So...I've cloth diapered 3 kids part time. I tend to go back and forth between cloth and disposables. The main reason? I've lived in apartments the last 8.5 years and NONE have had a washer and dryer. Now I have my 16 month old in cloth and we're planning on completely cloth diapering both him and the new baby when she arrives.
Continue reading...
Laundering should be easy. But with a laundromat involved, its really not so easy. Most cloth diaperers soak their diapers in the washer, do a pre-rinse, wash them, rinse them again, etc. They can do whatever combo works to get their diapers clean. With a laundromat I have to wash them on one temp and my only option is an extra rinse.
I think any cloth diapering parents who have to use a laundromat have to really figure out what works for them through trial and error. I've had two different laundry rooms and I've also used the public laundromat (when our old laundry room burned down...lol). Every washer and dryer is different. Some just plain don't work well. I'm lucky in that our front loading machines here actually do a good job generally. If they didn't, I'd use the public laundromat-they work quite well but cost a bit more.
Anyway, so what do I do? It depends on the diaper. I have Flips with their stay dry inserts. 3 thick layers of microfiber. I've already discovered that if I don't do a thorough rinse of them before washing, they won't get clean in one wash. So, I have to rinse them till the water runs clean BEFORE I take them to the wash. Its really not so bad-just have a pair of rubber gloves around. However, thinner diapers can go straight in and come out clean. I always wash on hot, even though it sets stains, and I do an extra rinse about half of the time.
One thing I'd suggest to anyone who uses a laundromat is to really think carefully before buying. Yes, those thick diapers might be great and absorbent but is it really worth it when it takes 3 washes to get them clean and then after 2 dryer cycles, they're STILL damp?!? I'd strongly suggest anyone in this situation look into simple diapers like prefolds and flats. Flats are awesome for laundromats! Prefolds still work well as well. Something thick like Kissaluvs don't (and I LOVE them, don't get me wrong!!). Pocket diapers are great as well-especially if the inserts aren't super thick. Remember, you can always double or even triple up inserts. I can't wait to make some thinner ones. In this case, thinner is definitely better, both for cleaning purposes and for dry time.
Regardless, if you chose a sensible system, you'll still save a ton over disposables. Remember, even people with washers and dryers still spend money washing :)
