what detergent, how to wash?

[Zumbi]

I am having my 1st in Sept and am planning on using bum genius 3.0 cloth diapers (maybe with disposable liners - not sure about this). I have sensitive skin and so the detergent I currently use is 7th generation free and clear (no dyes, perfumes). I've heard that this type is bad for cloth diapers. So is there a detergent type I can buy in stores - not have to special order online - that is good to use, doesn't cause stinky diaper syndrome, and preferably free of perfumes?

On another note - how to wash? I have an old washer, top loading. The rinse cycles, etc are not clearly marked but I could probably figure it out and mark with tape. The choices are gentle or normal. The water here is hard - lots of white buildup that happens on the dishes in the dishwasher. For drying - any thoughts on air drying vs. dryer?

Any advice???

[kriket]

i would just follow the directions BG has.

i use prefolds, mostly, use all F&C rinse in cold wash with like a tablespoon of detergent, and rinse again. so far so good.

[luckygreen713]

I use cotton prefolds. I also have a top loader, no bells or whistles, just a basic washer. But here's what I do:
cold rinse with no detergent, hot wash with small amount of Arm and Hammer Sensitive Skin (dye & perfume free) or Purex F & C and 1/2 scoop of OxiClean F&C (for sanitizing, not sure if recommeneded for bG's), then a warm rinse. In that last rinse I check to make sure there are no bubbles, if there are I rinse again. I use warm because it works better than cold, but works cold ok too if your machine doesn't have a warm rinse. I dry them in the dryer because I don't have the patience for air drying.

[My3guys]

I agree regarding following the bumGenius washing instructions. In terms of detergent, use whatever works for you. I know that bumGenius has just started its own line of detergent but I have not used it yet or know anyone who has.

The only issue is your hard water. If your water is super hard then it might be difficult to get all the detergent out. So, you probably will have to do one or more extra rinse cycles. Just keep rinsing until you see no more suds. Then dry as normal.

Personally, we air dry everything but that has more to do with being frugal and green than any best way to dry a diaper. Follow the manufacturers instructions.

Congratulations on the baby!

[mesa]

honestly, I use Tide. I tried Charlies for months, it just didn't work for me. I do a cold soak and rinse, then a hot wash with an extra cold rinse with Tide. Sometimes I do a second hot wash with no detergent after the first. I line dry my pockets and dry my inserts in the dryer.

[hibiscus mum]

I'm new to CDing to and bought my first BumGeius 3.0s last week. The store I got them from gave me a handout with a list of recommended detergents for use with the diapers. I'm in Canada and was able to find one of the recommended brands at the grocery store.

They came with really specific washing instructions as well. Send me a PM if you'd like me to type them out for you.