Free Bib Pattern

Lets face it, keeping baby faces clean is a full time job. Keeping their clothes clean doesn't have to be though. OK, maybe that's not true, cleaning baby clothes is definitely a full time job; but keeping drool and food off of them can be a bit easier. That's where bibs come in.

Baby bibs are really a necessity when it comes to making supplies for our little ones. They can be pretty expensive to purchase, but when you make them yourself, they can cost next to nothing!

Lets get started.

To begin making baby bibs, you'll need to make a plan. 

Which bibs do you need to make? What phase is your baby in and going to be in soon? Take a look at the checklist below to see what you need to have in your bib arsenal.

• The Drool Bib
• 0-6 months (for when your baby is in the drooling phase)
• The Cereal Bib
• 4-8 months (for when your baby is starting baby food)
• The Shoulder Snap Bib
• 4-8 months (similar to the cereal bib, but snap is on the shoulder)
• The Dinner Bib
• 5 months - 4 years (for when your child is eating solid foods)
• The Spaghetti Bib
• 4 months - 4 years (A large bib with a snapping pocket for messy meals)

Joy is modeling the Cereal bib

How many bibs do I need to have?

This is a real question that really depends on a few factors. 

First factor is your individual baby. If your baby is a drooler, and you make drool bibs, you might get away with having only one per day. But if your baby drools excessively, you'll want to change the bib 4-5 times a day. 

Second factor is how often are you washing? If you wash your baby's clothing and bedding separately from the rest of the family's, then you might only wash it once a week. In that case, you'll need more bibs than if you wash them with the rest of the family's laundry. 

What's someone to do who doesn't have a baby yet? 

I'd start with making 3 of each type of bib. Once the baby comes, you'll get a better idea of what your needs are. When you reach the stage where you want the baby to start using bibs, you'll have a desire and time to do something at your sewing machine. Don't feel like you need to rush to get it all done before the baby arrives.

5 baby bibs that coordinate make a great baby gift!

How to make baby bibs as a gift?

Making baby bibs as a gift is easy and fun! For a gift, I usually make one of each type. That's a bundle of 5 bibs that goes from birth to 4 years old. If you make the bibs in coordinating colors and fabrics, it is a pleasure to give the gift, and even more of a pleasure to open!

So how do I make a baby bib?

I have a sewing pattern for the baby bibs here. 

If you want even more of a visual, I have free bib making class with two of my daughters while we made a few of these bibs. View the free bib video below.

Don't forget to get the printable bib sewing pattern for the template and the step by step tutorial.

Happy sewing!

What type of cloth diapers should I use?

At one point I had an article on different types of cloth diapers, but I can't find it! I've recently had a friend who is asking about the types of diapers out there, and what I think that she should sew for her new grandbaby. This is the perfect, short but sweet, list of what you want to know about the new cloth diaper systems available today. There are many more options available, such as wool, but I do not discuss that here. These are the basics.

Step 1. 

Decide where the diapering is going to be taking place. If you are going to be taking your baby into a day care, or if you are on the go all the time, cloth diapering is still an option. If you are home with the baby most of the time, you can try out a myriad of different products to see what you like the most, before committing to an entire stash of one type of diaper.

Step 2. 

Consider your cost. Diapering babies is expensive. Disposable diapers are an incredible expense. A few years ago, I did a cost comparison article between disposable diapers and one size, pocket, cloth diapers. Prices may have changed some since it was written, but it is still a very good comparison. You can see the article on disposable vs cloth diapering costs here. *I have learned and discovered even better cost options for cloth diapers since this article was written. I'll be discussing that below.

Step 3.

Consider your options of cloth diaper types. There are many, MANY types of cloth diapers available. All of those types have options as well. I'll be discussing the main types as well as my favorites here. You can sew your own with many different cloth diaper patterns, but before you buy, know what you want!

All In One diapers (AIO)

This is what most cloth diaper users gravitate toward when they are starting to cloth diaper their babies. An all in one diaper is literally, "all in one". The diaper is sized similarly to the sizes of disposables, it's either velcro or snaps, and it has the 'soaker' built right in. There is usually a soft, fabric against the baby's skin which pulls moisture away from the body. There is a waterproof cover built right in. There is elastic in the legs, with or without gussets. There may or may not be a place to insert MORE 'soakers' inside the diaper itself. 

