How to Wash Cloth Diapers: A Simple, Stress-Free Routine

If there’s one part of cloth diapering that feels the most intimidating at first, it’s usually the laundry.

How often do you wash?
What detergent should you use?
What if you do it wrong?

The good news: washing cloth diapers is much simpler than it seems.

Once you have a routine in place, it becomes just another part of your normal laundry rhythm.

This post is part of our Cloth Diapering for Beginners series, and we’re going to walk you through a clear, realistic wash routine that actually works.

The Basic Cloth Diaper Wash Routine

At its core, washing cloth diapers comes down to two main steps:

  1. Pre-wash (short cycle)

  2. Main wash (long, heavy-duty cycle)

That’s it.

Step 1: Pre-Wash (First Wash Cycle)

The pre-wash is a shorter cycle that removes most of the waste and prepares the diapers for a deeper clean.

What to do:

  • Run a short wash cycle (quick wash or normal)

  • Use warm water

  • Add a small amount of detergent

  • Include all used diapers

This step removes the bulk of soil so your main wash can fully clean the fabric.

Step 2: Main Wash (Deep Clean)

The main wash is where the diapers get fully cleaned.

What to do:

  • Run a heavy-duty or normal long cycle

  • Use hot water

  • Add the full recommended amount of detergent

  • Make sure the load is properly sized (not too small or too large)

This cycle should thoroughly clean and rinse the diapers.

How Often Should You Wash Cloth Diapers?

Most families wash every 2–3 days.

Washing too infrequently can lead to:

  • Odor buildup

  • Staining

  • Harder-to-clean diapers

A consistent routine keeps everything working well.

What Do You Do Before Washing?

Before diapers go into the wash:

  • Remove inserts (for pocket diapers)

  • Shake or rinse off solid waste (once baby is eating solids)

  • Store diapers in a dry pail or wet bag

You do not need to soak diapers or keep them in water.

What Detergent Should You Use?

A good detergent is key to clean diapers.

Look for:

  • A strong, mainstream detergent

  • No need for “cloth diaper specific” detergents

  • Enough cleaning power to remove waste

Avoid:

  • Detergents with heavy fabric softeners

  • Residue-building additives

The most important thing is using enough detergent, not too little.

Water Temperature Matters

  • Warm water works well for the pre-wash

  • Hot water is best for the main wash

Hot water helps break down oils and thoroughly clean the fabric.

Drying Cloth Diapers

You have two main options:

Machine Drying

  • Convenient

  • Works well for most diapers

  • Use medium heat

Air Drying

  • Helps extend diaper lifespan

  • Sunlight can help reduce stains

  • Takes longer

Many families use a combination of both.

Common Cloth Diaper Washing Mistakes

Avoiding a few key mistakes can make a big difference.

Using too little detergent

This is one of the most common issues. Diapers need enough detergent to get fully clean.

Washing too many or too few diapers

Loads should be properly sized to allow agitation and cleaning.

Waiting too long between washes

This can lead to buildup and odors.

Overcomplicating the routine

Simple routines are usually the most effective.

Quick Summary: Cloth Diaper Wash Routine

  • Pre-wash (short cycle, warm water, small detergent)

  • Main wash (long cycle, hot water, full detergent)

  • Wash every 2–3 days

  • Use a strong detergent

  • Keep it simple and consistent

Frequently Asked Questions About Washing Cloth Diapers

Do cloth diapers need special detergent?

No. Most families use regular, mainstream detergent with good cleaning power.

Do you need to rinse diapers before washing?

Only solid waste needs to be removed once baby starts eating solids.

Can you wash cloth diapers with other laundry?

Yes, during the main wash, as long as the load size is appropriate.

Do cloth diapers smell?

When washed properly, cloth diapers should smell clean.

Is cloth diaper laundry difficult?

No. Once you have a routine, it becomes just another part of regular laundry.

