Posted by KarenC on November 04, 19103 at 16:16:17:
In Reply to: Diapers desintegrating posted by Leigh Ann on November 03, 19103 at 21:50:14:
Hmmm... I'm a little doubtful about the explanation that the people you bought these from have given you. It does make sense to a certain extent, but I doubt that it would make a huge difference. I have even heard that a wet pail can cause diapers to degrade faster... something about the water weakening fibers. Personally I think it makes more sense that amonia in urine would weaken fibers a little more but then I'm no scientist and they probably both weaken the fibers. That's why I say that I'm skeptical that either would make any real difference in the wear on your diapers.
Two things come to mind though. First I agree that they shouldn't be getting that badly worn after only 1.5 years. Do you use bleach or any kind of bleach alternative (ie OxyClean...)? If so that could definetly explain the wear. Even though products like Oxyclean are safer and better than chlorine bleach, they are still a solvant and will still cause added wear on fibers. Are you sure they are actual Chinese prefolds, as opposed to DSQ prefolds or some other kind of prefold? Not all prefolds are chinese prefolds and many are of lesser quality than actual chinese prefolds.
Other than that I don't know what to tell you. I have had diapers get that worn with time. The worst ones were flannel fitted diapers (two different brands) that got wear holes where the velcro was sewn on. It happened in about the same lenght of time you're mentioning.
I'm not sure this has helped but I don't know how else to help. I can say that most people I know use their Mother-Ease diapers for way longer than that without any signs of wear!
Karen.