question about bleaching

[Cameron's Mommy]

So I keep reading that many mamas bleach their dipes a couple times a month.. what about the the colors running?? many of my fitteds are and pockets are colored.. I use oxygen bleach once in a while but I've heard that its not the same as chlorine bleach.

[chase_mommy]

I have heard/read that bleach and oxyclean break down the diaper fibers, making them not last as long. Also, there is a risk of chemical burns with them so I dont use either. Never had to... but I am a prefold and flats momma... stink/stain issues never happened to us. I would recommend vinegar and sunning before bleach.

[lifeguard]

I have homemade prefolds that I bleach occassionally. But I really am not concerned about ruining them - if they fall apart prematurely I'll just make more. But I never bleach my covers cause they are too expensive to replace.

[mntnmom]

bleach is a last resort here. We had some issues with a very stubborn yeast rash, so I bleached my dipes to be sure that wasn't the cause. I really don't find it necessary in general. I'm very happy with borax in with my detergent, and vinegar instead of fabric softener.

[octobermom]

I used a tiny bit of bleach is EVERY wash after my DD ended up with a reaccuring staph infection.. I had pockets fitted prefolds AIOs colored whites unbleached ect... Not only did it FINAIALLY clear her rash (and if we skipped more than 1-2 wash cycles with bleach it came back) but it actually REStORED her diapers it stopped our pockets from repelling and the covers from leaking ect.. ALl the colors stayed bright and viberant. The old thing that was affected my unbleached prefolds lightened up and I had some colored kissaluvs that did lighten.

Deanna