This guest post is from The Pedal Powered Family.  I first learned about their adventure after they signed up for the Flats Challenge.  I asked Heidi if she would write a guest post about using cloth diapers and touring North and Central America by bicycle with 2 children!  I hope you will all follow their journey on their blog or Facebook Page.

It would have been difficult to take on the Flats and Handwashing Challenge while living at home – having the washing and drying capabilities and a good stash of fitted diapers that worked fantastically, I didn’t want to invest in another type of diaper. You would think that doing this challenge would have been even more difficult to attempt while travelling, however that’s when I realized that unless I did so, I wouldn’t be able to continue cloth diapering at all during the next year, as I would be spending the next year on my bike.

On May 21st, I left with my family (myself, husband, and 2 kids ages 4 and 18 months) on a year long North and Central American bike tour. We’ve gone on shorter bike trips in the past where it has always been easier to just switch to disposable diapers for the duration of each journey, but we didn’t want to compromise our eco-friendly values for an entire year as we continued to diaper little Harper on the road.

Better for Babies generously supplied us with a complete collection of fitted diapers and wool covers for our travels. We wanted to utilize wool covers as we would only need a rotation of 2 or 3, and wool doesn’t need to be washed very frequently. When they do require washing, they have a pretty long dry time, so we did take along a few Bummi’s Super Whisper Wraps for back up. After using the fitted organic cotton velour diapers from Better for Babies for several weeks prior to the start of our bike trip, we determined that they work very well, fit great, and never leaked. However, they did take forever to line dry. So we looked into flats as a faster-drying solution. Re-diaper, our local cloth diaper resource supplied us with some Osocosy flats. We learned how to fold them and have since taken 13 of them on our travels. We also took 9 flat hemp inserts, figuring this would be about a two day supply.

We have been on the road for about a week, and the diapering is going pretty smoothly. We wash each diaper as it is dirtied in whatever resource we have – a hotel bathtub, sink at a campground or in a bathroom in a gas station. Then we dry them on the back of the sun shade attached to my husband’s bicycle and they dry in the sun and wind. One night, we did a load of about 8 flats in a hotel bathroom and they were almost completely dry by morning after hanging all over the hotel room.

Ok. I’m struggling here. I have a confession. The diapers are currently in an electric dryer and I’m cheating. However, there was no way around this situation! Being on the road by bicycle means you are out in the weather almost 24 hours a day. And it has rained straight the last 2 days! We have no indoor drying rack as we are sleeping in a tent so the diapers had to be dried in a dryer. For this challenge I may have cheated but I’ll make up for it by participating in the handwashing challenge for the next year as we continue to travel by bicycle around the continent. {Editor’s Note- You are totally forgiven!  Your dedication to cloth on your journey more than makes up for using a dryer this week!}

Pros – we continue to use cloth diapers while travelling and don’t contribute to the mounting landfills with diapers that will never decompose; Harper is happier in cloth!
Cons – handwashing each individual diaper as we can uses so much water and takes a considerable amount of time – 7-10 min per diaper can equal almost 1 hour of the day – we have to wash them when we can as we can never predict where the next available resource to wash them will be; unpredictable and rainy weather means that we will be using a dryer when we have to; flats don’t contain poop as well as fitted diapers which means our wool covers will need washing more frequently which may be a challenge due to their drying time.

So far, this handwashing challenge has been just that – a challenge. I admit, I sometimes long for a disposable diaper that I can just throw in the next trash can. I dread every time I see Harper straining with his next #2 because I know I’ll have to scrape it out and get my hands dirty. But it does warm my heart every time the diapers dry within an hour on the bicycle or over a lunch rest stop hanging on a fence. Perhaps my next stop should be looking into “elimination communication” to eliminate the messy parts of this challenge… {Editor’s note: I posted about EC coincidentally today, check it out}

About The Pedal Powered Family: We are a family of four seeking to live simply, give generously, and travel slowly on our bikes. On May 21, 2011 we plan to live out our dream of exploring our continent on a year-long, 20,000km bicycle tour, starting and finishing at our home in Hamilton, Ontario.

So you have decided to use cloth diapers.  Awesome!  Now you are wondering what you do with the dirty diapers?  Disposable diapers go in a diaper pail or trash can.  Where can you put your dirty diapers until wash day where they won’t stink up the joint?

