If you’re searching how to wash cloth diapers, you’re probably wondering one very important thing: Is this going to take over my entire life?
Short answer: Nope!
Washing cloth diapers is a simple routine with three basic parts: remove the mess, wash thoroughly, and dry completely. That’s it! Once you’ve done it a few times, it becomes just another load of laundry, like towels, sheets, or the tiny socks that mysteriously disappear in your dryer.
And if laundry is the one thing standing between you and cloth diapering, you have options! Luludew’s Fresh & Simple Cloth Rental includes diapers, wipes, size swaps, and an easy wash-at-home guide. For families in the Los Angeles area, our Weekly Diaper Delivery Service takes the laundry off your plate completely.
So let’s walk through the process together!
Before You Start: Set Yourself Up for an Easier Wash Routine
A little preparation makes cloth diaper laundry feel much less intimidating. You’ll want:
- A washable wet bag or diaper pail liner
- A washing machine
- A clean-rinsing detergent recommended for cloth diapers (Hint… we sell an awesome laundry soap)
- A dryer or a place to air-dry diapers
- Your diaper brand’s care instructions (Hint… we'll set you up with an awesome wash routine and step-by-step guide)
Pro-tip: Check the care tag or your rental wash guide before choosing water temperature or drying settings. Diaper fabrics, elastics, and waterproof layers can have different needs.
You’ll also want enough diapers to get through a couple of days. Many families wash every two to three days, which helps prevent strong odors and gives diapers plenty of time to dry before you need them again.
Step 1: Remove Solids and Store Dirty Diapers
The first step in how to wash cloth diapers is dealing with the diaper before it goes into the washer.
If your baby is only drinking breast milk or formula
Dirty diapers can generally go straight into your wet bag or diaper pail. The contents are water-soluble, so your wash routine will take care of them.
Once your baby starts eating solid foods
You’ll want to remove solid waste over the toilet before storing the diaper. You can shake it in, use a diaper sprayer, or choose a liner system that helps lift solids away from the diaper.
No need to create a complicated science project in your bathroom! Just remove what you can, then place the diaper in your washable wet bag or pail liner.
Important: Avoid soaking diapers in a bucket of water. Standing water can create odor and mildew issues, and it’s not a great match for a busy household. Store diapers in a ventilated, washable container instead.
Step 2: Run a Thorough Wash Routine
This is the part that sounds scary, but really isn’t! Most cloth diaper routines use two wash cycles.
Cycle 1: Pre-wash
Start with a short, warm or cold cycle to remove surface soil. This first wash gets the diapers ready for the deep-cleaning cycle.
Depending on your diaper system and wash guide, you may use no detergent or a small amount during the pre-wash. Follow the instructions that come with your Luludew rental or diaper set for the best results.
Cycle 2: Main wash
Next, run a longer, heavier cycle using hot or very warm water, whatever your diaper care instructions allow.
Use the recommended amount of a clean-rinsing detergent. Avoid:
- Fabric softener
- Dryer sheets
- Bleach unless specifically recommended
- Heavy fragrance additives
- Detergents that leave a waxy or oily coating
These products can build up on diaper fibers, reduce absorbency, or irritate sensitive skin. Your diapers don’t need a perfume cloud to be clean. They just need a good wash!
Give diapers room to move
Your washer should be full enough for good agitation but not so packed that diapers are wedged together. Think loosely full, not “I have one more towel and I’m making it fit.”
If diapers aren’t moving freely, they may not rinse and clean effectively. If your load is too small, you may not get enough agitation either. Finding the right load size can take a little experimenting, and that’s okay!
Pro tip: We like to throw a bath towel in with the diapers. This causes friction which is great for agitating the diapers and getting diapers clean.
Do you need an extra rinse?
Sometimes. If diapers feel slippery, look soapy, or have a strong detergent smell after washing, try an additional rinse. If your routine uses the correct detergent and amount, though, an extra rinse may not be necessary every time.
The goal is simple: clean diapers with no leftover detergent residue.
Step 3: Dry Diapers Completely
The final step is drying, and this is where you protect the life of your diapers.
Air-drying
Line drying or laying diapers flat can help preserve elastics and waterproof layers. Sunlight can also help brighten light stains naturally. A sunny outdoor drying session? That’s a parenting win and a free stain treatment!
When hanging diapers, avoid stretching elastic areas while they’re wet. Drape them gently or use a drying method recommended by the manufacturer.
Machine drying
Many inserts and prefolds can go in the dryer, while covers and waterproof shells may need to air-dry. When using a dryer, choose a low or medium setting unless your care instructions say otherwise.
Avoid the hottest setting for diapers with elastic or waterproof materials. High heat over time can shorten their lifespan.
Always check the care instructions for your specific diaper style. All-in-ones, pocket diapers, prefolds, and covers may dry at different speeds.
Once everything is fully dry, fold your diapers and place them in your changing area. Future-you will be very grateful.
How Often Should You Wash Cloth Diapers?
Most families wash cloth diapers every two to three days. Waiting much longer can lead to stronger odors, stains, and a much less pleasant wash day.
If you have a smaller diaper set, you may need to wash more often. If you have more diapers available, you may be able to stick with every third day.
If you use our Wash at Home Diaper rental, we send you the perfect amount of diapers and accessories.
There’s no prize for having the most perfect routine. The best routine is the one that works for your baby, your washer, your schedule, and your energy level.
What If Cloth Diaper Laundry Is Still Your Biggest Objection?
We get it. The laundry barrier is real!
You may understand the environmental benefits of reusable diapers and love the idea of keeping disposables out of landfills: but still think, I already do laundry constantly. How did I get here?
That’s exactly why Luludew offers two flexible ways to make cloth diapering easier.
Wash at home with guidance
With our Fresh & Simple Cloth Rental, you receive diapers and wipes along with easy-to-follow wash guidance. You wash a load at home about every three days, and we handle size swaps as your baby grows.
It’s a supportive way to learn how to wash cloth diapers without needing to buy a full diaper set in every size or figure out the system alone.
You can also explore Luludew’s free Start with Peace of Mind mini-course for short, reassuring videos designed to help you get started without pressure.
Let Luludew handle the laundry
For families in Los Angeles and nearby Southern California communities, our Weekly Diaper Delivery Service means we pick up used diapers, professionally wash them, and deliver fresh ones to your door each week.
No soaking. No second-guessing your wash settings. No late-night realization that every clean diaper is somehow in the hamper.
We also serve daycare centers that want a more sustainable diapering routine without adding more work for families or staff.
Cloth Diaper Washing: The Quick Version
Here’s your three-step cheat sheet:
- Remove solids and store dirty diapers in a washable wet bag or diaper pail liner.
- Run a pre-wash and a thorough main wash with the right detergent: no fabric softener!
- Dry diapers completely using the dryer or air-drying method recommended for your diaper style.
That’s how to wash cloth diapers. Truly!
You don’t have to be a laundry expert. You don’t need a color-coded spreadsheet. And you definitely don’t need to feel guilty if you choose professional service because your family needs more breathing room.
Cloth diapering is a movement made up of small, meaningful choices. Whether you wash every load at home, use a rental system, or let Luludew do the laundry for you, you’re helping create a simpler routine and keeping reusable diapers in rotation instead of sending millions of disposables to landfills.
One diaper change at a time: that’s a win!