Residues & Stripping: Let's get those diapers naked!
Detecting Residues
We know that residues left by detergents can cause cloth diapers to repell, rather than absorb, baby's messes. If your diapers stink as soon as your child wets them or if they are stiff right out of the dryer, residues may also be to blame. A sudden diaper rash may also be caused by detergent residues.
To check for residues run a hot wash of your diapers with no detergent or additives. Once the machine has aggitated for 5-10 minutes, check for suds. If you see any soap suds, you definitely have a residue problem! Another test involves squirting water onto your diaper fleece or onto an insert to see if it forms water droplets or absorbs immediately into the fabric. If you're seeing water droplets and water run-off, a residue is to blame.
Stripping Cloth Diapers
As a first step, clean your machine. Residues left over in the machine will only add to your problem. If you use a different detergent for your normal laundry, consider switching to Country Save or another low-residue detergent for all of your washing.
Next, run a hot/cold wash with all of your diapers in the machine. Select the extra-rinse option and high agitation. Add a small squirt of liquid Dawn dishsoap to the hot wash. Check the water as soon as you hear the extra rinse draining. If you see soap suds, repeat.
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