Detergent and cloth.

[boobirdsfly]

There is so much conflicting info out there...
What detergents are best for cloth diapers and how does one avoid the ammonia problem?
I don't really understand the issue and how one should deal with it!
What's your experience?

Thank you in advance! You are always super helpful!

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Comments

[miraje]

When I was researching cloth diapers, I read something about how someone would soak the soiled diapers in a baking soda/water solution in a bucket to neutralize the ammonia before washing them. I imagine that might help with odors, too,

[boobirdsfly]

Thanks!
Do you know what the ammonia is from? Is it from the soap or from the diapers?

[kimie_catclaw]

Clothdiapering.livejournal.com :D

Lots of people swear by regular blue Tide; I personally use All Free & Clear.

[boobirdsfly]

Thank you! I did not know about that community.

I heard Tide is a big no-no but heard good things about Free and Clear.

[hotpinkboagirl]

ammonia stink is mostly in microfiber inserts - i hate hate microfiber. but also by type of water you have & your washing routine!

[boobirdsfly]

ah got it.
so hemp inserts (g diapers) wouldn't be likely to have this problem?
some people gave me some inserts. is there a way to tell if they are microfiber?

[teacentral]

The detergent that works best for me is Kind. If I run out (it's only available in one store I go to), I use Tide Free and Gentle; it's almost as good, but it occasionally leaves behind some poo stains. Never had ammonia problems.

[boobirdsfly]

thank you!

[darlahood]

I use the 7 generations stuff.

I think the OMG how do I wash cloth diapers! thing is a bit overrated. I have an open laundry basket in the laundry room that I throw them in, dirty, pissed on, or used as a rag. Get 'em going agitating and add 1 cup of bleach (how non green of me!), let 'em sit for 1/2 hour, then turn back on.

Dry in the dryer.

[hungry_worm]

I don't cloth diaper, but I use them as wipes for diaper changes etc., and just collect the poo-, pee- and who knows what stained ones in a plastic bucket with a lid and just wash them at the highest temperature with regular washing powder for white stuff (contains some bleaching agent, probably), with an extra rinse, never got stains or odor. But I only dealt with smaller stains, admittedly, it might be different when there's a whole load o' poo in there. No diaper bacteria survives these temperatures plus the optional cup of bleach!

[boobirdsfly]

Thank you and I agree. It seems crazy how much freak out there is around all this.
Do you know if using the non chlorine bleach (like powdered enzyme based) would work too?