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CD ladies- advice
At some point, I need to start prepping my diapers. We aren't using them right away because 1) they probably don't fit (BG OSs) and 2) I want to get out of the meconium stage... I was planning on using the oxiclean, borax & washing soda detergent but then someone told me that oxiclean isn't recommended... so I'm not sure what to do. I know I've looked at a ton of sites online that list all the different detergents... and it's overwhelming.
What detergent do you use for your CDs? Any negative experiences with a detergent? Tips/ advice/etc?
Also, for those that make their own detergent (either regular laundry or CD detergent), do you use Oxiclean free & clear? I didn't realize there was a free & clear version (I guess it's the "baby version") and have washed all blankets/ sheets/ etc in with the regular oxiclean and am just hoping it will be fine...
Thanks ladies!
Re: CD ladies- advice
I use Rockin Green and love it. I can't remember how I prepped the dipes...I probably did whatever the BG website said to do.
And if I am out of Rockin Green I use Tide Free and Clear (or whatever it is called).
The only thing I did to prep my BG 4.0 was to wash one cycle like I would wash if they were dirty. Since they are man made materials, there is no natural oils to worry about. If you have hemp, that is when you have to wash like 3 times etc.
I use Planet detergent simply because I can get it at Hannaford. I've heard great things about RNG though, might pick some up at the Common Ground Fair when I go.
Mesa - I think I go through a bag every two or so months. Keep in mind that I don't CD at daycare though.
I think if I was CDing at home and washing every two days I would go through a bag every month to month and a half.
Thanks ladies-- I honestly hadn't wrapped my head around "prepping" yet and figured I'd read the site before I actually did it. Glad it's only one wash! That's great.
MA+CB, pinstripes rates detergents and a few others do to. I've read them all and I feel like it's individual preference. I just don't want to spend a lot on detergent but want the CDing to be successful.
It can be a lot of trial and error...and even with some of the fancy CD detergents, people run into problems because of how much you use, how often you wash, how you wash, and what kind of water you have. We had good luck with the arm and hammer and could also wash all our clothes in it which I liked. We did stop CD'ing at a year, but I really think the rash problems were the combination of solids/whole milk and CD's, not what we were washing in.
We full time CD too, DCP has no issues with us using them so we only use disposables when she gets a bad rash/really red or for trips (like when I took her to Baxter a few weeks ago). the Planet cap has marks on it (0, 1, 2, etc). I never use more than the 1 mark, even when I have 20+ in the wash. I think I've only purchased 3 bottles of planet, and we have been full time CD since late Oct 2010. Cotton Babies recommends you bleach once a month with less than 1/4 cup of bleach in the wash. I do it around the first of the month and it really really helps. Good luck!
We full time CD and have except for two days since Adrian was 2 months. We had some trouble with build up with whatever we were using before (I can't remember what it was) and switched to Tide Free and Clear. It works fine, I only use 1/8 of a cup a load and I don't have any issues with build up and they come clean. I often get scared to use such a little amount, but it's when I get detergent crazy is when we have build up. (We only have pee diapers, as Adrian has been popping on the potty for the last 7 months). With only 1/8 cup at a time, the Tide Free and Clear has lasted us months.
Just this morning, I used the last of our Tide. I have all the stuff to give making my own a go. We already make our own regular stuff http://bornambitous-bornimaginative.blogspot.com/2011/04/homemade-laundry-soap.html , but it's liquid. I think if I dump liquid in there, it could settle and build up on the cloth diapers. I have all the stuff and am going to try this: http://www.theecofriendlyfamily.com/2009/08/cloth-diaper-detergent.html . I think I will do it Sunday or Monday...so you can ask me if you think to remember.
And here's my advice about cloth diapers. I was so careful at first about keeping them 'good', thinking I could re sell them and all. But the fact is, they're diapers and are made to get dirty. Someone who cloth diapers will always buy them at a reduced rate, even if they're well loved. So, I don't mind experimenting and seeing with the cloth, I can always strip. Even if the websites claim to wear them down, how much is a few washings going to hurt? As long as it's not unsafe for the baby, I say don't worry about what's not safe for the cloth diapers.
We use RNG and really like it. I usually get two bags at a time on Amazon - free shipping :-)
If you want to make your own, try this:
http://www.theecofriendlyfamily.com/2009/08/cloth-diaper-detergent.html
We use the the clothing version on our clothes and like it.
Thanks ladies!
Jess- I was planning on this but then someone was quite insistent that it would ruin my CDs so I started doubting myself.
We also use RNG, have for over a year and I think I've bought 3 bags total. It takes us FOREVER to go through a bag. We CD full time, daycare, night, etc., and have never had funk or other issues. I tried to strip once and nothing came out. It was actually a bit disappointing! Sounds like there are a lot of good ones that work for people, try not to get overwhelmed, just pick one and stick with it. Worst case, like PP said, you can always strip and start over.
We also didn't start using CDs until his belly button fell off and his circumcision healed... too much going on there already, so we started at about 3 weeks old and have never looked back.
My Wedding Bio! Not updated in a LONG time!