Yes, you can wash cloth diapers with other laundry items, provided you follow a specific washing routine that ensures proper hygiene and cleanliness for both the diapers and your other clothes.
The Recommended Method: Prewash First
Washing cloth diapers effectively often involves a two-step process. This method ensures that the heavy soiling on the diapers is addressed before being washed with other items.
As outlined in washing guidance, when your diapers don't make up enough to do a full load of laundry, you should start by doing your normal prewash cycle to remove the bulk of the nasties. This initial short cycle, typically with cold or warm water and a small amount of detergent, helps to rinse away most of the urine and feces.
Once this prewash cycle is complete, and the heavily soiled water has drained, you can then safely throw in any clothes, towels, or any other laundry for the main wash cycle. This approach allows you to combine loads for efficiency while ensuring the diapers receive the critical initial cleaning they need before being washed with other garments.
Why This Method Works
This method works because the prewash removes the majority of the waste and residue from the diapers. By the time you add other clothes for the main wash, the diapers are significantly cleaner, minimizing the risk of transferring waste or odors to your other laundry. The main wash then acts as a thorough cleaning and sanitizing cycle for everything in the drum.
Items You Can Add for the Main Wash
After the cloth diaper prewash, you can add a variety of other laundry items for the main wash cycle, such as:
- Regular clothing (t-shirts, pants, etc.)
- Towels
- Bed linens
- Other washable household items
Ensure that the items you add can tolerate the water temperature and wash cycle necessary for cleaning your cloth diapers, which often involves warm or hot water for effective sanitation.
