jillian's drawers trial and questions

kellyfromcali

I just got my Jillian's Drawers trial, and I am very excited! I have some questions, as I am a TOTAL newbie to cloth diapers.

Only on their site does it say not to use Free and Clear detergent. I have talked to several people who use that detergent just fine. What do you use, and do you know why they say not to use it?

This may be completely stupid, but for the GroVia diapers- if the outer layer is not soiled, just the liner, can you just replace it with a new one and use the outer layer again?

Do you always use the highest water cycle for the first rinse?

Most of them say that you put the soiled diapers in a dry pail. Whats the difference in using a wet bag vs. a dry pail, and when would you want to use one over the other?

Can I put all of the diapers and liners in the dryer per Jillian's Drawers directions? I thought I saw somewhere that GroVia couldnt go in the dryer, and I am wondering if its not the only one.

FYI in my pack I got Smartipants OS pocket, GroVia, bumGenius 3.0 and 4.0 (one AIO and one pocket), Thirsties Duo diaper and wrap, FuzziBunz pocket, Kissaluvs fitted diaper, and some prefolds.

Thank you, especially if you made it through this whole post! 

flyer23

Free & Clear detergents: Some people use them without issues, and some people have big problems. Personally, for the trial, I wouldn't risk it, because I'd hate to get stuck with the bill if I ruin the diapers. I've used Tide in the past, and currently use Country Save. They both work fine. Here is a good detergent chart: https://pinstripesandpolkadots.com/detergentchoices.htm

GroVia diapers: Yes, you can replace with a new inner and use the outer layer again.

First rinse: I do a rinse/spin cycle on my front loader. I have no idea if that is a high water level or not. Works fine.

Wet bag vs. dry pail: They're pretty much the same. A dry pail is a pail, or a trash can, etc. A wet bag is a bag. I use a dry pail for storing dirty diapers at home, and a small wet bag for carrying home dirty diapers that I change away from home. Some people use a large wet bag at home in place of a dry pail. It's just personal preference.

Washing: All of it can go in the washer and in the dryer. I normally line dry my pockets and covers, because they line dry quickly and it saves wear and tear. But they can go in the dryer with no problems.

MrsBlayne

Agree with PP. I use Charlies soap and have had good results, but the chart can help you figure out what is safe that you can find locally. A lot of detergents have optical brighteners, enzymes, fragrances, and other things that build up on the diapers and make them less absorbant.

When they say dry pail, they mean as opposed to a wet pail. People used to soak their diapers in a wet pail between washing, but it is unnessecary and can be a drowning hazard for LO. A wetbag is any waterproof bag, and it usually has a zipper. Large bags without a way to close them are pail liners.