Most families choose between 2 options: A traditional Diaper Pail or a Hanging Wet Bag.  In either case, you will need a PUL (waterproof material, same used for most cloth diaper covers and shells) lined bag of some sort to either put in your pail, or to hang in the nursery to place your dirty diapers in.  There are certainly other options, and I will list those at the end as well.  Full disclosure: the links provided are affiliate links.

Diaper Pail:

If you have ever walked inside of a Target and shopped for baby stuff you have seen the aisle of large boxes containing a variety of different diaper pails.  The most famous being the “Diaper Genie.”  Unfortunately, most pails designed for disposable diapers are simply not cut out for cloth diapers.  Pails that have turning lids like the Diaper Genie don’t have room enough in their openings for many cloth diapers to fit through.  Other brands, like the Diaper Dekor (which I use) can be modified to accommodate cloth diapers and an elastic edged reusable pail liner.

Diaper Dekor Plus Diaper Disposal System

There are also cloth diaper pails which have locking lids.  I have not personally used one since I prefer the convenience of a step can.  Some of these pails use mesh bags to hold the dirty diapers.  The good news is that the mesh allows the diapers to breathe which can prevent odors.  The bad news is that the wet and soiled diapers could get the pail itself dirty.  You would have to wash the pail more often than if using a PUL pail liner.  Locking lids are great for curious little ones.  Since most people do not keep wet pails (pails with water and bleach to soak diapers between washes) at least there isn’t a worry about drowning.

Bambino Mio Dirty Nappy Cloth Diaper Bucket & Lid

A third pail option isn’t technically a pail at all.  Plastic or Metal step lid trash cans can work as a pail also.  You will just want to check the sizing and make sure a pail liner will work.  Many of these trash cans are too big or too small.  I found a hard time locating one to fit a pail liner when I shopped for one, so I bought my Dekor.

Umbra 12-Gallon Trash Can

With a pail you have the option of using an elastic edged pail liner, which functions like a trash bag, but that you wash over and over with your dirty diapers.  Many major brands make their own version.  Wahmies has a popular model which also has an elastic loop that you can use to hang it from a door knob if you choose.

Wahmies Diaper Pail Liner

Wet Bags:

Hanging Wet Bags come in a large variety of options.  There are long skinny bags, short wide bags, zippering bags, drawstring bags, colorful print bags, plain solid colored bags, and so on.  These bags also come in a variety of sizes.

The best hanging wet bag is going to have an unsnappable handle.  These can be looped around anything sturdy enough and closed.  If you have bars on your changing table this is a good place to put one, other than a door knob.  Or, you can opt for a bag made to go on a door knob like the Knickernappies.

Knickernappies Doorknob Diaper Pail

Another cool option out there is the wet/dry bag.  This bag has a front pocket that can be used for clean diapers, and the main pocket is lined with PUL for dirty diapers.  I usually recommend this bag for daycare families.  They can send the bag with clean diapers and have it returned with dirty ones, all in one shot.

Planet Wise Wet/Dry Diaper Bag

You don’t HAVE to put a wet bag in your nursery.  There is the option to hang a wet bag in your bathroom.  Since you will at some point likely be spraying down dirty diapers, this is a convenient place to put them, especially if your bathroom is far away from the baby’s room.  Some people also hang them in their laundry area.

If you are in the market for a MASSIVE bag because you either have more than one child, like to go a while before doing laundry, or will be going on a long trip, then you need the Bummis Fabulous Wet Bag.  I use this one every time I go on vacation!  It can be hung on a door knob or used as a pail liner.  It can hold enough diapers for 4-5 days worth of dirties.

Bummis Fabulous Wet Bag (Large)

(All of the wet bags I mentioned can also be purchased at my affiliate, Kelly’s Closet, if you would like to support my blog!)

Diaper Pails:

Pros:

Can contain Odors

Some are lockable

Those with step lids are hands free and easy to use.

Cons:

Take up more space

Might be hard to find one that works with a pail liner

If they don’t lock, toddlers can explore them and add/subtract items

Eyesores in the nursery

Hanging Wet Bags:

Pros:

Take up less space

Can be placed on door knobs, changing table, etc.

