Can you wash cloth diapers with the rest of the family's laundry?

When you first start using cloth diapers, the question of washing arises very quickly. Should cloth diapers be washed separately? Is it possible to mix them with the rest of the family's laundry? What about hygiene, effectiveness and the long-term durability of cloth diapers?

The answer is yes, it is possible to wash cloth diapers with the family laundry, provided you follow a precise washing routine. This routine rests on a fundamental principle: caring for cloth diapers always takes place in two stages, with a pre-wash cycle followed by a main wash.

The essential principle: washing cloth diapers in two cycles

To guarantee optimal hygiene, preserve the absorbency of the inserts and ensure the longevity of cloth diapers (often used for more than one child), it is essential to follow two distinct steps:

a pre-wash cycle, carried out with the diapers and inserts only

a main wash cycle, which can be done with the rest of the family's laundry

This method effectively eliminates urine, stools, nappy cream residue and any other impurities before proceeding to the main wash. It thus avoids washing cloth diapers in water already laden with residue, which is essential for ensuring a thorough clean and preserving the quality of the fabrics.

Step 1: pre-washing cloth diapers (essential)

Pre-washing is an integral part of the cloth diaper care routine. It must always be carried out alone, without any other laundry.

How to carry out the pre-wash correctly?

Short machine cycle

Temperature: 30°C

Detergent: one third of the usual detergent dose

Spin speed: 1,200 rpm (or a minimum of 1,000 rpm if the machine does not offer 1,200 rpm)

The spin speed plays an essential role: the mechanical action of the inserts against the drum walls effectively dislodges impurities.

The purpose of the pre-wash is clear: to rid the cloth diapers and inserts of everything that is not clean before the main wash.

Step 2: the main wash with the rest of the family's laundry

Once the pre-wash is complete, the diapers and inserts are no longer soiled. It is only at this stage that it becomes possible to wash them with the rest of the family's laundry.

Conditions for the main wash

Add the rest of the compatible family laundry

(avoid very thick or stiff items, such as jeans, which could become tangled with the diapers during the spin cycle and damage them)

Long machine wash cycle: short cycles do not allow sufficient washing time to thoroughly clean fabrics that have been in contact with urine and stools. A long cycle ensures prolonged agitation, effective mechanical action and an appropriate detergent contact time — all essential for eliminating residue, preventing odours and guaranteeing the long-term hygiene of cloth diapers.

Temperature: 40°C

Usual detergent dose

Spin speed: 1,200 rpm

Choosing a detergent: rules to follow

The detergent used must absolutely:

not contain added glycerine

not be based on Marseille soap

contain no fabric softener

It is also strongly inadvisable to wash cloth diapers and inserts with black soap, washing balls, ash or any other so-called "natural" method without a genuine cleaning agent. As cloth diapers are in constant contact with urine and stools, a thorough wash with a suitable detergent is essential.

Finally, the use of a fabric softener is strictly to be avoided, even in small quantities, as it clogs the textile fibres and greatly reduces the absorbency of the inserts.

To help families with this choice, a list of detergents compatible with cloth diapers, along with a homemade detergent recipe specially adapted for cloth diapers, is available here:

https://mamanetbebenature.fr/blog/14_Notre-recette-de-lessive-maison-pour-couches-.html

Tip for boosting washing effectiveness

To improve the cleaning action of the detergent and allow a thorough wash during the main cycle, you can add:

one teaspoon of sodium percarbonate to the detergent drawer

This addition boosts washing effectiveness without damaging the inserts when used occasionally and in moderate quantities.

Washing at 60°C: for inserts only

Washing at 60°C applies to inserts only. It must under no circumstances be applied to the waterproof part of cloth diapers, in order to avoid any damage to the membrane that ensures waterproofing.

This wash can be carried out:

approximately once a month

or occasionally in the case of a specific problem (persistent odours, an episode of illness)

It helps to reinforce hygiene and to start afresh on a clean basis.

Take care with the waterproof parts of cloth diapers

The waterproof parts of cloth diapers, generally made from PUL, must never be washed at high temperatures. Washing at 60°C or above risks peeling or damaging the waterproof membrane, which would permanently compromise the diaper's waterproofing and irreparably damage it.

It is therefore essential to keep washing at a maximum of 40°C for the waterproof parts. If using a tumble dryer, it must be used on a delicate setting, in order to preserve the integrity of the waterproof membrane.

Can cloth diapers be washed with the family laundry without risk?

Yes, provided that the pre-wash is consistently carried out separately and that the main wash adheres to the temperature rules and detergent guidelines.

When correctly applied, this care routine presents no health risk to the rest of the family's laundry.

How often should cloth diapers be washed?

It is recommended to wash cloth diapers:

every 2 to 3 days at most

with dry storage, and definitely not in water

in a well-ventilated storage container, and not an airtight one

It is also essential that inserts are rinsed in cold water after each nappy change, before being stored until washing. An insert left for several hours, or even several days, soaked in urine encourages the conversion of ammonia into acidic compounds. Over time, these substances can damage and weaken the plant-based fibres of the inserts, leading to a loss of effectiveness and premature wear.

An appropriate washing frequency, combined with systematic rinsing of inserts and dry, ventilated storage, helps to avoid odours, loss of absorbency and fabric deterioration.

In summary: the optimal washing routine for cloth diapers

Pre-wash alone at 30°C (short cycle, one third of detergent, high spin speed)

Main wash at 40°C with compatible laundry and a long cycle

Detergent free from glycerine, Marseille soap and fabric softener

Occasional wash of inserts at 60°C

Strict adherence to the two-stage washing process

Wash waterproof parts at a maximum of 40°C and tumble dry on delicate only