Cleaning cloth diapers: understanding, taking action, prevention

Cleaning cloth diapers: an effective and safe method

Stripping cloth diapers is a one-time process that removes residue embedded in the absorbent fibers. This residue can cause odors, leaks, or a loss of absorbency , even when the washing routine seems correct.

In most situations, asuitable washing routine will prevent soiling. Deep cleaning is only necessary when regular maintenance is no longer sufficient.

Signs of fouling

• Odors when the diaper is warm
• Water beads on the inserts
• Sudden leaks despite a good fit
• Reduced absorption
• Persistent stains

Before concluding that there is a blockage, check that the diaper is properly fitted. Incorrect positioning can cause leaks. You can consult our guide: How to put on a washable diaper .

Understanding absorbent materials

Absorption performance varies depending on the fibers used (bamboo, cotton, hemp, microfiber…).

To understand how these materials work, consult the complete guide:

The best absorbent materials for washable nappies

The products used for cleaning

To clean washable nappies, you need to use a product containing at least 30% oxygen-based bleaching agents .

• percarbonate
• Vanish Oxy powder
• equivalent oxy-action products

The product must be in powder form . Liquid versions are generally less effective.

Deep cleaning by bath

1. Fill a basin or bathtub with hot water to cover the diapers.
2. Dilute the product (approximately 1 measure per 4 L of water).
3. Soak the diapers for at least 4 hours .
4. Rinse the diapers in lukewarm water.
5. Run a rinse-spin cycle in the washing machine.
6. Repeat the rinses if more foam appears.
7. Repeat the bath if the water remains dark.

Cleaning washable nappies in the washing machine

Machine cleaning can be more practical when diapers are heavily soiled. This method reduces handling and avoids the need for multiple baths.

Steps

1. Wash the nappies in two cycles according to your usual routine.
2. Select a 60°C cotton program (non-eco) .
3. Add the oxygenated product directly into the drum.
4. Start the machine and wait for it to fill with water.
5. Put the machine on pause .
6. Add very hot water to the drum:

• 5 L for a 6 kg machine
• 10 L for 7-11 kg washing machines
• 15 L for larger machines

7. Restart the machine so that it can calculate the program duration.
8. Halfway through the cycle, pause for 1.5 to 2 hours .
9. Then restart the program to complete it.

If the program lasts more than 4 hours, a break is generally not necessary.

Special case: Cradle diapers

Berceau diapers have a specific design with technical materials and a flexible waterproof membrane.

For this model, it is recommended to avoid cleaning at 60°C .

If a deep cleaning is necessary:

• water bath at a maximum of 40°C
• Soaking time: 30 minutes maximum
• oxygenated product possible

It is also best to avoid applying the product directly to the Velcro , as this can stiffen it over time.

After this short bath, rinse the diapers and then run a regular wash cycle.

Preventing fouling

• use a suitable laundry detergent
• adjust the dosage according to the water hardness
• favor long cycles
• maintain the machine

You can consult our guide to Laundry detergents compatible with washable nappies .

Understanding the different layer systems

The risk of fouling can also vary depending on the system used (TE1, TE2, conventional layers…).

To better understand these differences:

guide to washable diaper systems

FAQ