Using Tide on Bum Genius

[~Shanna~]

We've battled stink on our BumGenius for forever. I have tried everything, and I do mean everything. My last effort is going to be in using Tide instead of Charlies. The best looking type of Tide that my grocery store had was "Tide Free (2X)". Anyone have any comments about whether there is a better variety to try? This one sounded most likely to not have clogging additives in it, but one can never know with the lack of ingredient list :.

[DevaMajka]

I use regular Tide 2x liquid sometimes if I get stinkies. Original scent. It definitely doesn't cause buildup for me (though I think it can depend on your water, etc), and it gets rid of the stinkies. Though sometimes I have to use it for every wash for a week or so, then I switch back to my regular detergent, which is more natural and unscented.

I've read that powdered Tide is better for cd's than liquid. I don't know about Tide Free though.

The best advice I ever read for washing cloth diapers is to use plenty of detergent and plenty of water. If you don't use enough detergent, you just aren't going to get them all clean, and they will stink. It's also important to rinse them well. (because residue can make them stink too). That's why I don't use Tide all the time- it takes too many rinses to rinse completely out.

There's a whole Tide thread on diaperswappers that you may find helpful

[Katie T]

I have found w/ charlies that if u soak for about 30 min or longer during the hot wash w/ soap i have no stinkies. I have been diapering 3 yrs b 4 I figured this out lol I also do a couple hot washes w/ no soap till no suds r present hth

[SeekingSerenity]

Glad I found this thread. I use Tide 2x (Original scent) on all my other laundry, but I always use All Free & Clear on the diapers because the person who taught me about CDing swore you should NEVER EVER use scented anything when washing the dipes. Also that you should only use the barest, tiniest amount of detergent at all. So consequently, my CDs stink and I end up washing them about 4 times when they really start to get offensive. Each time with the free & clear, just about 1/4 cup, and on hot water. Then drying them outside, hoping that will eliminate the odor. I mean, it's a faint smell, but it is definitely there.

I'm glad to see I can occasionally use Tide and not worry about ruining my CDs. I will use an extra rinse cycle to make sure the residue gets rinsed off.

[VroomieMama]

I would add vinegar once in a while to wash with charlie's soap.. it worked really good for me.