Inexpensive

Choice of cute patterns

Choice of various sizes to suit your needs

Cons:

Zippering/ Unzippering can be a pain

Drawstring bags might not close all the way

Might not be as smell proof as a pail

Other Options:

There are also other options for storing dirty diapers.  Many of them cost little to no money.

Washer:

Some families wash so often that they go ahead and throw the dirty diaper directly in the washer.  Once they have a load they start it up.  There is no middle man and no cost to this method.  If you have basement laundry then this is probably not a great option, unless you are trying to tone your legs!

Hamper:

You could also put the diapers in a hamper, which will more than likely be stored in your laundry room.  The obvious issue here is getting the hamper dirty.  You may or may not care.

Utility Sink:

Same concept as the washer.  You can use a utility sink to rinse off diapers and leave them there until wash day.

Plastic Bags:

Not the ideal option, however those grocery bags many people use as trash can liners can also be used as travel wet bags in a pinch.

Pail with no liner:

Some bucket type pails can be used with no pail liner.  You will likely end up washing the pail often, or ignoring the mess the diapers are leaving.  This method requires you to take the pail with you to the washer and dump your diapers in.

Surprisingly, many parents who embark on the journey of cloth diapers are surprised when they find that many of their diapers are left with less than attractive staining on the inside.  Whether this is because a well meaning article online or parent told them they don’t stain (this is true sometimes in the case of newborn poop, but not always….) or because they assumed everything would wash away clean, the realization is frustrating.

Every stage of poop comes with different stain risks.  To date, after 22 months of cloth diapering, I have only had 1 stain (caused by poop) that I could not get out.  These are my tips for preventing and removing stains.

Prevention:

• Always Pre-Rinse in COLD Water before you add a hot wash when there is poop involved.
• If you suspect a poop is coming, throw in a fleece or flushable liner.  This not only makes clean-up easier, it keeps poop from hitting your diaper directly.  This is more for children on solids than newborns.
• If you are so inclinined and you know that your baby is going to poop, put them on a little potty or potty insert on your toilet.  Abstinence is the best prevention!
• Once your baby is eating solids, having a diaper sprayer will be a lifesaver.  Use this to spray as much debris off, leaving little chances of the stains setting in while waiting for wash day.

Treatment:

• Newborn poop has long been thought to never stain.  This statement is misleading because often a diaper comes out of the washer covered in a light shade of yellow.  For most newborn (EBF) poop just ignore it and wash a few more times.  It should come out in a few washes.
• Sunning is the number one stain treatment.  (I have an old post on the Miracle of Sunning with before and after photos) Lay your diapers flat in the sunlight for a few hours while damp or wet.  Dry works too but better when wet.  9 times out of 10, as long as the stain has not been set in, this will only take one session.  More stubborn stains may take a second sunning.
• Sunning not working?  You might have a food based stain from something your child ate.  Try adding a squirt of lemon juice topically to the diaper, then lay in the sun.  This has gotten a few very stubborn stains out for me.  You need to re-wash your diapers after a lemon treatment before using them on your baby.
• Last Resort: chlorine bleach.  I have never used bleach to treat a stain, but incidentally, when I have used it during a stripping some diapers with stains that I had not had the chance to sun out came clean.

Other tips:

• Not all poop is created equal.  I have an exhaustive list of the different stages of poop that you may find helpful.
• Newborn poop manages to get into every nook and cranny.  Especially if you have a diaper with gathered gussets on the inside, like a Rumparooz or Thirsties, you might notice that most of the poop has washed out minus in those crevices.  There is no way to sun this since it is in those hiding spots.  Don’t worry, I never had a permanent stain in these places.  A few washes and it all came out.
• Toddlers can eat some colorful items which in turn, leave colorful stains: think blueberries.  Even blueberry stains have come out for me after sunning.
• The only stain to remain for me is a mystery.  I wish I knew the food which caused it but I don’t.
• Unless you are terribly concerned about the resale value of your diapers, don’t get your panties in a knot over stains.  I used to religiously fight stains and sun my diapers at every chance (which is rare living in Syracuse, NY).  Now, I am happier not being so worried about stains.  Usually, they resolve themselves after a few washes.  If not, who cares?  He is just going to poop in it again at some point.