The Cons:
AIO diaper is typically the more expensive option because of how many diapers that the user needs. Because everything is built in, there is not the option to re-use the cover. This diaper is washed after every use. The sizes of the diaper range from 3-6, depending on the brand, and you'll need about 20-24 diapers per size. This is time consuming to make yourself, and expensive no matter which way you slice it. There is less adjust-ability for adding/removing soaker fabric for nap times or awake times.

The pros:

They feel like a disposable diapers to people who are new to cloth diapering. There is less room for error. The diapers fit great with each change, regardless of who is doing it. There isn't a need to 'educate' day care providers or husbands on how to use them, because they are easy, and straight forward.

All In Two diapers (AI2)

This is my favorite type of diaper system. An all in two is a diaper system in TWO parts. The soaking fabric and the cover. The soaking fabric can be elaborate, such as a diaper itself (also called a fitted), with wings and elastic and snaps, or it can be simple. A simple example would be a 'lay in' t-shirt, or prefold.

The cover is usually wipeable to use for many diaper changes until it's soiled. You don't have to wash the cover with every change. 

Cons:

It has a bit of a learning curve. You'll want to train caregivers or husband how to use them properly. 

Pros:

The covers last longer (The fabric for the cover is the most expensive part of the diapering system), the elastic in the legs lasts longer, they are faster to make because instead of 24 diapers, you only need about 12-15 covers, they are significantly cheaper than other types of diaper systems. AI2's are usually fast drying since the insides come apart (which is cheaper in electricity and better for the diapers in general). 

Pocket diapers

These are my second favorite. A pocket diaper is similar to an AIO, except the insert (soaker), is entirely removable. It usually needs to be removed before washing, but after washing, you stuff the soaker back into it and it becomes just like an AIO. This is the better option to an actual AIO because they are better washing and faster drying.

Cons:
Its gross to remove the soaker from the diaper after use sometimes. It takes a few extra minutes to stuff the soaker back into the pocket on washing day. You must change the entire diaper with each diaper change, which means that PUL (waterproof fabric), elastic, and velcro won't last as long.

Pros:
They are a great way to get the AIO functionality without sacrificing cleanliness. The soaker fabric can be made out of whatever you want, and if it's a folded soaker, it will open up, clean better, and dry faster. 

Step 4. 

Consider your options of features in the cloth diaper that you want.

One Size Diapers

One size diapers mean that they are 'one size fits all' from about 8 lbs to 32 lbs. This is an excellent option for people who are using the AI2 or the pocket diapering system. Typically there is a snap down rise, or adjustable, buttonhole elastic which allows the diapers to fit such a wide range. One size options are an excellent choice to keep costs and time spent sewing down to a minimum.

Get the One Size Fits All Diaper PatternHere

I have a TWO SIZE diaper system pattern available on my website that is a two size AIO. This is an option for the person who wants the convenience of the AIO without the cost of so many sizes. 

Get the Two Size AIO Diaper PatternHere

Gussets

Some people are crazy for gussets. I am not. I personally feel like they are bulky and unnecessary. I don't find that they hold in any extra 'stuff' more than un-gusseted diapers. If the fit is right, without gaps on the legs, you diaper will hold up exceptionally well without gussets. My pattern for the one size pocket diaper has an option of gussets though for the die-hard gusset lovers. :)

Elastic

Some diapers have FOE elastic, and some have hidden elastic. FOE stands for "fold over elastic" which is used on the edges of some diaper covers or diaper systems. It's usually quite soft and lasts quite a while. The FOE elastic usually goes around the entire diaper. 

The hidden elastic option is when the elastic is hidden inside a casing in the legs and back of diaper. This is my preferred elastic method. This is the easiest to replace if the elastic gets worn out after multiple babies. I also find that FOE elastic gets pilled and snags easily in the washing machine if you have any velcro on your diaper stash at all.

Foe around the entire diaper cover.
This cover also has extra gussets.

