Cleaning House: Cloth Diapers

OK, so I've got diapers on the brain. I know you'll forgive me considering my current condition. To get rid of that funky leftover odor that can sometimes hang around after washing, I use

1/3 c baking soda
2/3 c white vinegar

in a second rinse. Does a power of good - not as good as pure direct sunlight, but pretty close. That recipe is enough for 12 dipes and 2-3 (non-wool) covers. Multiply as needed.

PLEASE don't use bleach or fabric softener. The bleach breaks down the fabric and the softener interferes with the absorbancy. If you've had a sick baby and you are concerned about leftover viral infection, wash as usual, remove dipes to a BIG pot of boiling water and boil for several minutes. Dump back into the washer to spin out, then dry as usual.

For wooly soakers, I wash in cold using a product like Eucalan. It imparts a lovely, clean eucalyptus scent, and a softness that won't scratch baby's tender skin.

I don't put anything in my diaper pail since I wash every other day, but you could try one of those new Arm and Hammer stick-on fresheners! I wash the bucket with bleach water once a week and spray with a product like Lysol every other day.