Washing Different Kinds of Cloth Diapers

You need to wash the prefolds (and probably the inserts for the pockets) several times before you use them for them to fluff up. YOu can either do them in a separate load or just throw them in with your other laundry for now. Once they have pee all over them you'll want to wash them alone :) I would run the pockets through the wash once only before using (with reg clothes is fine again), and would air dry the pockets. No need to pre-wash the covers at all. When I wash my covers I usually just put them in with my regular laundry.

You'll find 1000 different methods of washing cloth diapers, and depending on what type of washer you have, how hard your water is, etc, you'll have to tweak it to get a system tat works for you. I suggest using Tide Free or Allens Naturally soap for diapers. I usually do a soak/rinse in cold water, followed by a hot wash with soap, followed by a hot "speed wash" for my soiled diapers.

everything can definitely be washed together. for drying, you might want to line dry any PUL or similar covers because drying can make them break down more easily... on the flipside, if they've been leaking, sometimes drying them can help to close up any small gaps around stitching or things like that and help them to work better. we line dried covers with our first kiddo, but by the time the second came along, everything just go thrown in the dryer together including PUL covers and pockets as well (but not the wool covers in the wash or dryer! watch out for those or you'll have some very expensive doll soakers in no time!).

I use prefolds and before you use them you need to get rid of the oil that the cotton has on them. To do that you can either wash/dry them 3xs or boil them for 45 minutes or so. I decided to boil to conserve energy and water. Once they are dry pour some water on the prefold to check them. If the water beads off then you need to do it again, if the water is soaked up then they are good to go.

To wash I first rinse my prefolds off with a sprayer attached to the toilet. I then put them in a wet bag in the bathroom. When wash day comes I throw the prefolds, covers, and bag into the wash and wash them with hot water. I then dry the prefolds in the dryer on hot and line dry the wet bag and covers. I use Charlie's Soap.

I believe, I don't use pocket, that you can wash them all together.

I just throw it all in together, including the changing table cover, etc. However, I don't use prefolds, so I have no clue as to how to wash them.

One thing I wish someone had told me: do a cold rinse/spin before washing the diapers. It really helps with the breast poop stains. Also, the sun is the best defense!