper friendly detergents.



http://www.pootersdiapers.com/recommende...



Hope that helps.

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