Before you use your new cloth diapers you will need to prep them, run them through the wash on hot with detergent. Microfiber inserts only require one wash before use, while natural fibers need to be pre washed 6-8 times before first use to break up the fibers and optimize full obsorbancy. No need to dry inbetween washes. dry on low heat or line dry and they are ready to go.

washing your coth diapers is pretty simple.

1. Remove solids from diaper, you can use a diaper sprayer or simply remove solids with a wipe. 
2. remove insert from pocket
3. diapers do not need to be washed imediately after use but it is reccomended to wash the every 1 to 2 days to prevent strong odors. 
4.  Use detergents that do not contain fabric softeners as this can cause build up and cause the diapers to repel liquid. 
5. wash diapers on warm setting not to exceed 80 degrees  ferenheight. do not bleach this can damage the waterproof lining. 
6. use extra rinse setting to if diapers are heavily soiled. 
7. dry on low heat or line dry. 
8. Line drying in the sun is the best way to get rid of stains, orors and kill bacteria.

• Do not use fabric softeners, dryer sheats and bleach
• Avoid using essential oils
• Wash every 1 to 2 days 
• Avoid high tempuratures 
• do not use diaper creams that contain petroleum/petroleum jelly, paraffin, cod liver oil and calamine

While stripping diapers is a wonderful tool to help rejuvenate diapers, it is not a gentle process. Extended soaking of diapers is hard on fabric, especially when soaking in such a caustic solution. That’s why we don’t recommend stripping diapers regularly or even frequently. Stripping is not the way you get clean diapers. You get clean diapers with a good wash routine. Stripping is an extreme process used to correct months or years of improper washing, not something you do just for fun. If your diapers are clean out of the wash, there is no need to strip.

When to strip your diapers

1. Diapers been washed repeatedly (at least a month or longer) in untreated hard water?
2. Has the item in question been repelling after use?
3. Have you been using a weak detergent or something that can coat the fabrics?              

ways to strip your diapers

  Always start with CLEAN diapers (they do not have to be dry, just clean. Out of the washer is fine.) Generally, you only need to strip absorbent inserts. stripping can damage the shell of the diapers.

1. If your diaper issues are caused by a build-up of oils, such as using the wrong kind of diaper cream, blue Dawn dish soap can be your best friend. But a word to the wise, never put dish soap in your washing machine. This can cause serious issues with your machine and can actually void your warranty — instead strip your diapers in the sink or the bathtub.
2. Use hot water: Fill your sink with hot water, then add one tablespoon of Dawn and stir it into the water. If you are using your bathtub, add a few more tablespoons of Dawn.
3. Add the diapers: Add your diapers and stir again to mix the diapers into the water.
4. Soak: Soak your diapers for at least an hour.
5. Break out the toothbrush: Scrub your diaper lining to make sure to get any leftover diaper cream off of the surface.
6. Rinse: Rinse your diapers out in the tub or the sink. Rinse them well so that all of the Dawn is out of the diapers.
7. Into the wash: Wash the diapers on hot in the washer with a little bit of recommended detergent. If there is still a bit of scum in your rinse water, repeat the process again.

To make the homemade stripping agent, simply place 3 tablespoons each of washing soda, Borax, and Calgon into your washing machine or bathtub filled with hot water (3). Then simply follow the same instructions you would if you were using RLR to strip your diapers.

The best part of using this method? All of these ingredients can also be used to help clean the rest of your house as well, so they will not go to waste.

there are stripping agents you can buy like RLR and  GroVia Mighty Bubbles.

Using cloth diapers on the go can seem intimidating but it is actually quite easy in some ways and with some tips it can be easier than disposable.  

 what you need-

1. Wet bag
2. cloth wipes
3. water bottle (with plain water or you can mix in a little baby lotion for scent.)

Wen on the go i find it easiest to use  reusable cloth wipes because no need for a trash can you can just put the pipes in the diaper and place in wet bag to clean when you get home. You can pre moisten the wipes and keep in a zip lock bag or bring a bottle of water with you.  Wet bags are very handy as you can place the dirty diaper in the bag and it prevents odors and moisture from escaping.  

With cloth diapers diaper rash doesnt happen as often due to the lack of chemicals that disposables have, but of course it can happen. when choosing a diaper cream be sure to avoid products containing petrolium and oils, these are meant to create a barrier on babies skin and will do the same to the diaper causing it to repell liquids and cause leaking.  If you have no other choice and your diapers tart to remell follow the directions in the"what to do if your diapers start repelling" section.