Chinese Prefolds

Washing your prefolds

When you receive your prefolds, they will look like fine linen. You will need to wash and dry them 2-3 times or so in hot water to "fluff up the fibers" and make them absorbent and quilted.

There is no need to soak diapers as they come clean in the wash, so I will only be addressing the dry pail method.

DRY PAIL METHOD (NO SOAKING)

My own personal method:

My husband requested that we not have an ugly white plastic pail, so we went to Target and got a stainless steel flip top trashcan. We also then went to Walmart and got 2 Coleman large waterproof canvas bags (from the camping section) for around $5 each.

When I change a diaper, I shake or knock off the poopy into the toilet. I then take the inserts out of the covers and drop them both into the can. If the baby is still breastfed, I just simply drop the liners and covers into the can. When it is time to wash, usually every 2 to 3 days, I pull the canvas bag out of the can and push the diapers out of the bag by turning it inside out. I then wash the bag with the diapers. I don't even have to touch the diapers! =o)

The first wash is cold (so the stains will not set) with half the normal amount of laundry detergent.
The second wash is on hot with half cup baking soda and a half cup of vinegar in the rinse.
Dry on Medium high, high or line dry. It's your preference.
Be sure to air dry the bag so you don't ruin the waterproofing liner.

Why Cotton ?

For your baby ...

Cotton diapers are so soft and comfy. And cotton diapers are healthy for babies! Not only is cotton breathable, but there is no super absorbent gel and no vinyl or plastic layer. We change our cotton-bottomed babies more often – because we know when they are wet. That’s healthier! No heat build up and no questionable chemicals against our baby’s skin.

For you ...

Not only are they less expensive than disposables - but cotton diapers are easy to wash. No need to rinse poopy diapers in the toilet! Flushable liners have put an end to all that. No need to rinse. And you don’t need pins! Snaps and Velcro-type closures have eliminated the need for pinning. Tuck your diaper into a waterproof diaper cover, and fasten snugly. The Velcro-type closures will hold the diaper in place securely. Soft bindings around legs and tummy keep everything in, but won’t ever hurt your baby’s tender skin.

For the planet ...

Healthier for babies - but child’s play to use! Opting for a re-usable diapering system is an environmentally friendly choice you can live with - and enjoy. We promise. Guilt free but so easy ... Have you heard that single-use diapers are not really any more polluting than re-usable cloth diapers? Please take another look at it! The issue is more complex than some would have you believe.

Don’t use bleach or whitening agents. They will breakdown the fibers of fabrics and destroy your diaper covers. Not to mention that they are very harsh on your baby’s skin and the environment. . .
Don’t use fabric softeners. They will leave a waxy residue on your diapers and covers and lead to leaking. Even using dry sheets in the regular laundry can leave a residue in the dryer, which can effect your diapering.
Don’t use any natural cleaning products that contain oils or softeners which may coat the fibers of your diapers or covers. People have reported problems with the following cleaning agents:
- All Free and Clear (and other Free and Clear detergents)
- Dr. Bronner’s Soap
- Some versions of Bio-Kleen
- 7Th Generation
- Dreft
- Ivory Snow
- Most "pure soap" products
Products that have been damaged by natural cleaning products can sometimes be saved! Repeat the following process twice: Run your covers and diapers through a wash with only hot water (if allowed by manufacturer’s washing instructions). Run a second wash using 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup vinegar in the wash - and 1/2 cup vinegar again in first rinse cycle. Run a second rinse cycle with plain water.
Don’t use laundry detergents that contain perfumes, dyes, chlorine bleaching agents or any stain guard ingredients.
Don’t use too much detergent in your wash as this can lead to stinky ineffective diapers and covers and skin irritations. A little goes a long way!

Do be careful when using diaper rash ointments, especially those containing fish oils. These can stain your diapers and covers, make them smelly and ruin their performance. Use all ointments sparingly. Flushable liners act as a good barrier for creams.
Do use the highest water levels in your washing machine to ensure complete rinsing of diapers and covers. Any detergent residue will affect the performance of diaper products!
Do unfold your diapers before soaking or washing to allow complete cleaning.
Do add occasionally a 1/2 cup of vinegar to the first rinse cycle in order to remove any residual detergent. This deodorizes, sanitizes and brightens. Don’t overuse or use in final rinse, as this will have the opposite effect! Your diapers may become smelly. Don’t use vinegar on diaper covers, only on diapers.
Do use an extra spin cycle after washing. This will reduce drying time up to 25%!
Do throw a dry towel in the dryer with your diapers. This will reduce drying time as well!

Make sure that your covers fit snugly and that you are using the correct size of diaper and cover for your baby.

Smell your diapers and covers after they are washed! If they smell stinky or like detergent - wash them again with less detergent and more water.

You will only need one dozen Prefolds for Bummis Covers or Fuzzi Bunz to get you through two to three days, but I recommend getting two dozen and rotate using them so you are not washing one dozen quite so frequently. They will last a lot longer that way.

Fuzzi Bunz Size	Prefold Size	Thickness	Stitching Color	Before Washing	After Washing
Small & Medium	Infant	4x8x4	Dark Green	12x16	10.5x15
Large & P Toddler	Premium	4x8x4	Blue	14.5x22	13x18.5

Note: You will be able to add the quantity you desire on the shopping cart screen.