Snaps vs velcro

This cloth diaper cover desperately needs velcro replaced

Snaps are my favorite hands down. Velcro is nice for the person who is on the fence about cloth diapering and wants a good way to keep the diapers as close to disposable as possible. The problem with velcro is that IT IS DISPOSABLE itself.  After only a few washings, you will notice big time pilling in the velcro and that it needs to be replaced after only a short time. Plastic/resin snaps are incredible. They will outlast the diaper itself, they will look brand new until you stop using them. They are strong and toddlers can't remove them.

Snap in soakers and hip snaps

Some diaper brands are big on making theirs seem like the best with multiple options such as hip snaps and snap in soakers, and other snap like functionality. Don't buy into it. A hip snap is a snap that one puts on your baby's hip of the diaper to keep the front wings from 'sagging'. Sagging only happens when a diaper doesn't fit properly, or if it's loaded down with contents that need changing.

Snap in soakers seem good in theory, but it really is an unnecessary expense of time and bulk.

This shows the hip snap on a cloth diaper.

Snappis, boingo,

This is a snappi. It's excellent for using instead of pins if you wanted to attach a prefold to baby (instead of a lay in). They are very inexpensive from greenmountaindiapers.com

This is the boingo. These are great for attaching to a prefold or flat diaper to hold in place around baby.

Important notes for front loading washing machines

If you own or think that you will own a front loading washing machine, there are some tips that are very very important to know when choosing cloth diaper options. 

Up until I owned a front loader, I didn't know that it was any different for cloth diapering. It IS. This is what I have learned.

It's important to always remove soakers from pocket diapers. 

I never had to with my top loading machine. They agitated right out and got plenty clean before. With a top loader, there is less water used, so the soakers don't agitate out. They usually form a ball inside the pocket diaper and don't get entirely clean. 

Wash with very little soap

Oddly, you don't need very much detergent to clean cloth diapers in a front loader. I use about a tablespoon for an entire load, and sometimes I wonder if that's too much. I wash on hot/cold with the extra water function enabled. Then I do a repeat cycle WITHOUT soap to make sure it's all rinsed out. Every couple weeks, I will do ANOTHER repeat cycle to make sure that there are not suds in the diapers at all. If there are suds, I will repeat the 'soapless' cycle until the suds are non existent.
I also find that I never have to use bleach anymore, nor do I want to. Because the soap is so hard to rinse out, the bleach is as well....which is very very very hard on the fabrics in the diaper.

Try to have as many removable parts as possible

If you can manage to use a pocket instead of an AIO, do it. If you can use an AI2 instead of anything else, DO IT. If the soakers in the diaper can be folded into shape (like a prefold or tshirt) instead of serged together into a bulkier, more convenient shape, then go for the folded. The more 'removable' and 'open' your diaper can be, the quicker it will get clean, and the quicker it will dry. The more 'attached' and 'convenient' the diaper is, the more rinsing you will have to do on washing day. 

My ultimate favorite diaper stash

My very favorite diaper stash, for all the reasons that I wrote above, is the One Size AI2. I use a fitted diaper that is made from t-shirts, and I make it fast by simply using a snappi instead of adding snaps. I use a diaper cover that uses all snaps and no velcro. I also make them with hidden elastic instead of FOE. I never use hip snaps. I reach for these first!

You may find that you hate this idea! It's totally ok if you have a different opinion! I've cloth diapered 5 babies before I finally decided on a favorite. Make a little bit of everything if you are unsure, and see what you reach for first, how they wash up, and what works for your family. 

It's kind of funny to say that my favorite is the AI2, because I actually don't have a written pattern for it yet. I am working on that later this month, so be watching!

Do you have a favorite diaper stash? What are your reasons? If you've cloth diapered for a while, what are some pointers that you think others should know?

Sewing to avoid Human Suffering

I've been struggling with conviction over the things that I buy. Almost everything that we purchase in the USA originates in another country. Just because it's in another country, doesn't necessarily mean it's been in the hands of a slave or person undergoing unfair treatment (Definition: A person or child who is forced to work and/or paid less than what is required by government regulations in any particular country). However, after paying close attention for only a few  "pre-purchases", I am convinced that there is absolutely no way that I can entirely avoid slave labor. This hurts my heart.

