Washing temperatures and PUL

[MittensKittens]

NAK

At what temps do you wash your CDs? I have heard that washing too hot can cause PUL to delaminate. This hasn't happened to me, but I am still wondering is I should wash a little cooler?

[Leisha]

I've been wondering that too, recently!

I wash all diapers, including those with PUL, on 60°C.

Coincidentally, i had some repelling issues with my pocket dipes and washed them on 70°C yesterday to try and "strip" them... i hope i didn't ruin them!!

[MittensKittens]

Yeah, I'm worried about that too. Same with using vinegar - some say it ruins the PUL and elastic in the long run. I do want clean dipes that work best they can, but dont want to have to spend a fortune on new ones if they get ruined. Let me know how the stripping went?

[levans]

I have used Bummis PUL covers and they held up great washed along with my prefolds. My washing routine was one cold water wash, followed by a hot water wash and extra rinse.

[joshs_girl]

Originally Posted by levans

I have used Bummis PUL covers and they held up great washed along with my prefolds. My washing routine was one cold water wash, followed by a hot water wash and extra rinse.

I have BSWW, Bummis Super Brite, Thirsties and Imse Vimse covers and have been doing the above routine for six months and haven't had any issues. I know it's not a very long time, but so far, so good

[Leisha]

When people say "hot wash", what kind of temperature do they mean?

Do most washing machines in the states just say "hot" or "medium" or "cold"? I've been wondering this, since i hardly ever see actual temperatures mentioned!!

[beachlover]

Originally Posted by Leisha

When people say "hot wash", what kind of temperature do they mean?

Do most washing machines in the states just say "hot" or "medium" or "cold"? I've been wondering this, since i hardly ever see actual temperatures mentioned!!

Yes, most machines just say Hot, Warm or Cold. Temperatures can vary drastically even on a Hot setting depending on whether the water heats up adequately and how fast it does so. I have an electric tea kettle, that I fill and boil and add it to my wash cycle, so I can be sure I'm getting some actual hot water in with the diapers.

[Leisha]

Originally Posted by beachlover

Yes, most machines just say Hot, Warm or Cold. Temperatures can vary drastically even on a Hot setting depending on whether the water heats up adequately and how fast it does so. I have an electric tea kettle, that I fill and boil and add it to my wash cycle, so I can be sure I'm getting some actual hot water in with the diapers.

Oh wow, thanks so much for clearing that up!!

Over here (well on my machine anyway) you can choose the temperature, 30-40-50- etc up to 90 or 95 ° celcius (almost boiling).


MittensKittens: I think my pocket diapers are ok after washing them at 70° but i haven't used them yet - we only use the pocket dipes for outings etc - so i'm not 100% sure!

[otterdaughter]

PUL is supposed to be a medical grade fabric, meaning that it's autoclavable (can be sterilized using steam under a vacuum). I have heard many people say that PUL tends to leak until it's been washed multiple times in hot water and dried with high heat. Diapers with leak-resistant seams don't need that kind of prepping, but PUL won't be damaged by the heat. If you find your PUL delaminating, it's a problem with the PUL quality and you should contact the diaper maker.

HTH,
Debby

[MittensKittens]

Originally Posted by otterbabies4

PUL is supposed to be a medical grade fabric, meaning that it's autoclavable (can be sterilized using steam under a vacuum). I have heard many people say that PUL tends to leak until it's been washed multiple times in hot water and dried with high heat. Diapers with leak-resistant seams don't need that kind of prepping, but PUL won't be damaged by the heat. If you find your PUL delaminating, it's a problem with the PUL quality and you should contact the diaper maker.

HTH,
Debby

That would be me for most dipes - PUL does vary in quality a bit, no way of knowing before you receive really, when you buy online. It is all holding up so far though

Leisha, glad your diapers seem to be OK!

[MittensKittens]

Oh, and I wash on 60 as well.