Bleached or Unbleached? Chinese or Indian Prefolds?

[StrongFeather]

So I have been hanging out here all morning and so far can't get this question answered.

I notice when I went to buy some Prefolds I was asked whether I would like Unbleached or Bleached cotton. The Bleached (of course) is NOT chlorine bleached but peroxide bleached a "natural bleaching process", therefore de-gummed?

So from what I understand, if a diaper is unbleached it needs to be de-gummed? And washed multiple times before use. How many times? Is it worth to buy unbleached and then have to wash them many, many times?

Or should I just buy the bleached, already de-gummed, and only have to wash a handful of times?

While I am at it..what it the difference between Chinese Prefolds and Indian Prefolds? Does it matter?

[MommaShark]

I prefer unbleached Indian prefolds - they are softer and more absorbent in my opinion. You will need to wash and dry 6 times or so....

[Drummer's Wife]

unbleached indians

[jmo]

I also prefer unbleached indian -- much softer. I'm not sure about the degumming? I have some bleached prefolds too and I've never done anything differently in the prep process. I've heard that chinese last longer (something about stronger fiber) but this hasn't really been my experience with 2 kids in cloth.

[StrongFeather]

thanks!!

[isabchi]

I love my unbleached indian p. Super soft and don't got stains. I'm using u.indians for the second round and my diapers are super absorbent and in perfect shape. I'm using also some chinese bleached p, and definitely the indians are softer and durable.

[Cutie Patootie]

Unbleached indian If you are looking for the perfect prefolds, go for the cloth-eez organic unbleached indian (www.greenmountaindiapers.com). These things are divine and they just keep getting softer. They are also cut shorter to fit in wrap cover without having to fold down for fit, so way less bulky.

ETA: they have non-organic as well.

[yamilee21]

Another vote for unbleached Indian. We bought 2 dozen unbleached Indian prefolds before my son was born, then bought a dozen unbleached Chinese when we realized we needed more diapers in the newborn stage. We are using them with my daughter now, and the Indian prefolds have held up so well. They show NO sign of wear and tear, in contrast to the Chinese, which have thin spots and small holes.

[SaraLe6]

I've never had to spot treat my unbleached for stains.. my bleached I have to spot treat every single time he poops in one (and we're talking EBF poops). The unbleached are also very noticeably softer. I very much prefer the unbleached to the bleached.