Let me give you an example of what I mean. Obviously, if you buy an item from Walmart, it's supplier is more than likely a human suffering factory environment. That's easy. Avoid Walmart.

But here's an un-obvious: Meijer. They claim to be entirely against child labor, slavery, human trafficking etc. They say that their suppliers must adhere to the laws of their country. That sounds good on paper. But what you don't know, is that the countries in which they are purchasing their goods, don't have child labor laws. They don't have laws regarding human trafficking, human suffering, or cruelty. Further, their "supplier" might only be a middle man to hide the tragedy of millions of forced workers.

Lets take it a step deeper. Hanes. An underwear company. They seem A+. They are against human trafficking. They claim that they own 90% of all offshore facilities that make up their clothing. This helps significantly in the process which keeps their products away from human trafficking. They even audit their suppliers as far as their compliance to slavery laws. Hanes statements regarding their supply chain is here. But what about the "un-laws"? AKA The laws that don't exist regarding human suffering? What about the people who are further in the chain? What about the supply chains that they use that have nothing to do with their final products (supplies that they do not have to report)?
Let me break it down with this:

Hanes owns the Apparel Manufacturers. Not the textile companies, nor the individual textile supply chains (dyes, fabric weaving machines etc), not the farms which grow the cotton, nor the pickers of the cotton. Hanes doesn't own the machines or their supply chains which sew the products together, the "business related products" that the company uses (or their supply chains), and doesn't own the thread manufacturer (or their supply chains). Hanes doesn't own the packaging manufacturing supply chains (which is quite extensive), or other multiple facets which make the business work.
Yet, out of all of the companies that I have researched as to WHERE I can buy my underwear, this is the only company that I would buy from. If I had to.

Can I eliminate any of those supply chains? I too have a machine, I use thread, I use fabric, I print patterns on paper, I use my computer, I use scissors, all of which have an extensive supply chain.

Yes. By recycling. I am convinced that if we recycle things that other people have thrown away, that we are not only helping our environment, but we are also helping to eliminate supply chains that are filled with billions of people who are treated unfairly. I do not want to support the people who are treating others that way.
So what can the average person do? Purchase fabric from other people's stashes (think etsy or ebay), purchase used items like scissors, sewing machines, etc.

Buy patterns from work at home moms or download only options. Once you download and print, save the pattern so that you don't have to print again and again. I've seen some very good ways to store them like this:

Roll them up and slip a toilet paper roll around them

After they are rolled up, label them and put them in a box

Hang them up

But I think the biggest way that you can prevent human trafficking and help others at the same time:

Shop at Salvation Army or other non-profits who help others.

Salvation army uses other people's cast offs to raise money to help others

I know, I know. I can't imagine wearing someone else's underwear. But you CAN pick up some tshirts, or dresses that you can recycle into multiple pairs of underwear if you sew them yourself. 

It cuts down on the supply chain, AND helps people in the process. **And I'm not going to lie, making them yourself is so much cheaper, your checkbook will thank you for it too.

All of that convenience that you are paying for by buying the underwear at Hanes, is actually a multitude of lives that you could be:

a) Helping through buying from salvation army OR 

b) Using their pain so that you can get something conveniently.

This entire blog post is part of my heart that I am struggling with. It's not exactly a high importance in our society, and it's not something that many crafty people want to read or hear. In fact, the few readers that I do have might even be offended. But my business is called Mamma Can Do It. And since God has given me this conviction, my goal is to help change the world as much as I can. Because "I can do it". 

I would love if some of you joined me in this way to change what our families can, and to teach our children the importance of these precious lives.

Best pads for after birth

Using pads for after birth can be daunting for some. Which pads work best after birth? Here is a great solution for all of the women out there who are wanting to know what are the best pads for after birth.

I know that I have written about postpartum pads before....but now that the newest addition of our family has arrived (Claire Belle), I have had the opportunity to test out the best pads for after birth. Made with soft and absorbent bamboo fleece, incredibly absorbent Zorb and waterproof PUL, the Mamma Can Do It postpartum pad design is as soft and gentle as it is absorbent. It wicks moisture away from mama's skin and even keeps the gushes in check.

