My first recomendation, especially for those overwhelming first few weeks with a new baby, would be to just stick with whatever you're using now. The vast majority of cloth users do just fine with their regular detergents, there's usually no need for anything different or special. Just stay away from chlorine bleach and fabric softener. Bleach isn't necessary, will weaken fabrics and is irritating to skin. Fabric softener can build-up over time and cause absorbancy issues.
The only thing you should do differently is to use less detergent when washing diapers. Seems counterintuitive but totally true. You don't need nearly as much as manufacturers 'recomend' and if you use too much it can build up in your diapers and cause odor problems. This is especially true of detergents with stain protectors or that claim to 'brighten' your clothing (they do both of those things by using ingredients that are purposely designed to stay in fabrics - that's how they work). Works for clothing too, it's just that you're not likely to encounter problems by using too much detergent in clothing.
If you are looking for an eco-friendly detergent, there are a couple things to look for in terms of ones that are cloth diaper friendly. In general it's best to stay away from those heavily loaded with plant based cleansers (citrus for example) or true soap. I think it would be pretty hard to find commercial detergents with real soap but it's common in homemade detergent recipes.
One recomendation I can make for something both eco-friendly and cloth diaper friendly is soap nuts. There's been lots of discussions about these, they're pretty cool. A little more trouble to use perhaps, but actually more economical than regular detergent (even considering having to order online and pay shipping costs). Lots of potential uses over and above diaper laundry as well.
If you do want to delve into various detergent choices here are a couple interesting links. Be careful though, detergent choice can sometimes be a needlessly complicated or overwhelming choice. Unless you have issues or simply love research, I'd say just stick with what you're using.
http://www.sunshinediapers.com/cloth-diaper-university/choosing-a-detergent/
http://www.pinstripesandpolkadots.com/detergentchoices.htm
Karen.
PS, why aren't my paragraph seperations showing up? Anyone else having issues?
|
