stripping and preping

lookame3639

I have some used cloth that I'd like to strip and hopefully after the strip toss them in with the other diapers which need prepped. How do you go about stripping adiaper?

Also I read somewhere that the microfiber (the ones that look like towels) inserts for pockets get gross and stinky very quickly and was wondering what are good alternatives.? Any suggestions on pocket inserts?

TJ1979

Why do the diapers need to be stripped?  (The method depends on the need.)

Yes, MF can be gross.  I like bamboo or cotton/hemp.

mrshudson618

There are different types of stripping depending on the type of build up you are tying to remove. For detergent build up, a hot water strip is sufficient. Just wash the diapers many times in hot water with no detergent. If it is mineral build up from hard water, you need to do a soak in something made to remove minerals, like RLR. 

If you are just wanting to strip because they are used, not because of a known issue, I would wash with 1/4 cup bleach, then rinse, rinse, rinse, 

Anything with natural fibers is a good alternative to mf inserts. Small cotton prefolds, or bamboo or hemp inserts are good opyions.   

lookame3639

I got them from a website that offers used diapers that are in very good to excellent condition(it was the kissed by the moon loved mystery fluff bags since I didn't know what I wanted and would feel very overwhelmed when shopping) I just wanted to make sure there was no yeast or any other stuff on the diapers since I dont know who the previous owner of the diapers were or how the diapers were washed, so basically as a precaution. Some of the diapers are colored so bleach doesn't seem like a good idea...

mrshudson618

lookame3639 said:

I got them from a website that offers used diapers that are in very good to excellent condition(it was the kissed by the moon loved mystery fluff bags since I didn't know what I wanted and would feel very overwhelmed when shopping) I just wanted to make sure there was no yeast or any other stuff on the diapers since I dont know who the previous owner of the diapers were or how the diapers were washed, so basically as a precaution. Some of the diapers are colored so bleach doesn't seem like a good idea...

Personally I would still bleach, but some people swear by Tea Tree Oil.

lookame3639

@mrshudson618 will the bleach end up bleaching out the colors? we have a he top loader and I'm not sure in what point during the cycle it releases the bleach and dont know how much water it releases either.

lookame3639

Alright i have only about 6 diapers which need stripped. I put a little less than a 1/4 cup and diluted it with water. These are being washed now and I'll run three or four rinsing cycles after that's done. Then let them dry and start on the other diapers which needs prepped (no detergent cycles maybe five or six times) and then finish it all off a full wash with everything together in bum genius detergent for little one.

Do you think that'll be ok?

mrshudson618

I think that it would be fine.

TJ1979

What kind of diapers are you prepping? Natural fibers like cotton and hemp need ~5 wash and dry cycles. Synthetics are ok with 1.

lookame3639

I have pre fold diapers which are cotton (some white some unbleached some hemp) there's a few diapers which are synthetic (bum genius and i think the thirsties) the synthetics I'll save for the last cycle with detergent.

Pre folds are fine to go in the dryer right?

TJ1979

Yes. You need to prep them separately. And with detergent I thought... Anyone?

mrshudson618

Yes if you are prepping new natural fibers there should be detergent in every wash, I am pretty sure.

jcwinsto

I think you wash prefolds with detergent at least the first couple times if not all of them.  I know after the first couple washes it's just for absorbancy/quilting purposes but I don't know if detergent aids this process or not.  And yes, dry the prefolds on high if you want.

lookame3639

Ok...This is extremely helpful! Thanks so much!!