Photo Credit: Stevec77 from Flickr

I have lived through 20 months of cloth diapering my son.  To say I have learned a thing or two is an understatement.  Not only have I tried and reviewed over 50 cloth diapers, I have tried all sorts of accesories.  Plus I have real world experience.  I know how to change a cloth diaper on a plane, bench, lap, and how to deal when my son is fighting me for a change.  I have sampled cloth safe diaper creams and detergents and picked my favorites.  And, I have learned how to keep my son relatively still during changes (crucial when in public and there is a nasty poop!)  I am listing what I feel a cloth diapering mom needs and stating my brand of choice where applicable.

A few easy peasy AIO diapers for the babysitter/ diaper bag. Because no matter how much you love prefolds, your babysitter might not.  My favorites are the Drybees Hybrid Pocket AIO and the AMP AIO.

Diaper Sprayer (around 6 months when your baby begins solids)

At least (2) Travel Size Wet Bags. The Wahmies Medium in the Guitar Print is my go to quick trip out, while my Planet Wise Wet/ Dry in Medium is best for a day trip.

(2) Elastic edged pail liners -or- at least 2 Hanging Wet Bags- Wahmies Pail liner is my choice, and Planet Wise Wet/Dry bag in Large for a hanging pail.

Diaper Pail- if you choose one, it should have a pedal for ease of use, especially when you have a dripping wet diaper.  I love my Diaper Dekor, which I modified to accommodate cloth diapers.

1 pack of Snappis

Cloth Friendly Diaper Detergent (I use Rockin’ Green Hard Rock)

Dryer Balls (if you want to soften your diapers or reduce static.)

Flushable Liners- I have found Bummis Bioliners are the softest.  Good to use when on the go to prevent coming home with poop in your diapers.

Drying Rack, clothesline, or gizmo for hanging diapers- I love my Ikea Octopus for hanging covers, but I just throw my inserts over the porch rail for sunning.

Awesome diaper bag big enough for your cloth diapers! I like my Petunia Picklebottom but I am still drooling over the Go Gaga Messenger bag!

Changing Pad- I have a great changing pad from Ikea!

Cloth Diaper safe Cream- My fav is Dimpleskins Bum Balm.  Silky and very effective!

Distracting/ engaging Toy for changes.  Especially good for when you are learning how to put on a prefold or a snapping diaper.

Mobile above changing table when the baby is younger and can’t reach it. It will keep their eyes engaged while you do your thing.

You can find many of these items at my affiliate, Kelly’s Closet, including the Bummis Bioliners, Planet Wise and Wahmies Wet bags, diaper sprayers, snappis, and Rockin’ Green.  Shopping my link supports DDL!  Need a coupon code?  Find them here! Happy Shopping!

What are your must have items to make cloth diapering easier?

A fellow blogger (Pamela from Daytontime) emailed me a link to a blog post announcing a new campaign from Huggies that utilizes “mom bloggers” as brand ambassadors for a new diaper drive.  The Drive is called “Every Little Bottom” and aims to donate 20 million diapers to diaper banks over the next 8 months.

Yes, you read that right, 20 million. And the sad fact is: that is a drop in the bucket of the worldwide consumption of disposables.

But I am not writing about the diaper drive.  There are families who truly need diapers, and food, and other things that these big companies can provide.  Do I wish these families were using cloth diapers?  Absolutely.  Is it possible for them all?  Not really. Without access to laundry facilities it is difficult to use cloth diapers.

This is what Elita of Blacktating commented on that post:

I just don’t see any way around using disposables for low income moms. Instead of pointing the fingers at poor women who don’t have many options, why don’t we ask why parents of means aren’t using them?

The first part of the comment I slightly disagree with.  Even some low income families have washers and dryers.  Many do not.  And coin laundry can become costly, transportation to the facilities hard to come by, etc.  I get it.  I want to cloth diaper the world but I have to be realistic. And the blanket statement that cloth diapers save money so we should provide those, which will last for one or more children, doesn’t always apply.  In theory cloth diapers are the best option because they last, they work for many sizes in most cases, and the families would never need to buy diapers again.  But without access to proper facilities to wash them how useful are they? Not everyone wants to hand wash diapers (I personally do not, thank goodness for my own washer) or has the time.

The second part of her comment did resonate with me.  Even though cloth diapers are the economical choice, there is no reason the upper and middle class shouldn’t or couldn’t use them.  Just because a family has “disposable income” that doesn’t mean they should literally be buying diapers that are meant to be disposed of. Families with means have access to any cloth diaper they want and washers/ dryers.  Some even have enough to hire someone to wash their diapers for them!  Why wouldn’t you use cloth diapers if you didn’t even need to wash them yourself?

