Preparing my stash

[dosergirl]

So i had my baby shower over the weekend and got most of my newborn stash items but now i want to get them all ready for when LO gets here.
I know i need to prewash everything... but can i use my Seventh Generation laundry detergent that i use everyday? and can i do everything together?

I got a dozen indian cotton unbleached prefolds
half a dozen hemp doublers
2 kissluvs fitteds
2 drybees fittes

and a bunch of cloth wipes (the sampler pack from jilliansdrawers)

how would you prepare these?

[JamieCatheryn]

I'd use just a tiny bit of detergent (7th gen sounds fine, I just do All f&c), and run them through the wash on hot 4 times or so, then dry.

[Michigan Mama]

Seventh Generation, I think can be problematic for people, but I would think it would probably be ok, since you're using all natural fibers. You can always change if you run into trouble later. Here's a list of detergents, if you're interested...

Your unbleached stuff (prefolds & hemp) need to be prewashed and dried at least 4 times to get them absorbant. If the others are treated or bleached, you only need to do one prewash. Same with covers & wipes. I always just wash them once first to remove any residue from the manufacturing process.

Congratulations!! How exciting!!! :

[kriket]

did you get any covers or woolies? my first thought was 'she needs more dipes!" start washing those prefolds, they will need to be washed at least 2x to fluff them up. the others just wash once and they are ready to go! yes you can do everything together. everyone has their own ritual but i rinse in cold, wash in warm with 2T all f&c maybe baking powder if I feel like they there is a lot of poopy ones, rinse warm. on sundays i strip baking powder and dish soap

[dosergirl]

yes i got two covers and i know i need more
i have two more months (hopefully) til this baby comes.

[Gabes Mommy]

I would prewash them, and 7th Gen is great. I would wash with cold water and a teeny tiny bit of detergent. You really don't need a lot, even when they're dirty. Then do a hot water rinse. You will need to do this a few times to help with absorbancy. Just keep building your stash, it's tons of fun! Congrats!

[Punchy Kaby]

All F & C has brighteners, I thought we are not supposed to use brighteners on the diapers?

[kriket]

Originally Posted by Nolansmum

All F & C has brighteners, I thought we are not supposed to use brighteners on the diapers?

meh.... I read that too, then there are other companies that recommend All f&c. : I strip about 1/3 of the stash weekley, maybe thats why I haven't had problems yet. Its just like charlies, some sites say its the end-all-be-all and yet there are a lot of people who are getting burns from it! If ever find country save I'm going to give it a try, but I've never seen it in my area.

I literally use 2 tablespoons, so I think it would have to be the build up that is the danger.

[Punchy Kaby]

ONE QUESTION, I have new diapers to wash also. Do I use detergent on the new diapers or just hot water?

[dosergirl]

so i have done one wash and i used a tiny tiny amount of the seventh generation. i plan to finish the wash/dry cycle (cause they need to be done 4 times) maybe today and then i will pour water on them to test the absorbancy?

i want to get charlies but it stinks cause i can only order it online. i won't use just any detergent and i would like to be able to use the same detergent for dipes and our clothes and be able to buy it in the store (regular grocery store, whole foods or target)