Cloth Diapering Advice Needed

Updated on February 14, 2008
G.D. asks from Chicago, IL
4 answers

I have been happily using pocket diapers but mistakingly used diaper rash ointment with them. Now the diapers repel any wetness from my baby and I am trying to "strip" them of any residue. I have washed them in hot water many times but they still don't absorb anything. I have already invested in a lot of money and want to save them. Does anyone know what I can do? Also, can I use any barrier cream with the prefolds?

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.

answers from Chicago on

That's weird... I've always read about not using diaper rash creams, but I used Boudreaux's Butt Paste with my son and cloth diapers and never had a problem. Maybe it's brand-dependent.

Anyway, I agree with the pp - wash/scrub your pockets with Dawn. You can also wash your inserts with a squirt of Dawn and a very hot wash. If you want to get really crazy you could boil (like in a big pot on the stove) your inserts and that will get EVERYTHING out. Have you pinpointed whether the problem is with your pockets or your inserts? (Try some different inserts - even some prefolds - in your pockets and see whether that works to do this).

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.M.

answers from Chicago on

If it was just zinc oxide or A&D you can scrub them with Dawn and a toothbrush.then wash them in Dawn and hot water and rinse 5 million times LOL That should get most of it out. If you used Desitin it has cod liver oil in it and that will cause a permanent stain.
For future use this company makes a wonderful diaper salve that is totally safe for cloth diapers. The bonus is that the Tea Tree Oil/Lavender FREE one smells really good and it comes in a twist up tube like a big Chapstick or deodorant tube so you never have to get your fingers all greasy and nasty like you do with Desitin type stuff.
It will not let me copy the exact url...but look under babies and then find the diaper salve that does not have Tea Tree or Lavender.
http://www.northernessence.com/

That sucks that happened, I hope you get it all fixed. I know they are not cheap

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

V.B.

answers from Evansville on

Try dawn or even some ivory bar soap on them, also if you are using fabric softner it can make them not as absorbant. You can even put some baking soda in your washer when you are doing the diapers to help boost your detergant.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.D.

answers from Chicago on

hi G.,
you can first wash the diapers in sudsy ammonia only then in the rinse cycle use white vingar about 2 cups.
that would take away all the residue from the cloth diapers to repell the moisture again.

I am in the dry cleaning business for 10 years now.

and the ammonia and vingar wont smell after the dryer nor will it hurt your child skin!

Try it on your towels first and you will see the difference.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions