·         You can line dry diapers on sunny days to remove stains and to freshen them. I was amazed at how well the sun deodorizes and removes stains.

·         Bleach wears out the fabric very fast so it should be avoided. If you do use it, make sure you rinse it out very, very well to avoid rashes.

·         Never use any type of fabric softener. Your diapers will not be absorbent if you use fabric softener.

·         Avoid detergents with Whitening Enzymes. Other enzymes are okay and so are brighteners, but the “whiteners” have been associated with bad diaper rashes.

·         Many pocket diapers don’t do well with the “Free & Clear” types of detergent. You should also avoid “Natural Enzymes” and “Citrus Oil” for pocket diapers. They can affect the fleece and cause leaks.

·         I occasionally need to “Strip” the diapers of detergent build up. I know that it is time to strip the diapers when they start smelling funny when the baby urinates. When they don’t have build up, they don’t smell funny when freshly wet upon.   To “Strip” the diapers I wash them in Extra Hot Water with no detergent several times. On occasion, I use Oxy Clean to help get them really clean. You need to follow the Diaper Brand’s instructions if you use Oxy Clean.  You can also try Calgon Water Softener to get the build up out. Check the rinse water for suds. Build up is gone when there are no suds in rinse water.  Another method is to do the following TWICE:

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

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

3.        1/2 Cup vinegar again in the FIRST rinse cylce.

4.        Run a second rinse cycle with plain hot water.

5.        Dry Covers in dryer.

6.        Repeat the above process one more time.

·         How can you tell if your diapers are clean enough for use? After they come off the line or out of they dryer, put your nose right into them and sniff. If they smell like anything (detergent or if they smell unclean) they are not clean enough for use.