1. Run a Rinse/Drain cycle with no spin.
2. Run Warm or Hot wash cycle (as recommended by manufacturer) with 1 scoop of Charlie's Soap (recommended for its low-sudsing wash).
3. Rinse well to ensure all detergent is removed from diapers.  (We run an extra rinse!)
4. Spin on High to reduce drying time!
5. You can dry your diapers & inserts in the dryer on Medium or High heat (as recommended by manufacturer) -or- you can air dry them outside.  Sunlight acts as a 'bleaching' agent and will keep your diapers & inserts looking fresh & white -- naturally!

Build up refers to residue left by detergents, fabric softeners, and other substances used to clean diapers.  In rare instances, baking soda will react with certain minerals in water and also cause build up.  If you notice a decrease in the functionality of your diapers, build up may be the culprit.

Stripping refers to the removal of residue on diapers.  There are a few different options for you to try:

Option 1:  Repeat the following process twice (standard top-loading washer):

·       Run your covers and diapers through a wash with only hot water (if allowed by manufacturer’s washing instructions).

·        Run a second wash using 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup vinegar in this second wash.

·        1/2 cup vinegar again in first rinse cycle.

·        Run a second rinse cycle with plain hot water.

·        Dry covers/diapers in dryer.

So what do I use (or not use)?

We recommend using detergents that are additive free and leave zero residue and can be used at the recommended amount.  These include:

1. Charlie's Soap (sold here).  This is not actually soap but a detergent.  It leaves zero residue and is cost effective.
2. Tide Free
3. Purex Free
4. Country Save
5. Detergents made up of mainly sodium carbonate.

Many regular detergents when used in moderation will cause no problems for the majority of people who use them and the products they wash with them.  The key is to use less detergent (at most ½ the recommended amount) and more water.  Usually the really inexpensive detergents do not add so many additives because they increase the cost of the detergent. Thus they are less likely to leave a residue.  Examples would be Sun, Clout, Windfresh and most generic no-name basic detergents.   

Detergents that have shown up often in our troubleshooting efforts as possibly causing residues are:

• All "FREE AND CLEAR".  The Free & Clear actually refers to dust mites--and so the detergent has a ton of additives to ride the fabric of allergens.
• Some versions of Bio-Kleen.
• 7th Generation.
• Dreft and other "baby" detergents, including Ivory Snow.
• Dr. Bronner's and other soaps with certain natural additives.

So what about Hemp?

Your hemp product has been professionally washed and dried 1 time. It will need up to 8 more washings and dries before it is fully absorbent.  When washing you hemp the first few times do NOT was it with your fleece products.  Hemp has natural oils in it and the oils can coat your fleece.  After your hemp has been fully primed you may wash it with all of your diapering products.

What is detergent residue?
(information provided by Bummi's)

Detergent residue is a film left on fabric by detergent.  Detergent residue builds up on all items that are laundered - clothes, bedding, etc.  But usually you will notice it only when dealing with a fabric that is supposed to be either waterproof or absorbent.  Bummis has been making diaper covers for almost 20 years now, but the problem of detergent residue is a new one.  Over the past year, it seems that more and more detergent manufacturers are adding extra ingredients to their formulas in order to differentiate their products and brands.  This has led to a surge in the number of calls we receive from those who use our products, about wicking and leaking that ultimately end up being the result of detergent residue.  This is a widespread issue throughout the cloth diapering industry.

So how do you pick a detergent?  If you are lucky enough to have packaging that lists the ingredients - the shorter the list, the less chance that the detergent contains problematic additives.  Price is not an issue, as some cheap detergents work better than their more expensive counterparts.  The focus is to find a detergent that does not leave a residue.  We recommend detergents that have been shown to leave no residue including Charlie's Soap, Sensi-clean and Countrysave.  These detergents contain virtually no additives and will not leave a residue even when you use the amount they recommend or more!   

Knowing which detergents are not good is a bigger problem.  Manufacturers are changing their formulas all the time.  Differences in water quality and washing machines can affect the performance of diaper covers and make it difficult to isolate the culprit. For example, some additive ridden detergents will prove problematic for one family, but seem to pose no issues for the next.  The amount of detergent used may be different, as may the ratio of detergent to water; they may have used more water, softer water, or harder water - you get the idea! There are so many factors that can influence whether a detergent leaves residue or not and to what degree.  Cautionary words that can warn you of additives include "brighter",and "whiter". But if you choose a detergent with no residue, you know you are safe!