Cleaning cloth diapers is easy—no soaking, scrubbing, or special detergents required. Follow our simple 4-step washing guide to achieve perfectly clean cloth diapers every time.

Washing Dirty Cloth Diapers in Four Simple Steps

Step 1: Remove solids

Drop poo in the loo and store the used cloth diaper in a dry pail. 

Step 2: Pre-wash cycle

Run a pre-wash cycle 100 F (no hotter) with mild detergent every 1-2 days. Do not add bleach. This pre-wash removes the majority of soiling and gets your diapers ready for the main-wash. Store diaper in a dry pail until the main wash.

Step 3: Main-wash cycle

Run a long main-wash cycle at 100 F with mild detergent every 2-3 days. Do not add bleach, fabric softener, whiteners, oxidized-bleach, or boosters.

Step 4: Hang to dry

Air dry diapers until completely dry in the shade. Hang the crotch of the diaper over the line so the weight of the diaper is evenly distributed. Never hang wet diapers by one side only as this will slacken the elastic. Make sure diaper shells and inserts are completely dry before storing.

Wash Routine Example

Everyone will develop their own washing routine to suit their lifestyle, here’s an example washing routine to show you how simple it can be.

Every morning: Run a pre-wash cycle containing yesterday's used diapers and last night’s night diaper. Place pre-washed diapers into a dry pail once finished.

Every second night: Run a main-wash cycle containing all pre-washed diapers from the dry pail. Make this a long wash at 100 F. Hang to dry the following morning.

Free Download: Cloth Diaper Washing Guide

Make cleaning cloth diapers simple for anyone in your household. Print this free guide and keep it in your laundry room for an effortless washing experience.
Get our free downloadable cloth diaper washing template 

Prepping Your New Cloth Diapers

Why is it important to prep your new cloth diapers? Like any absorbent fabrics (think bath towels or tea towels) the fibers need to be softened and ‘worn in’ to help them reach their maximum absorbency. If you want to, you can repeat the prep steps above 2-3 times on the inserts to really maximize absorption. 

How to prepare your new EcoNaps cloth diapers before first-time use:

Step 1: Soak your inserts overnight in warm water. 

Step 2: Wash both inserts & covers with mild detergent. 

Step 3: Completely dry inserts & covers as mentioned above. 

Step 4: Your new diapers are now ready to use!

What NOT to Include in Cloth Diaper Your Wash Routine?

• Do not use bleach
• Do not use fabric softener
• Do not use whiteners, chlorine bleach, oxygen-based bleaching agent, dyes, perfumes, or essential oils.
• Do not use detergent containing additives (whiteners, chlorine bleach, oxygen-based bleaching agent, fabric softeners, dyes, perfumes, essential oils) or natural soap
• Do not tumble dry
• Do not was in temperatures exceeding 100 F
• Do not soak

See our Warranty Page to see what is covered and what is not. Adhering to our EcoNaps Official Washing & Care Guidelines, which were specifically crafted to suit our eco-diapers and the materials they are made from, will ensure the longevity of your diaper.