What is the Swoosh Test?

The Swoosh Test is a quick way to detect whether your cloth diapers are dirty. Contrary to popular belief, soiling is not only caused by too much detergent , but also by not enough detergent, which does not clean the fibers properly.

When diapers are not rinsed properly, excess detergent leaves residue that can decrease absorbency and irritate baby's skin. Conversely, a lack of detergent can leave diapers clogged with urine residue that builds up wash after wash.

Why test washable diapers for clogging?

Clogging of diapers, whether due to too much or too little detergent, can cause several problems:

• Frequent leaks : fibers repel moisture instead of absorbing it.
• Bad odors : poorly washed urine ferments in the fibers.
• Irritations or redness : Detergent or urine residue can cause skin reactions.
• Ineffective washing : diapers look clean but no longer function properly.

How to perform a Swoosh Test?

Here's how to test the condition of your cloth diapers:

1. Fill a container with very hot (not boiling) water .
2. Submerge a clean, dry insert in water.
3. Let it soak for a few moments.
4. Swirl it gently in the water.
5. Squeeze it out as much as possible over the container.
6. Observe the water and any foam.

How to interpret the results?

• If the water remains clear and without foam : your diapers are well rinsed, but they may be dirty due to a lack of detergent . A cleaning is recommended.
• If a light foam appears : some detergent residue is present, one or two rinse cycles should be sufficient.
• If a lot of foam forms : your diapers are clogged with excess detergent . You must rinse several times until the foam disappears completely.

How to remove excess or insufficient detergent?

If your diapers are dirty from too much detergent:

• Rinse several times with clean water until there is no more foam.
• Run a wash cycle without detergent to thoroughly remove residue.
• Add white vinegar or baking soda to a 40°C cycle to dissolve any soap residue.

If your diapers are dirty due to a lack of detergent:

• Clean your diapers by washing them with a normal dose of detergent and hot water (60°C if possible).
• Make sure you use enough detergent in each wash.
• Add a final rinse cycle to prevent excess detergent from building up.

How to avoid fouling in the future?

To prevent your diapers from getting dirty due to incorrect detergent dosage, follow these best practices:

• Use a detergent suitable for washable diapers (without glycerin or fabric softener).
• Use the correct amount of detergent depending on the hardness of your water and the load in the machine.
• Add an extra rinse if needed to prevent soap buildup.
• Do a Swoosh Test every month to check that your diapers are washed and rinsed properly.

Conclusion

The Swoosh Test is a simple and effective tool for detecting whether your cloth diapers are being washed properly. Clear water isn't enough to conclude that everything is fine: a lack of suds can also be a sign of insufficient detergent.

Proper diaper care ensures optimal absorption , better hygiene , and more comfort for baby .

© 2024 Ma Boule De Couches - All rights reserved.