Shouln’t we be focusing more on converting those who can afford either option more than pushing cloth diapers on families who hardly have the means to wash them?

Once again, before you think I am pro disposables, I am speaking of families in the modern world who just don’t have the time to hand wash diapers, or transport their own laundry and cloth diapers to a laundromat.  I still hate the thought of all of these diapers going to a landfill, but if more families who could buy a stash without blinking did so, that is better than nothing.  I know many in the cloth community see things in black and white.  There is a grey area too that should be acknowledged.

This is why I hope Operation Fluffy succeeds.  Widespread media attention is needed to make cloth diapers visible.  The Green movement is being followed by plenty of upper and middle class families.  They pay extra for organic food, natural cleaners, sustainable clothing, hybrid cars, and solar panels for their homes.  But somehow they still use disposables!  They just don’t know there are modern cloth diapers!

And for families in need who do have laundry access, cloth diapers should be the answer. This is why The Cloth Diaper Foundation helps families get started who cannot afford to buy their own cloth diapers.  There is no easy answer to the diaper dilemma faced by needy families, but both ends are trying to meet the need.

Image Credit: Jonathan Harford via Flickr

I never in my wildest dreams expected that washing my diapers (and keeping them smell free) would be the biggest challenge for me out of everything that could be difficult.

Worrying with poop, no biggie, I have a sprayer.

Finding a diaper that works?  Turns out my son fits almost every diaper very well.

Leaks?  Nope, hardly ever.

Image: Flickr NaturesDawn

Smells…… well……… that is something that I have been battling.

I bet when most people start thinking of using cloth they are most concerned with what diapers will work best for their family, if they will have time to wash the diapers, and what will they do with the poop?  I didn’t even realize there was a special wash routine until it came time to prep my diapers.  Then I saw the vast amount of literature on washing routines.  It seemed like every person did it differently.  I was overwhelmed.

What detergent was I going to choose?

I did a lot of research and decided to use Tide Original Powder.

I had a lot of leaks in the early days and stripped at least once a month thanks to repelling issues.  However, my diapers never had a smell.  They smelled clean and fresh out of the washer.  It took 6 months before I started detecting an odor.

Crap.  I had read that sometimes microfiber takes time to begin smelling, then the battle begins.

I stripped.  I used vinegar.  I used bleach.  And then I tried other detergents.

I tried Tiny Bubbles, Crunchy Clean, soap nuts, and finally- Rockin’ Green.

All of those eliminated my need for stripping since they left no residue, but the smell continued.

In fact, I began having an intense ammonia odor.  If you don’t already know, diapers can build up ammonia salts from the urine.  Excessive buildup leads to strong odors and even burns.  My son was being burnt by our overnight diapers!

I cried the first time this happened.  I wiped him and his legs shook from the pain.  And when it came time for a bath, he stood up the entire time because it hurt for water to touch his bottom.

I honestly felt like the worst mother in the world.  We began using disposables at night and after stripping the burns stopped so we switched back.

Recently the burns came back.  I stopped cloth at night until I could kill the ammonia again.  (And let me tell you, if it comes to burning my son or using a disposable, I will use a disposable until the problem is fixed. Though rest assured, no Pampers have entered my home, just Earth’s Best)  I have tried desperately to sun my diapers but the damn sun won’t shine!  Hello Summer?  Where are you?

I finally got 2 loads out in the sun this weel and tried my Gro Via AIO first.  I smelled no ammonia!

So happily, I can say the sun really does help with ammonia and odors.  But I don’t have sun very often so I foresee many problems to come with ammonia.

I am going to switch to Rockin’ Green Hard Rock after I finish off my Classic Rock and see what happens.

The fact is, even an experienced cloth diapering parent can have issues.  I hope by disclosing my own battles and the fact that I have kept fighting them (and had to resort to disposables) will help others.  I only wish I had an answer that would fix everyone’s washing problems!

I have been thinking about cloth diaper leaks lately.  I always get asked when one size diapers fit, and my answer from personal experience and the testimonies of other moms is “11-14 pounds”  Why?  Because they leak before then.  For a while, I didn’t even know my diapers were leaking.  I asked my pediatrician why my son was so sweaty!  I thought his back was soaked with sweat, not pee.

