Why should you measure your detergent correctly to wash washable diapers properly?

Optimal washing of cloth diapers requires precise dosing of detergent. Too little detergent and the diapers will not be properly cleaned. Conversely, too much detergent can leave soap residue and clog the fibers, thus reducing the absorbency of the diapers.

The recommendations on laundry detergent packages are generally intended for regular laundry, which is less soiled than cloth diapers. Therefore, it is essential to adjust the dosage to ensure impeccable cleanliness.

The optimal dosage for effective washing

The correct dosage depends on the water hardness, the type of detergent and the machine load.

• First pre-wash cycle: Use about one-third of the recommended dose for heavily soiled laundry.
• Second wash cycle: apply the full dose indicated for heavily soiled laundry.

Why does this method work?

• The pre-wash removes urine and feces, preventing the main cycle water from becoming too dirty.
• The main wash with a full dose ensures a deep clean.

How to adjust the detergent dose according to the machine capacity?

The size of your machine directly influences the amount of detergent to use.

• Machine 7 to 10 kg: use the recommended dose for 4 to 5 kg of laundry.
• Machine less than 7 kg: slightly reduce the dose by approximately 30 ml.
• Machine 11 to 14 kg: adjust by taking the dose for 6 to 8 kg of laundry.
• Machine over 15 kg: follow the recommendations for 8 kg and over.

Concrete example:

Aurore has a 7 kg washing machine. The dosage indicated on her detergent pack is 110 ml for a full load. However, since she doesn't completely fill her machine and the diapers are already rinsed before washing, she adjusts her dosage to 70-80 ml for an efficient wash.

Tips for a perfect wash

The right amount of detergent isn't everything. Here are some tips for washing cloth diapers flawlessly:

• Watch for suds: Too much suds means too much detergent.
• Observe the diapers: if they still smell bad after washing, increase the dose slightly.
• Check for residue: If the diapers come out with traces of soap, reduce the amount of detergent.

The importance of a pod:

• Use the correct measuring scoop provided with your laundry detergent.
• Weigh the exact amount once with a kitchen scale and write it down for reference.

Ecological detergents and their impact

Eco-friendly laundry detergents sometimes require dosage adjustment. Some are less concentrated and therefore require a slight overdose to ensure optimal effectiveness.

• Start with the dose indicated for a standard wash.
• Adjust according to the results: if the layers do not come out perfectly clean, gradually increase the quantity.
• Add sodium percarbonate to boost washing efficiency.

Conclusion

Properly washing cloth diapers relies on precise detergent dosage. Following these guidelines will help you avoid clogging and ensure optimal absorbency. Take the time to find the right balance for perfect cleanliness.

This article is based on discussions and feedback from the group "Washable diapers: We're talking about the real deal (Europe - Pacific)", a discussion space dedicated to parents and professionals sharing their knowledge.

Cloth diapers: We're talking about the real deal

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