You’ve finally worked out the perfect Cloth Diaper Wash Routine, which is probably the most important part of cloth diapering. Now you need to be sure you stay with it, which means that both you and any “helpful” laundry room users need a handy cheat sheet!

My laundry room was shared with my brother for 3 years, two of which I had spent cloth diapering my middle and youngest children.  Several times my precious cloth diapers we victimized by well-intentioned, but uneducated hands.

It seems silly to stress over such a thing, unless you’ve experienced stink or ammonia issues or fabric softener induced repelling, due to a messed up wash routine.

Therefore a printable cheat sheet is in order! Download, print, and fill out this handy PDF with the details of your specific wash routine.

But, How do I establish my cloth diaper wash routine?

A wash routine has 3 things: a good detergent, ideal washing cycles, and a preferred drying method.

Need help choosing a detergent? Visit Fluff Love University’s Detergent Index.

Not sure of the best cycle settings for your specific washing machine? They have that too in their Washing machine index!

How to Use the Template

Simply fill out the blank spaces with detergent name, and any water softener additives such as Borax or Calgon (for hard water over 180ppm). Then write the correct setting name, with water temperature, for each cycle.

Next, select your preferred drying method. There are tips on the side as well!

• Wash Routine printout (pdf download)

Example:

For my wash routine I currently use Tide Original Powder Detergent, with added Borax because I have VERY hard water.

Prewash – line 1 Tide Powder and (using the Tide scoop) line 1 of borax, cold water, quickwash cycle

Main wash – line 4 Tide powder, line 2 borax, hot water, heavy duty wash cycle.

Dryer – everything, medium heat