Bleach and detergent (Charlie's Soap) questions

turtlewifey

Hey ladies.  I don't post much on this board, but I am a serial lurker.  We've been using Baby Dropps for CDs but are going to start using Charlie's Soap since it is so much cheaper. 

I guess I didn't do my research very well because I have heard that I need to add something to disinfect the diapers.  Can I use oxy clean or borax? Are there any CS users that recommend one over the other? I thought additives like this weren't good for CDs so I'm hesitant to start adding different things to the wash. 

Also, I keep reading about bleach on the board but I thought CDs weren't supposed to be bleached? Is chlorine bleach safe every once and a while or when PPs say bleach, is it an oxygen bleach like oxy clean?

We are using prefolds, covers, fitteds and just introduced pockets if that makes any difference. Thank you!

tokenhoser

Some manufacturers, like BumGenius, recommend 1/4 cup of chlorine bleach in the hot wash monthly to kill off lingering bacteria. I've only done it once, but it didn't wreck anything.

I use the EFF recipe as a booster - it has oxyclean, borax, and washing soda. I don't think you HAVE to use anything extra with Charlie's, though. I use soap nuts and find it does better with a bit of help.

marriedinaugust

I use Charlies and we add oxifree and have no issues with buildup or stink.  I love Charlies!

BrendaLou1969

I use Charlies/Tiny Bubbles and BumGenius.  I bought all three brands to try out in the beginning.  I love all three brands.  I have never used a bleach with charlies or any of the detergents.  I don't believe that Tiny Bubbles or BumGenius has a disinfectant in them either.  Charlies and Tiny Bubbles get out poo stains the best of the three with Charlies being #1 on my list.  The only thing is that I live in Denver and we have some pretty hard water.  I use just a dash of calgon with the Charlies because I'm paranoid.  I know three other ladies who use charlies here in denver without using calgon and they have no problems.  All of us have front loading machines.