I’m thinking about trying out cloth diapers some during the day to save some money on disposables. I’ve been reading over lots of previous questions, and getting answers to many of my questions about cloth diapering, but I haven’t found anything that addresses this one: How you get an extra rinse with your washing machine? Mine is a pretty basic GE top load machine. I have a few load sizes, an option to have cold, warm, or hot water in the wash cycle (cold is under each, so I guess that means it rinses in cold only) and then can pick either “permanent press” or “cotton regular” for the type of wash. It does have pictures by the knob that turns to indicate when it’s spinning and when it’s rinsing, so I’m not sure if I could “reset” it to rinse again somehow. It only appears to have one rinse cycle when it runs through normally. The only way I’ve been able to think of is just an extra wash cycle without any detergent. Any other suggestions out there? I’d like to try to keep it as simple as possible without wearing the diapers out too quickly. That’s my concern with running them through two wash cycles a few times a week. Oh, the kind of diapers might be relevant: I’m probably going to get a few of the birdseye prefold diapers, some Snappi fasteners, and some basic covers to give it an initial try without investing too much. Ya’ll always have such great ideas, I’m sure I’ll get lots of suggestions!
Thanks for all your advice. I did end up being able to turn the dial back so I get an extra rinse. I've just been using cloth just during the day and after she's had her poop for the day so they aren't as messy to clean up, and I'm starting to see the savings even just doing that. Things have been going well so far and hanging them out on my clothes line to dry has made them smell so fresh! Again, thanks for all your knowledge.
Hi K.,
I use a non toxic detergent safe for little ones that cleans very well and wouldn't need to be rinsed again. It has a patented formula that keeps all the dirt and odors from resetting on the diaper. It's also cheaper and more cost effective than most. Let me know if this would be an option for you and I can give you more information.
Regards,
M.
K.-
I always soaked mine in Oxyclean prior to the wash cycle. Just watch the machine and “pause” it after it is full, let it soak an hour, and then let it finish the cycle. I used Charlie’s Soap, a natural detergent you can order online or get at Earth fare, Whole Foods. It’s pretty inexpensive and goes a long way. Regular detergents build up on the diapers and cause them to start repelling liquid. I also used vinegar in the rinse cycle. My diapers always looked and smelled brand new.
All of my washers have always been very basic, and I just turn the knob to the rinse part if I want an extra rinse, pull it out or push it in (however you make a cycle start) and it will run another rinse cycle.
Have you tried some store brands? I love Kroger Comforts and Target Up and Up diapers. They both are 1/2 the price of Huggies and Pampers and have worked just as well for me. I'm sure you will save money in the long run with cloth diapers, but do factor in the energy, water, detergent and cloth diaper cost when comparing.
We use Fuzzi Bunz and I just do a hot wash and a cold rinse (one rinse only) if I can remember to change it to cold. We can't set the wash and rinse on different settings. More often than not they end up being washed and rinsed on hot. We're on our second child with the same diapers and they seem to be doing alright. Like I said, we only do one rinse and it has never been a problem. Good luck!
C.
I have had several washing machines, the one now does have a presoak, and a 2nd rinse cycle. However, it is the first, in the past you just turn the knob to the point of rinse make sure the water starts coming out and you close the lid for the rinse cycle, nothing wrong with it, skips the wash and goes straight to rinse #2.
Good luck, and best wishes. I used cloth diapers with my oldest - twins!
M. - mother of 4 and grandmother of 2.
For my first child, I ran the rinse cycle twice-- just reset the machine right at the rinse point and pulled the knob back out. But with my second, time was more of an issue, so I just run them through the whole wash cycle twice. I just have the plain old cheap prefold diapers, and I've used them for both kids, so some of them have been washed for four years straight, and they're still in good shape. Good luck, and good for you for trying cloth-- they're soooo much cheaper than disposables, and so easy once you actually try them.
I own a diaper service and also sell cloth diapers so I have "been around the block" with different diapers and washers. For a top loader, I would recommend a cold rinse with tea tree oil (just set it on rinse and let it finish the cycle). Then I would hot wash/cold rinse with 1/2 of the detergent you would normally use. I use BioKleen powder laundry detergent without enzymes. Then I do another cold rinse at the end to make sure all the detergent is rinsed. If your diapers ever develop "stinkies" (sometimes it takes years, and sometimes it never happens) but if you do, then you have been using too much detergent with not enough rinsing - just something to keep in mind. If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to contact me! :)
I've been using cloth for years now. My machine has an option that says one rinse/extra rinse so I just turn it to extra rinse. I think it would work too if you turn it back to the beginning of that last rinse in the cycle and turn it on. That's what I would try. If you have other cloth questions, feel free to PM me!
