Help!!! for a veteran diaper user...

[BlueIrises]

I can't get my pockets to stop leaking. I've tried washing them until no suds and they still leak. I have FB and BG and I only use Charlie Soap (sometimes I add baking soda)...we bought a brand new washer in hopes that it would help...but I actually think things are worse. I tried using Dawn last week and doing several rinses and they may work for a day and then leakage. I only have enough diapers to get my 15mo and 2.5yo through one 24 hour period so I have been using the same diapers and washing them daily for 2.5 years...have they just reached their usage point and I need new inserts or is there something else I can do? How many washes will get them clean? What is the most anyone has ever had to wash to really and fully strip their diapers..10 washes? 20 washes? I was going to buy new Thirsties inserts but saw yesterday that they aren't being made right now: I'm all for better working conditions but I need working diapers now!!! I'm sick of having to run out and sposies b/c they stink up my house!

Please tell me what I sould do as I feel I am wasting water with doing three cycles everyday and still not having clean diapers

[Gabes Mommy]

It sounds like new inserts are the best solution. You are certainly getting them clean enough!

[omelette]

What BGs are you using?
I had the 1.0 version that was not PUL and they started to leak through the nylon material after 1.5 yrs of use.
If the PUL is intact on the diapers then I would suggest new inserts also.

[ma2tng]

How do they fit? Pocket diapers need to fit perfectly to work. How wet is the insert when they leak, is it possible that you need to add more absorbency as your babe gets older. Did you rule out other reasons for leaking? Have you tried to see if your pockets are repelling and inserts not absorbing? It could be something other then a washing problem.
Smiles,
Inge

[BlueIrises]

Originally Posted by omelette

What BGs are you using?
I had the 1.0 version that was not PUL and they started to leak through the nylon material after 1.5 yrs of use.
If the PUL is intact on the diapers then I would suggest new inserts also.

I think I have just one older BG that I bought 2 years ago and the rest were all bought last year when my second son was born so they should be the 2.0...is there a way to tell? Also how do I know if the PUL is intact? The leaking with the BG is not at the sides...it is leaking through the center. What does that mean?

Originally Posted by ma2tng

How do they fit? Pocket diapers need to fit perfectly to work. How wet is the insert when they leak, is it possible that you need to add more absorbency as your babe gets older. Did you rule out other reasons for leaking? Have you tried to see if your pockets are repelling and inserts not absorbing? It could be something other then a washing problem.
Smiles,
Inge
www.GreenFamilyLiving.com

The BG fit great. I will try adding more absorbancy...sometimes the inserts are saturated but sometimes they are not.

I don't know what the problem is with the FB...they are leaking out the sides. I was able to get 6 new Thirsties inserts so I will see if that is the problem...cross my fingers...b/c all new diapers is so not in the budget right now.

[Michigan Mama]

Open the pocket up and check the status of the lamination inside. If the shiny part is peeled away or tearing at all...I'm sorry to say you are out of luck. Some people get some results from trying to re-seal the PUL by drying on hight heat, but if the the lamination is ruined, then it's too late. The fact that your bg is leaking out the middle of the diaper is not a good sign.

That said, 2.5 years of daily use is a very good life span on a pocket diaper. They are great and convenient, but they just aren't designed to take tons of wear and tear, unfortunately. If you are up to the learning curve of prefolds, they are one of the most inexpensive and foolproof options!

I hope you can get your pockets working!

[BlueIrises]

Originally Posted by Michigan Mama

Open the pocket up and check the status of the lamination inside. If the shiny part is peeled away or tearing at all...I'm sorry to say you are out of luck. Some people get some results from trying to re-seal the PUL by drying on hight heat, but if the the lamination is ruined, then it's too late. The fact that your bg is leaking out the middle of the diaper is not a good sign.

That said, 2.5 years of daily use is a very good life span on a pocket diaper. They are great and convenient, but they just aren't designed to take tons of wear and tear, unfortunately. If you are up to the learning curve of prefolds, they are one of the most inexpensive and foolproof options!

I hope you can get your pockets working!

Thanks...I will look at all the diapers when they come out of the wash today. I'm pretty bummed b/c 5 out of 6of my BG were bought last April so they are only just over a year old...UGH!

I do have PF and covers and I use too, but Jack is a thick boy and PF just don't give him alot of room in 3T clothing...PF really limit what he can wear. He can actually fit in 2T still when he wears a sposie (except jeans)...trying to get some shorts or pants on him in a PF is like me trying to get my 80's jeans on back in HS...laying on my back grasping for a zipper Plus I love the way poop just rolls off a pocket...never a need for the sprayer.

Thanks for the help!

[EmmalinesMom]

Some people soak their diapers in either a wet pail or the washer. This can break down the PUL. (I'm not saying that you do this, just putting it out there. )