A consistent washing routine ensures your diapers stay clean, fresh, and absorbent. Here’s everything you need to know to keep those diapers in excellent condition.

How Often Should You Wash Cloth Diapers?

Wash your cloth diapers every 2 to 3 days. Waiting longer can lead to mold, mildew, and ammonia buildup, which can cause odors and irritation for your baby. A consistent washing schedule keeps everything easy to maintain.

Step-by-Step Cloth Diaper Washing Routine

1. Remove Inserts

Before washing, take out the inserts from pocket diapers. This ensures both parts get thoroughly cleaned. There’s no need to undo the rise snaps, leave them set to your baby’s current size.

2. Pre-Wash Cycle

Start with a cold-water rinse or short wash (no detergent) to remove urine and solid residue.

• Max temperature: 86°F / 30°C (hot water can set stains)

• Spin speed: Minimum 1000 RPM

3. Main Wash Cycle

Next, use a warm or hot water cycle (up to 104°F / 40°C) with a cloth-diaper-safe detergent.

• Choose a long, heavy-duty cycle (at least 90 minutes) for deep cleaning

• Load your machine about two-thirds full for proper agitation

• Add small laundry items like pajamas, bibs, or reusable wipes if needed

• Always select the highest water level and spin at minimum 1000 RPM

What Not to Use When Washing Cloth Diapers

To protect your diapers’ absorbency and lifespan, avoid:

• Borax (use Calgon instead)

• Bleach (oxygen or chlorine)

• Fabric softeners or dryer sheets

• Laundry boosters or pure soap

• Sanitize or high-heat cycles in HE machines

These can damage fibers, cause buildup, or reduce absorbency.

Troubleshooting: If Diapers Still Smell After Washing

If your diapers come out with lingering odors, try these quick fixes:

• Increase detergent: Not enough detergent means leftover residue.

• Balance your load: Aim for a two-thirds full drum, too empty or too full reduces cleaning efficiency.

• Don’t skip the pre-wash: That first cold rinse removes waste before the main wash.

• Use a longer wash cycle: At least 90 minutes ensures thorough cleaning.

Tips for Washing in Hard Water

Hard water can make it tougher to rinse out detergent. To keep your diapers soft and clean:

• Use a water softener like Calgon or a detergent designed for hard water.

• Add the softener to the detergent compartment, not the fabric softener slot (it dispenses too late in the cycle).

• Skip extra rinses, they don’t help with buildup and can make diapers feel stiff.

Check out our next post: The BIGGEST Cloth Diaper Washing Mistakes to Avoid