There is no magical solution that you should need and no crazy tricks. Simply find a good detergent that works well for you and wash your diapers regularly. If you notice they smell dirty, mildew-y or strong with ammonia then it is time to find a new detergent because your current selection is either causing buildup or is not getting the diapers clean. If the detergent is causing red or rash, discontinue use immediately and try a more mild detergent. Babies with severely sensitive skin do well with well with fragrance and dye free detergents. It is important that your cloth diaper detergent does not have any fabric softeners in it and is not a "free & clear" version. "Free & Clear" detergents will cause leaks, buildup and the famous ammonia stink which can lead to an ammonia burn on the baby's skin.
5. When line drying, diapers should be in indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight may be too hot and can melt the elastic.
Please do not use the sanitize cycle on your Rumparooz pocket diapers. You may use that cycle on your inserts. The high temperature is not good for the laminate or elastic and can melt the laminate bond to the fabric and cause the elastic to lose its elasticity. Rumparooz use a TPU process for their PUL which is a heat bonding method and NOT a chemical solvent process. The TPU process is earth friendly! The only portion of the diaper that can withstand the heat of the sanitize cycle would be the inserts. If you are having residue or stink issues and feel that the sanitize cycle is in order, please ONLY sanitize your inserts. That is also most likely where the issue is held. Washing your pockets on the sanitize cycle will void the warranty.
You do not need to to do anything. Breastmilk poo is 100% organic and will dissolve in the wash.
Simply "plop" that poo into the toilet and flush! Solid and thicker poo will not cling to the fleece - a little residue is fine. Poo of a runnier consistence is a great candidate for a diaper sprayer.
*Did you know that even disposable diaper companies post to their packaging that all solids should be disposed of in the toilet before tossing the diaper?
Rarely will you have to use a diaper rash cream while using cloth diapers. If you have a consistent rash problem, this may be a detergent irritation issue and you should switch your diaper laundry detergent. Other times the rash may be a yeast infection and you should contact your family physician. On the occasion that you need to use a medically prescribed cream or an over the counter ointment, we recommend to ALWAYS use a liner. Place the liner between the cream on your baby's behind and the microchamois inner of the Rumparooz. Our first recommendation would be a washable liner made of microchamois so that the diaper retains the stay dry quality the microchamois provides. There are also disposable liners available on the market, however we find these liners will crinkle and crunch and can be far less soothing on an irritated behind. Even is a cream boasts "Cloth Diaper Safe" - it is our advice to still use a liner.
TO REMOVE STAINS, LAY IN INDIRECT SUNLIGHT WHEN WET!
With proper care, your Rumparooz pockets should not stain. If you notice they have a grey/dingy look, please change your detergent as that is not normal. Newborn poop will have a tendency to discolor diapers and inserts more then an older baby but the discoloration will fade with time. Sunning is the best way to get your diaper back to white! Plus, you do not have to have direct sun light. Even on a cold day you can lay your diapers in a window and achieve the same whitening results. When sunning your diapers, take care not to lay them out in too hot of temperatures or in direct scorching sun as this can melt the elastic.
WE DO NOT RECOMMEND SOAKING YOUR DIAPERS. Soaking your diapers in caustic detergent eats away at the waterproof laminate, elastics and natural fibers such as cotton, hemp and bamboo.
Diapers should be stored in a dry pail. Extensive soaking isn't necessary for your pockets and will void the warranty. You may soak your inserts as needed.
The following information is a friendly recommendation about what we find works well. Through heavy testing, observation and reporting we are able to offer knowledgeable guidance on how to extend the life of your diapers. These recommendations do not require that you wash Rumparooz brand diapers separately from your other diaper laundry as all diaper laundry is best washed together. If you have a detergent that works well for you, please continue to use. If at any time you notice the following, please discontinue use immediately and switch to one of our recommended detergents: leaks, stains, dirty smell, ammonia, gray tint, dingy, redness, rash, burning, waterproof laminate separating from fabric of pocket diaper, elastic losing elasticity.
• We have recently removed Seventh Generation detergents due to high levels of Borax in their newer formula. Please discontinue use of this detergent so that your elastic is not a risk for damage.
Kanga Care & Rumparooz are in no way affiliated with the makers of any of our recommended brands of detergents and receive no compensation. These are simply our recommendations we have found through both personal trial and error and through continued customer feedback over the past 4 years.
We highly recommend the use of detergents that contain enzymes.
YES. Enzymes are proteins, therefor, they are completely biodegradable. They are non-toxic to plants and animals in the environment. They are harmless if accidentally ingested by a child.
Why are enzymes important in a laundry detergent?
The enzymes used in laundry detergents act on materials that make up a variety of stains and soils so that these materials can be washed away more easily. These enzymes are named after the materials they can act upon, for example, proteases break down protein based stains, lipolases break down lipid (fat) based stains and amylases break down starches and other carbohydrate based stains (amyl is Greek for starch). Since one enzyme molecule can act on many substrate (i.e., soil) molecules, a small amount of enzyme added to a laundry detergent can provide a big cleaning benefit to the consumes.
• "Free & Clear" formulas - these versions of detergents should be avoided completely. In cloth diapers they cause ammonia and build up which can lead to ammonia burns, rash and leaking.
• Fabric Softener - this ingredient should be avoided completely. Ingredient may coat fabric leaving it unable to absorb.
**In un-balanced quantities, these products can prematurely break down the TPU (waterproof material) and elastic; making the material dry, brittle and susceptible to cracking.
• We do not recommend the use of bleach. If you feel the need for bleach, please only use it on your inserts and run multiple rinse to be sure the bleach is rinsed clean.
You may choose which ever detergent you like. We simply offer suggestions. However, many homemade laundry detergents are not recommended for diapers, because the formula is uncontrolled, unregulated and is not PH balanced. These laundry boosters do not contain enzymes which are essential to getting your diapers clean. Many also contain synthetic fragrance oils which in the incorrect amount can burn the skin. Most of the homemade detergents include a mixture of borax and oxyclean which will shorten the life of the TPU and elastic materials in modern style cloth diapers when used in the wrong proportions.