Cloth diapers sound intimidating until you actually start using them.
Then you realize it’s just… laundry. Granted, slightly more frequent and slightly more strategic, but still laundry.
The key is keeping things simple and consistent. You don’t need a complicated system - just a routine that works and leaves you with enough diapers for tomorrow (including the days when you’re tired and just want it done).
First, a quick reality check
Cloth diapers don’t need to be spotless at every stage.
They need to be:
- properly rinsed
- thoroughly washed
- fully dried
That’s it.
Stains are normal - but we'll get to the foolproof way to remove them!
Step-by-step: how to clean cloth diapers
1. Remove solids (when needed)
If your baby is exclusively milk-fed, you can usually skip this step, everything washes out.
Once solids are introduced, you’ll want to:
- shake or scrape waste into the toilet
- or use a bidet spray if you have one
- using flushable liners can make this MUCH easier
No need to overdo it. You’re just removing the bulk.
2. Store until wash day
Place used diapers in a dry pail or wet bag.
You don’t need to soak them. In fact, it’s better not to - modern cloth diapering is more about dry storage and regular washing.
3. Do a quick pre-wash
Run a short cycle with warm water and a small amount of detergent.
This removes most of the buildup and makes the main wash more effective.
4. Main wash (this is the important one)
Wash on a longer cycle with hot water and the recommended amount of detergent.
This is where the diapers actually get clean.
Make sure:
- the machine isn’t overloaded so that there's enough agitation
- you’re using a detergent that works well in your water type
5. Dry properly (this matters more than you think)
You can tumble dry on low, but whenever possible…
👉 Dry your cloth diapers in the sun.
Sunlight is genuinely the best stain remover there is.
It naturally lifts stains and freshens fabric in a way nothing else really does. What looks permanent indoors often disappears after a few hours outside.
It’s an incredibly satisfying parenting win.
Where La Petite Crème fits in
If you’re using cloth diapers, what you put on your baby’s skin matters just as much as how you wash the diapers.
A simple, oil-based cleanse (instead of wipes) works beautifully with cloth systems. Baby bums can get sore from cloth diapers as pee-covered material will be in constant contact with your baby's booty (whereas disposable diapers are a bit better at pulling it away).
An oil-based cleaning lotion will leave a protective layer on your baby's skin to significantly reduce the likelihood of diaper rash.
La Petite Creme diapering lotion can be used with:
- cotton pads
- reusable cloth wipes
- toilet paper
- or whatever you already have on hand
It cleans gently, leaves protection, nourishes the skin and doesn’t leave behind the kind of residue that can build up on cloth over time - you might just notice a slight discoloration left behind by the olive oil (just dry in the sun and watch it disappear!)
And when it comes to extra protection for those times when the skin does start to look slightly red, a light layer of La Petite Creme Diaper Balm helps support the skin with extra healing beeswax.
The takeaway
Cloth diapering doesn’t need to be a whole new lifestyle.
It’s just:
wash, dry, repeat.
Once you find your rhythm, it becomes second nature.
And yes - the sun really does work like magic.