The first 24 hours after birth is the heaviest flow. A heavy duty pad and shell for after birth is required. The best pad for after birth has a waterproof shell that the wearer can put a cloth or disposable pad inside. The shell has gussets that keep gushes in place so there are no leaks and no stains. If the wearer prefers disposable pads, it is simple to remove and stick into the shell. The cloth option has a snap that snaps into place into the shell. What's even better is the 'ice pocket' that is built into the shell. Painful tears and stitches are no match to this pad system.

Once the gushes subside, there will be a few weeks of heavy bleeding. A heavy, yet manageable all in one pad for after birth is required. The best pad for after birth has a waterproof outer layer, soft bamboo fleece and absorbent zorb fabric. It is the perfect shape to fit any panty and even has 3 size options for wings to snap into place. The pad for after birth is extremely comfortable as well as manageable for a busy lifestyle. When postpartum bleeding is done, simply use these pads for excessive bleeding or overnight pads.

My personal experience - December 2012:

I designed these pads, yet I still started out with disposables when my latest daughter was born. My midwife had disposable pads and Depends ready for me promptly after birth. I wasn't going to argue. When I did change into my postpartum pad system, I was pleasantly amazed at the difference! They fit better since I used my own underwear. They absorbed faster and kept me feeling dry better. The best part about the cloth pad after birth was the comfort. Oh my...these postpartum pads for after birth are so comfortable. Softness on the skin after such a traumatic time is worth every second to make them. I will be sharing my experience with my midwife so that she can hopefully help others have a more comfortable experience as well.

My only concern with using these was the washing. My solution: I have decided to keep a small tote under my sink with water and vinegar to put the pads for after birth into. Although I prefer to wash my pads & diapers every other day, by keeping them in water and vinegar will prolong the washing to a week. This way I won't have to depend on other people to wash them for me.

Overall, the pads for after birth pattern rocks! Try it out - you'll wish you had!

How to sew Adult diapers

If you or anyone you know has to wear disposable protection for incontinence (depends, tranquility, poise...etc), then you realize how expensive of an endeavor it can be to control the problem. Of course it is an apparent need, so why not “go green” and sew your own reusable adult cloth diapers?

The first step of 'how to sew an adult diaper' is going to be to decide what type of protection the wearer needs.

Assuming it is you who needs the protection, ask yourself the following questions: Do you need an adult diaper that you simply throw in the wash and has the 'soaker' built in? Do you need something that you can adjust the soaking capability? Do you need a diaper that is 'waterproof' or do you need a diaper that is for very light protection?

Lets talk about your options.

1. If you want to know how to sew an adult diaper that you never have to mess with, sew an All In One (AIO) style adult diaper. This style of diaper has the soaker sewn into it so you'll never have to worry about stuffing it when it comes out of the wash. This is the most like disposables.

2. If you want to know how to sew an adult diaper that you can adjust the soaking capability, choose to sew a 'pocket' style. This is an adult cloth diaper that has an opening for putting in as much or as little soaker as your individual needs are. This is the most commonly sought after style of cloth adult diapers.

3. If you want to know how to sew an adult diaper an adult diaper that doesn't need to be 'waterproof', choose to sew an All In Two (AI2) style adult diaper. This style simply does not have a waterproof barrier. Many times incontinence issues are so minor that the wearer doesn't need any more bulk then necessary, so they choose to go with an AI2. Another reason to choose an AI2 is if you already have a leak proof barrier cover.

The second step of 'how to sew an adult diaper' is going to be to find an adult diaper pattern.

I prefer to do all of my pattern shopping online. A good sewing pattern is going to have the following things:

1. An adult diaper pattern should have a detailed “Supply List”. The supply list is very important because it tells the 'sewer/maker' what fabrics and supplies they will need to make the cloth diaper.

2. An adult diaper pattern should have “helpful hints”. When you are making anything for the first time, or even the 100^th time, it is nice to have good instructions from people who make them more then you. Budget friendly hints can help you design your own adult diaper from cheaper fabrics and supplies. Hints on how to choose various fabrics depending on individual needs are worth every bit of reading. Hints on how to sew certain types of fabric should also be included in the pattern.

3. An adult diaper pattern should have a size chart. This allows the 'sewer/maker' to correctly choose the proper size for the wearer.

