Do you have to use any special detergents to wash them? I use Seventh Generation detergent...wondering if it will affect the absorbency?
286546
I throw them in with my baby clothes, which I wash with Method Free & Clear.
286547
I wash mine in Dreft with the baby's laundry and I haven't noticed a problem.
286548
I never used special detergent and never noticed a drop in absorbency. But then again, I also wash my cloth diapers with regular detergent too.
286549
I just used scent free detergent (I am allergic to scents). However, if you use fabric softener or dryer sheets/chemicals, it will reduce absorbency. I made the mistake of putting them through the wash and then adding a dryer sheet and it took two washes to get them absorbent again.
286550
I washed them with my regular clothes with a free and clear detergent and didn't have a problem with absorbancy.
1407804
We have not needed to wash them. Although the insides got quite muddy, the outside (which contacts our indoor floors) stayed clean. We just let them air dry and banged them on the grass outside to remove the dirt. This worked well; no need to wash.
1493059
I have not had this problem. I have not done anything special to wash them, although my washer does have a "sheets" cycle. However, I have not had them for very long.
1040077
I leave mine soaking in homemade wipes solution, which includes soap, and they hold up just fine. In fact, they even make it through the washing machine on occasion!
1263451
I just wash them with my cloth diapers. I use Rockin' Green detergent. I will say that I used them as a barrier to protect the diapers from diaper cream and over time the liners became water repellant. I stripped them but it didn't help. Now when we need to use heavy duty, (not cloth diaper safe) cream I use flushable liners. I still use the reusable ones otherwise though.
1330225
I have several of them and, As per the instructions, I washed them before I started to use them. I think they becomemore absorbent after they are washed. they are great and Very absorbant. they shed quite a lot when first washed.
1758669
I just wash them in the washing machine in hot water with normal detergent and dry them in the dryer without fabric softener. I use them in the kitchen for everything, including fine straining, hence not using fabric softener. IF they get really greasy, you can throw a cupful of vinegar into the washer with them.
1742582
I wash these with my cloth wipes in a mesh bag if they were only peed on (I flush the poop). I let them air dry and I get like 3 uses out of them. Food for thought though: If I can wash these in my washing machine several times and reuse them what are people talking about when they say to let it sit in their toilet bowl for a little bit to let them "break down"? I have a septic system and I was flushing these (for the last year and a half) without thinking about how that might not be a good idea- we're in need of septic work now and I don't know if it is related at all.
2039151
I just wash them in the sink and let them dry. However, I did order an extra set because they are very slow drying! When they are totally dry they are just like new!
1458967
I bought them for their absorbency and workhorse quality. For show? Perhaps if they were freshly washed. I don't do much for show so can't really comment.
368382
I didn't prep for absorbency, I just washed them twice, just to make sure they were nice and clean. These are a great buy!
203411
So far, I am using seventh generation free and clear detergent because I got a great deal on them.. I am planning to use my home made one (borax, washing soda-baking soda and vegetable based bar soap) on them from now on (she is six months) i dis it once a month ago and it seemed fine. I will update this when I do. :)
533777
Not in the washing machine.. I spray mine with urine be gone and let soak for 5-10 mins then rinse with HOT water.. love them though
350767
They probably don't reach maximum absorbency until after 4-5+ washings, but I started using them after 2. You want to wash them a couple times to get off the natural oils from the cotton. When soiled with human excrement, I wash hot with an enzyme-containing detergent and then line dry or tumble dry. They are sturdy diapers. Tumble drying makes them very soft but I find the line drying makes folding easier, and sunshine can get out stains. They dry very quickly as well!
1864171
I just use regular detergent but I always hit any and all stains with oxy stain remover before put them in the wash. Works wonders. I hope this helps..
957456
I wash these in regular detergent...we've been using these nappies since baby was 3mo. and my grandbaby is 9 mo..now....I don't think "tiny bubbles," detergent would have a negative effect on the product....hope this helps....
88438
I have found them to be very absorbent. They are very cushy and really soak up water. Also, btw, using less fabric softener (I use half a sheet instead of a whole sheet) can make towels more absorbent.