Prepping natural fabrics

PhxMama

I have two new Simplex and a couple hemp inserts that need prepping.  My local CD store recommends 5 washes before using. Can these washes be done with the rest of the diaper laundry? If not does each cycle need to be a full cycle or can I do a shorter rinse/drain/spin? I'm hoping not to waste all that water unless it's absolutely necessary. 

Aurora_Borealis

If you have a bunch of microfiber inserts, I would *not* do the first couple prep washes with your regular diaper laundry.

Prepping them in a load of towels or regular laundry would be fine, though, so long as you don't use fabric softener.

lunarrainn

I always separate them, that way the oils don't get redeposited on other fabrics. You can get away with a partial cycle as long as you can still use hot water, which is going to be the most effective in removing those oils. The hemp inserts can be boiled if they don't have snaps on them. That saves water and they only need one wash that way.

freezorburn

When I get a few new Simplex I just wash them once with towels. The fabric doesn't shrink much at all, so I assume that it must have been washed and ironed at least once before it was cut. Otherwise the cotton and micro fleece would be different shapes after prepping and wouldn't lay flat. I agree with PP, about boiling the hemp since you only have a couple.

PhxMama

Thank you for the replies! I think I'll toss them in with the towels tomorrow. The inserts do have snaps (best bottoms) so unfortunately I can't boil them.

Danielle2482

I am in a similar situation with just a few new prefolds.  Do all of the "prep" washes need to be done with sheets and towels or can I was them once with those items and then add them to my regular diaper laundry?

Mandmeesh

I just threw my four simplexes in with my cd laundry after the pre rinse. I'm a rebel without cause, apparently

TJ1979

Pretend I quoted @Mandmeesh‌
I do this with Freetimes and covers, but I don't think I would with natural inserts.