The error was my fault and the diapers.  The diapers weren’t tight enough around him, and his penis wasn’t pointed down.  My bad!

That is the kicker, most new to cloth parents experience lots of pee  leaks.  Up the back, out through the legs, and up the front of the diaper. “Why are my diapers leaking so bad?!?!” If it continues to happen, it might make them stop altogether and go with the virtually leak proof disposables.

Since I have been leak free for a loooooong time, I wanted to look back at some of problems I have faced.  Maybe I can help someone who is troubleshooting their own leak problems.

All leaks can be caused by repelling, not enough absorbency, or inserts/ diapers that have not been fully prepped.  If the diaper is saturated, you need more absorbency.  If the diaper is saturated and it is relatively new, make sure you wash it a few more times before you write it off.

Scenario: My diapers are leaking out of the back.

Possible Reasons: If you have a boy, make sure his penis is pointing down!  If not, he is peeing up and it is running to the side and pooling at his back.  Babies at this stage are laying on their backs the majority of the time.  They are sleeping a lot!  With babies laying down so much, leaks are more prone to happen.  Once they begin sitting up, the pee will have more time to absorb before getting the chance to escape.

It could also be that your diapers are repelling.  This happens to diapers with synthetic liners like suedecloth or microfleece.  Your detergent is probably the culprit.  Even if you have a “cloth diaper safe” detergent, it is still possible.  Your water type (hard water/ soft water) reacts differently to different detergents.  Your friend in Texas loves ______ detergent and it works great.  You live in New Jersey.  Your water is totally different.  Texas water has a high mineral content and is very hard where I stayed.  This is when you need to experiment.  So far, I have had the most success with detergents made FOR cloth diapers.  Tiny Bubbles, Crunchy Clean, Rockin’ Green (coming out with a hard water formula soon!), and even soap nuts have all worked for me.  To fix the repelling, you need to strip your diapers with Dawn Original Blue dish detergent (I use one full tablespoon) and bleach (I only use half a cup).  Wash on HOT, rinse, wash on HOT (then check for bubbles.  If you have bubbles, you need to rinse and wash on HOT again, and again, until the bubbles are gone!)

Opinions differ on whether or not the eye dropper test works for testing repelling on diapers.  I personally believe it does if you do it correctly.  Take a bulb syringe or eye dropper full of water and add drops to your diaper.  If they roll around forever and never soak in, you need to strip your diapers.  If they roll around briefly, then soak, you are fine, that is normal.  If they soak right in you are even better!

Other reason: If you are using a pocket diaper, check the back flap.  If you did not follow the instructions properly it could be user error.  Some flaps roll out, like Happy Heineys.  Some tuck in, like Tiny Tush, and some are just a slit.  If it isn’t used properly, your diaper could leak.

Scenario: The legs around your baby’s onesies are wet with pee.

Possible reasons: The most probable reason for this is simple: the thighs are too big for your baby at this time, and pee is leaking through them.  I had this problem with Happy Heineys the most, whose leg holes are larger than most one size diapers.  I waited about 2 months, tried them again, and they worked well.  You can try affixing the velcro tabs pointing downward, which might take up some slack in t he legs.  If you still get leaks, sit the diaper aside for a few weeks.  I promise, your baby is going to grow into them!

Another reason could be that the onesie has crept up into the diaper, getting wet in the process.  Not the diaper’s fault, just something that happens sometimes!

Scenario: My baby is waking up to a wet tummy.

Possible reasons:  If you have a boy, check the pee pee!  Tummy sleeping, especially through the night, is challenging.  You will need to stuff your diaper differently than a regular day time diaper.  You not only need to add more to soak up a full night’s full of urine, you will need to stuff the diaper up front more.  Even girls might need some more stuffing up front since the pee could travel up a bit before settling in the inserts.  This is the case with lined diapers.  Fitteds and prefolds aren’t as nit picky about that sort of thing.

Other reason: You could have repelling.

Scenario: My baby wakes up with the sides of their clothing wet.

Possible reasons: This one is probably repelling or, if you have a boy, it could be that wee wee problem again!

Other reason: User error.  If you are using a pocket, check to make sure the insert is laying flat.

Scenario: My baby’s diaper leaked straight through!

