Wash new diapers?

[mrscompgeek]

Do I need to wash all my cloth diapers before using them? I thought I read somewhere I need to but I cant find it anywhere now. I have some Bumgenius, some AIO WAHM made ones and some prefolds with covers. Do they need to be washed? If so how many times? Do I need to use soap each time or just water? Hot or Cold? Do I put them in the dryer to help them be absorbent the first time or line dry them?

[Gabes Mommy]

The prefolds or anything that is natural fibers (i.e., cotton, hemp, bamboo) need to be washed a few times to get the natural oils out. Otherwise they aren't very absorbent. The other diapers and covers just need one washing, and wash them how you would normally wash. That way they are nice and clean for your LO!

Originally Posted by mrscompgeek

Do I need to wash all my cloth diapers before using them? I thought I read somewhere I need to but I cant find it anywhere now. I have some Bumgenius, some AIO WAHM made ones and some prefolds with covers. Do they need to be washed? If so how many times? Do I need to use soap each time or just water? Hot or Cold? Do I put them in the dryer to help them be absorbent the first time or line dry them?

[mrscompgeek]

Thanks! I had forgotten that my Prefolds I bought used from someone so they are already absorbant. Ill probably just throw them in with the load of AIO's to make sure they are clean.

[Michigan Mama]

Washing everything once through should be good. I always wash on hot and dry on low or medium the first time, washing with a minimal amount of detergent (I use 1/2 scoop country save, or less if it's a small load).

Now with used diapers, I prefer to bleach or boil before I use them to make sure there aren't any buggies lingering around in there, but that's just me...