 

Want to Go Deeper? The Science Behind Clean Cloth Diapers

If you’re someone who likes to understand why a wash routine works—or you’re trying to fine-tune your process—this section breaks down the details behind getting truly clean diapers.

Washer Type: Top Loader vs. Front Loader

Both types of machines can clean cloth diapers effectively, but they work differently.

Top-loading washers (with agitators):

  • Use a central agitator to move diapers through water

  • Typically provide stronger mechanical agitation

  • Often clean heavily soiled items more easily

Top-loading washers (without agitators / impellers):

  • Rely on water movement and drum motion

  • Require proper load size for effective cleaning

Front-loading washers:

  • Use tumbling action instead of an agitator

  • More water-efficient

  • Require careful load sizing to ensure enough friction between items

Key takeaway:
Cloth diapers get clean from a combination of water, detergent, and agitation (friction). No matter your machine, proper load size is critical.

Load Size & Water Level: Why It Matters

Diapers need enough room to move—but also enough contact with each other to create friction.

  • Too few items → not enough agitation

  • Too many items → not enough movement

A properly loaded washer should look:

  • Loosely full when dry

  • About 2/3–3/4 full when wet

For HE machines, you may need to:

  • Add small items (like baby clothes or cloth wipes)

  • Use settings that increase water levels if available

Water Temperature: Hot vs. Cold

  • Hot water helps break down oils, waste, and buildup

  • Warm water works well for pre-washes

  • Cold-only machines can still work, but may require:

    • Stronger detergent

    • Longer cycles

    • Extra attention to load size and agitation

If your machine only washes in cold water, consistency and detergent choice become even more important.

Water Hardness: Does It Affect Cleaning?

Yes—water hardness can significantly impact your wash routine.

  • Hard water contains minerals that can bind to detergent and reduce cleaning power

  • Soft water can lead to excess suds if too much detergent is used

If you have hard water:

  • You may need slightly more detergent

  • Build-up can occur over time if not properly managed

If you have soft water:

  • You may need less detergent

  • Extra rinsing may be helpful

Detergent: What Actually Matters?

The most important factor is cleaning power, not branding.

A good detergent should:

  • Contain surfactants to lift and remove soil

  • Be used in the correct amount

  • Rinse cleanly

Powder vs. Liquid

  • Powder detergent:

    • Often contains water softeners

    • Can be helpful in hard water

  • Liquid detergent:

    • Dissolves easily

    • Convenient and widely available

Both can work well. The key is using enough for your load and water conditions.

What About Fragrances, Dyes & Optical Brighteners?

Many modern detergents contain:

  • Fragrance

  • Dyes

  • Optical brighteners (to make fabrics appear whiter)

In general:

  • These do not prevent diapers from getting clean

  • They typically rinse out when proper wash routines are followed

However:

  • Babies with very sensitive skin may react to certain additives

  • If irritation occurs, switching detergents may help

Can You Use Bleach, Vinegar, or Additives?

Bleach

  • Can be used occasionally for sanitizing

  • Helpful for resetting diapers if buildup occurs

  • Should not be overused

Vinegar

  • Not recommended for regular use

  • Can damage elastics and waterproof layers over time

Washing soda / boosters

  • Can help in hard water situations

  • Should be used carefully and only when needed

Can You Use Homemade or Cloth Diaper Specific Detergent?

Homemade detergents and most detergents marketed for cloth diapers are generally not recommended.

They often:

  • Lack sufficient cleaning power

  • Leave residue behind

  • Lead to buildup and odor issues over time

For best results, use a tested, commercially formulated detergent.

Do Stains Mean Diapers Are Dirty?

Not necessarily.

  • Stains are often cosmetic

  • A clean diaper can still have staining

  • Sunlight can naturally reduce stains over time

Clean diapers should:

  • Smell neutral or fresh

  • Feel free of residue

Final Thought: Keep It Simple First

It’s easy to feel like you need a perfect routine right away.

You don’t.

Start with a simple routine. If issues come up, you can adjust based on what you’re seeing.

Most families find that consistency matters far more than perfection.

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