3. An adult diaper pattern should have printable pattern pieces. Do not purchase or try to follow a pattern that has you draft your own pattern. This takes time that you could be sewing a stash of reusable adult diapers for yourself.

Lets face it: you are going to purchase the sewing pattern online...so why not have pieces that you can print from your home printer? Not only that, but with printable pattern pieces, you can print over and over so you never have to worry about the 'first cut' being the wrong one.

4. An adult diaper pattern should have a step by step tutorial with images for each step. This is the BEST part about purchasing a sewing pattern online. Pictures should be clear and have descriptions that accurately describe the step.

5. The most important thing: The best adult diaper pattern is going to have OPTIONS. If you read through the first step in this article, you have probably decided which type of adult diaper you want...but wouldn't it be better if you could have all the options in the same purchase? Choose an adult diaper pattern that has the options of being an AIO, Pocket or AI2!

The third step of 'how to sew an adult cloth diaper' is going to be shopping for fabrics and supplies.

Once you purchase the adult diaper pattern, you'll need to buy the stuff to get it done. Most diaper making supply stores online are the best priced and easiest to find. You may be able to find some supplies at a local fabric store, but save the headache and order online.

The fourth step of 'how to sew an adult diaper' is going to be making your own adult diaper stash.

Follow the adult diaper pattern directions and step by step images to sew the cloth diapers. Sew some with fun printed fabric for the days when you are feeling lively. This is your body and you deserve to have some adorable incontinence underpants that make you feel protected and secure about yourself.

There are very limited adult diaper patterns available. The adult diaper pattern that gives you all of options listed is made by Mamma Can Do It. Simply download and get your adult cloth diaper stash started!  

Cloth vs Disposable diapers - Cost break down

Looking at the differences of Cloth vs disposable can be a daunting task. Here, you have information regarding cost differences that might blow your mind. Feel free to spend as much time staring at the screen as you need. :) We've all had that "Oh my gosh" moment.

Cloth Diapers -Cost Approx $120 One Time

Depending on the style of diaper you decide on, it could be as little as $120 or as much as $740 if you sew them yourself.
Purchasing cloth diapers premade will cost anywhere from $350-$3256.
Lets go from a money saving standpoint and look at the cheapest option.
Please also understand that this is per child. If you use cloth on a 2nd and 3rd child, you have just dropped the price down to $40-$246 per child if you sew them yourself.

One Size Fits All Pocket Diaper (Best on Budget)

• 108 weeks approx in the same size
• 6-12 changes a day
• 24 diapers & inserts - Cost approx $4-5 per set to sew = $120
• Approx 6197 diaper changes
• $.02 per change
• Total $120 

What about washing costs?

• 108 weeks approx of diaper washing
• 6-12 changes a day
• Approx 20 diapers & inserts per load
• Approx 378 loads (every other day)
• Laundry Detergent, approx $.20 per load
• Washing Machine (inc. water) approx $.30-$.69 per load
• Hang dry or Dryer approx 0-.$50 per load
• Total approx $.50-$1.39 per load
• Total Cost Per Child from birth to toilet $189-$525 

Disposable Diapers Cost Approx $2120 Per Child

The cost of these were the popular brand price at the local supermarket.
This does not include disposable wipes or gas to the store.

Newborn diapers - Your Cost $62.50

• 2 weeks approx in size
• 12-16 changes a day
• 48 diapers in package for $15
• Approximately 200 diapers used
• $.31 per change
• $62.50 total

Size 1 - Your Cost $165.50

• 10 weeks approx in size
• 10-12 changes a day
• 104 diapers in package for $21
• Approximately 820 diapers used
• $.20 per change
• $165.50 total

Size 2 - Your Cost $216

• 12 weeks approx in size
• 10-12 changes a day
• 88 diapers in package for $21
• Approximately 900 diapers used
• $.24 per change
• $216 total

Size 3 - Your Cost $217.50

• 12 weeks approx in size
• 8-10 changes a day
• 96 diapers in package for $28
• Approx 750 diapers used
• $.29 per change
• $217.50 total

 Size 4 - Your Cost $200

• 12 weeks approx in size
• 6-8 changes a day
• 64 diapers in a package for $22
• Approx 588 diapers used
• $.34 per change
• $200 total

Size 5 - Your Cost $446.50

• 24 weeks approx in size
• 6-8 changes a day
• 58 diapers in a package for $22
• Approx 1175 diapers used
• $.38 per change
• $446.50 total

Size 6 - 36 weeks

• 36 weeks approx in size
• 6-8 changes a day
• 48 diapers in a package for $22
• Approx 1764 diapers used
• $.46 per change
• $811.44 

Of course cloth doesn't make sense for everyone...and sewing your own won't either. But if you can manage it, I recommend saving yourself thousands of dollars per child and get sewing using our one size cloth diaper pattern!

