Detergent

redjam12

Hey Ladies-
Sorry, I have not been following on here if this has been asked before but I KNOW you guys have the best advice. I am using the Flip system - a hybrid system, with a shell and microfiber insert. My inserts are starting to leak. My baby is only 9 months old. If they can't hold his pee now, what will happen when he is 1 1/2!! Anyway, I've been using Tide Free and Clear - the tinyest amount - to launder them, plus an extra rinse cycle. Diapers get washed every 3 days. PLEASE don't yell at me if this is a terrible detergent to use. It is much more convenient to buy something from Target than to order it online, and cheaper! I have done a 1/4 cup of bleach in the wash cycle. I have soaked my pre-folds and microfiber inserts in a bleach water mix to get the stink out (I cannot wait for warmer weather to get them back outside!! ) I have also done a tablespoon of blue Dawn for a wash with a triple rinse. I do Dawn once a month and I bleach once a month. I know some people don't even strip their diapers. So it has to be me. I'm assuming its the detergent? Thoughts, Comments, Suggestions please!!

And please be nice to me. I moved from WI to IA when LO was 4 months old. Lost my support system, my moms group, my walking buddy, and babies DS's age. I have mom friends now, but all oder babies and no one cloth diapers.

bhdoucette

I've read that free and clear detergents are notorious for causing buildup ... Which would cause repelling. If you're looking for a detergent you can buy at Target, a lot of moms have great results with regular, powdered Tide. You can even buy an HE version if you need it.

emsrdh03

When you get leaks is the insert soaked?  If so it's an absorbency issue and you may want to try adding a doubler. If its not soaked it could be repelling. 

Have you ever looked in the washer during the final rinse?  If there are still bubbles you have buildup and need to rinse until there are none.

MrsPteranodon

Shoot I just bought free and clear detergent for my dipes. I HATE the smell of Tide plus my DH is super allergic to Tide so I bought Up&Up free and clear.  I thought you didn't want soap with a scent. Hmm. Whoops glad I only bought a smaller bottle

FreshBakedBrownies

Some people have no issues with Tide original powder.  Free and clear seems notorious for problems.  Original Tide does have a scent but after an extra rinse I don't smell the detergent much.  Some babies might react to scented detergent though.  But if your diapers come out stinky, you aren't using enough detergent.

 I know you said you didn't want to order online, but costco.com sells Grovia's Tiny Bubbles detergent (which I use) 6 boxes for $59.99 which is cheaper than Tide.  Or www.kellyscloset.com sells it for $12.97 a box and the run fun promotions for time to time to get a freebies with purchase of certain amounts.

redjam12

Does it matter if you use liquid vs powder detergent? For any brand?

bhdoucette

redjam12:

Does it matter if you use liquid vs powder detergent? For any brand?

Liquid detergents seem to be even more infamous for buildup due to the ingredients that keep everything in suspension. They're also reportedly harder to rinse out than powdered detergents.