Reason:  It probably needs a cover.  Some diapers look like they don’t need covers, like Goodmamas, but they do!  Either you weren’t aware and made an honest mistake, or your husband was in control and didn’t realize they needed a cover.  Guess what, my husband has done this before.  It happens.

Once babies become more mobile and are crawling/ walking, and even just sitting, leaks are going to slow down or stop.  By now, if you started using cloth diapers at birth, you know what you are doing.  Your washing routine has been figured out for the most part, you know how to put that diaper on, and the baby is upright, which give the pee more time to settle into the inserts.

Time is your best friend with cloth diapering.  The more you do it, the easier it gets!

I was asked to review Crunchy Clean detergent for cloth diapers.  I have heard of Crunchy Clean, they are a leading brand recognized by many as a very cloth safe detergent.

From the website:

This cloth diaper detergent special blend of naturally occurring minerals, detergents, oxygen releasing agents that have proven to clean diapers in a safe way that does not harm your precious baby or your diapers. It does work to kill bacteria, and works great in any temperature wash and any type of machine. You can use it to soak your diapers to kill germs or get rid of stains as well as wash your diapers regularly.

No optical brighteners, fillers, dyes, or enzymes.
Great for military use!
Clean rinsing – an extra rinse isn’t necessary!
No soap to build up in your diapers.
HE compatible.
Great for all of your family’s clothing and diapers.

When I opened the package my first thought was how adorable the packaging was. Their logo of a sketched front loader washer is oh so cute. The bags are brown with the logo and are resealable. Since powder detergents tend to get clumpy, especially in my damp basement, this was perfect.

I set about washing my diapers as soon as I could to begin trying it out. I started out using Cherry Almond. After opening the bag I was greeted with a delicious sweet scent. That made me even more excited to try it. I have used a few other cloth diaper detergents which have worked great, and like one I have tried, Rockin’ Green, it smelled so awesome!
The two small bags I received also came with a wooden scoop. I used 2 scoops for my diapers, not heaping, level to the slant of the scoop. I do relatively an average size load of diapers, about 10-12.

When I took the diapers out of the washer they smelled nice and clean. My diapers didn’t smell like cherry almond much but clean is what matters. Other scented detergents never left my diapers smelling the same scent either, after rinsing and drying it just hasn’t happened. Keep in mind that this detergent is cloth diaper safe for a reason.

I used Crunchy Clean exclusively for about a month on my diapers. I also used it to wash my sheets because it smelled so great. Cherry Almond was my favorite scent. The other scent I had the opportunity to try was Lavender Vanilla. It smelled very strong out of the bag but again, after rinsing and drying there wasn’t a scent left on the diapers, they were just clean smelling. I never had any issues with repelling, which is awesome. It is always scary trying a new detergent when you have a routine that works for you. The first load you are waiting for a disaster, for wet sheets, for anything. None of those things happened.

I have been battling ammonia smell (the buildup of ammonia salts in the inserts from urine) in my microfiber for a long time. It has been worse than right now and it has been better. Unfortunately the only solution that has worked (and for a limited time) has been bleaching. It isn’t recommended for every wash, maybe once a month. I don’t even do it that much. Crunchy Clean didn’t cure my microfiber stink but no detergent has so far. I wasn’t expecting it too. Ammonia is a complex issue, probably the most complicated problem with cloth diapering.

As for the packaging, the re-sealable bag worked great.  My basement is very very damp.  While the powder seems to thicken up just a tad, it didn’t get super clumpy or hard like my boxes of detergent do.  I also am at fault for leaving it unsealed a couple of times!

The biggest benefit of using Crunchy Clean is that it is made with cloth diapers in mind. There should be no residue. Now that modern cloth diapers have modern materials like PUL, elastic, velcro, and man made fabrics, it is no longer acceptable to use a wet pail filled with bleach. That worked for flats and prefolds, but will ruin your PUL and elastic. We need modern cloth diaper detergent as well!  Crunchy Clean has even come out with a Hard Water Detergent.  She also has sprinkles for your stinky diaper pail (which are awesome, I was sent some to try as well) and linen spray.  Mmm… lovely!

You can also save 15% on your entire order at CrunchyClean.com with the coupon code DirtyDiaperLaundry. Pretty cool!

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I was not paid to perform this review however the samples sent to me were free of charge.