How to clean dish covers

Caring for Dish Covers is easy peasy 

If you haven't yet, you are getting ready to sew a stash of adorable dish covers...and you're starting to wonder if it'll be worth it because you have to wash them...and how do you wash PUL anyway?

Routine

• Put a cover on a dish & it gets dirty
• Wipe it off with a wash cloth if you can and put it back in the drawer
   
• If you cannot wash it off, put it in the coordinating colors of your every day wash.
• Dry either on the clothesline or in the dryer...whichever is your everyday routine
• Use again and again and again

Pretty easy huh? Don't worry about the PUL. It's perfectly safe to wash and dry as many times as you possibly could.
I always try to wipe mine out. I use the covers every day and I hate running out.

How to wash cloth diapers

Caring For Cloth Diapers Is Easy

If you've researched cloth diapers at all, you've probably run across dozens if not hundreds of suggested washing "routines."  Some are simple, and some are so complex it seems like you'll be spending an entire day washing!

SOILED DIAPERS

1. Rinse solids off in the toilet. I use a sprayer that my husband made from a kitchen sink sprayer. You could easily use a peri bottle, or just swish.

2. Put into either a 'dry' or 'wet' pail.

• Wet Pail
  This is a bucket (with a locking lid) that you soak dirty diapers in until washing day. Some people add a pinch of baking soda. This requires a spin before washing to get all the extra nasty water out. This can be heavy and nasty to carry to the wash though. If you find that you HAVE to wait 3-4 days before washing (NOT recommended), use the wet pail method.
• Dry Pail
  This is what most people do. They simply have a dry container for putting the soiled diapers in. 

 

WASH DAY

1.  Hopefully you have already removed the solids-  Whether you choose to swish, shake, or spray, remove as much solid matter as possible and dispose of this in the toilet. 

2.  Cold Prewash-  Cold water will remove any remaining solid material without setting in stains. With front loading HE machines, run a standard cold/cold wash, with an extra rinse. If your machine will let you program to do a cold soak, do it.

3.  Hot Wash-  Hot water is required to sterilize the diapers and remove germs.  Use a hot wash with cold rinse. Add detergent.

4.  Dry- Line drying will prolong the life of your cotton, hemp, or bamboo diapers.  Many people use the dryer on high heat. Some people recommend high heat for PUL fabric. This is up for debate though as it still breaks down faster using a dryer. Should you choose to line dry, the sun is an excellent bleaching agent and should help remove any stains.

5.  Put Away- Or leave in a pile, in the laundry basket, or shove in a drawer.  Whatever "method" works best at your house.

 DO'S AND DON'TS

DO'S

Cold prerinse & spin
Use store bought UNSCENTED liquid detergent
Hang in the sun to remove stains
Always include hot water and detergent in your wash routine

DON'TS

 DO NOT Use any fabric softener
DO NOT Use bleach of anything made with PUL fabric
DO NOT Use Sportswash, Charlie's Soap or Bac-Out.  These products can cause allergic reactions when used improperly.
DO NOT Iron you diapers (really, how much time do you have!?)
DO NOT Overfill your washing machine.  Your diapers needs good water circulation to get clean.
DO NOT Soak in a wet pail without a LOCKING lid (this is a drowning risk!)
DO NOT Let your diapers sit unwashed for more than 3-4 days. They will develop mildew stains and will become incredibly hard to get clean.
DO NOT NOT NOT use a homemade laundry soap with felsnaptha. I learned the hard way not to do this. It actually puts quite a barrier on the diaper making it hold in stink, not get stains clean AND unabsorbent.