Wash & Care Q&A

You've got questions and we've got answers!

Q: How do you clean the poopy diapers? Do I have to "swish" them in the toilet? - Nikki from Georgia, USA

A: This is an easy one- breastfed babies poop can go straight into the washer- I know, I know- sounds gross and you doubt it will ever come clean, but it will and it does! Once your baby starts eating solids the poop will become more solid. Just shake out the diaper into the toilet & you're good to go. If you have sticky situation, my recommendation is a diaper sprayer. Just hold the diaper over the toilet and spray off the soiled areas. Be sure to purchase a diaper sprayer with a shut off valve to avoid leaks. We have had our diaper sprayer for over a year now, we've never had a problem and it's truly been a life & time saver.

*Veteran Mommy Tip: If you use pocket diapers, take the insert out before using the sprayer. This makes spraying your diapers even faster and less messy.

Q: What is stripping diapers?- Alice from Oregon, USA.

A: Basically- stripping diapers is a special washing method to rid your diapers of build-up that can cause odors, leaking, and wicking. Stripping diapers can be done several different ways. Each diaper manufacturer has a specified way they recommend. ALWAYS check with your diaper company to see what they recommend before trying a stripping method. Most diaper companies are more than willing to help answer any questions.

Q: How can cloth diapering be environmentally friendly or save you money when you are using so much water to clean the diapers? - Nadia from Ontario, Canada

A: Every diapering method takes a toll on the environment. Disposable diapers take a much larger toll. Disposable diapers can take 500 years to breakdown. Disposable diapers go to landfills, where fecal matter -poop- has the potential to leak into our ground water, spreading bacterias and viruses. Disposable diapers are also loaded with chemicals that are bad for your baby and the environment. When a cloth diaper is washed, the poop is dumped in the potty and then the diaper is washed- all of that water goes to a sewer system where it is treated. Also keep in mind that washing your cloth diapers is done on a small cycle setting. Washing an entire week's worth of diapers is equivalent to washing 1-2 regular loads of laundry. The small increase in water expenses for one year is minimal compared to the cost of disposable diapers for one year.

*Veteran Mommy Tip: Be even more eco-friendly by using cloth wipes or flushable wipes. Disposable wipes cause the same ground water contamination that a disposable diaper does. Using cloth wipes can also save you approximately $75 each year.

Do you have a cloth diapering question? Let GiveThemRoots hear it, comment or email us for an answer on our site during cloth diaper week! givethemroots AT gmail DOT com