Care Instructions
Please
prewash new diapers before use. This will insure added absorbancy
and remove any residual dyes on the fabrics.
It seems like for every cloth diapering mamma, you'll find
a different wash routine. Since PattyNaps don't contain
"special care" materials (like hemp or wool),
you'll likely find you can care for just as you do your
other cloth diapers. If you are still trying to find your
own washing "groove", here is how we take care
of our PattyNaps:
- Empty
dirty diapers into machine and start a Cold cycle. Be
sure that any diapers with Velcro have the "hook"
side of the fastener attached to "loop". Loose
"hook" tears apart your diapers! Add 1/2 cup
baking soda to neutralize odors. Add about a tablespoon
of laundry detergent. Do not use fabric softener or
bleach!
(Optional Step) We leave the top of the washer
open to stop the wash cycle after it agitates and let
the diapers soak for about an hour. You can leave overnight
if you wish or skip the soak all together.
- After
the Cold cycle, run a Hot or Warm cycle. Hot is preferable
as it's the heat that kills bacteria. Use about 1/3
the amount of laundry detergent you'd usually use. Too
much detergent will lead to build up on your diapers.
Diapers with build up retain odors and are less absorbent.
Do not use fabric softener or bleach!
(Optional Step) If you have very hard water,
you may want to add 1/2 cup of water softener.
(Optional Step) You can add 1/4 cup of distilled
white vinegar during the final rinse to remove build
up and neutralize pH. However, some hard water reacts
with vinegar and can leave a foul odor. If your diapers
are smelly after adding vinegar to your rinse, discontinue.
(Optional Step) A second rinse will help remove
extra detergent. We do a second rinse every other washing.
-
Dry diapers in your dryer or hang outside. It's preferable
to hang your diaper covers to dry. Don't use dryer sheets
as this will cause your diapers to repel wetness!
There's
a lot of debate in the cloth diaper world about the "best"
detergent. The only real rule is "less is more"..
use about a third of what the manufacturer's recommendation.
Be sure to use a detergent versus a soap (soap causes build
up).
