Congratulations on your new babe and welcome to the wonderful world of cd'ing! I remember my first time washing the dipes and how nervous I was. There really is nothing to worry about! In fact, with some diapers, the more you wash them the more absorbant and fluffier they get! It's a good thing.
I wash everything together but pull out everything waterproof (covers, aio's and pockets) and let those hangdry. You can actually dry them a few times without worry but after a while the waterproof part starts breaking down if you subject it to too much dry heat.
The washing part becomes super easy after the first few times. Don't worry! You can do it!!!
If you're interested here's my wash routine. (I add a lot of optional steps though so don't be intimidated, just ignore those parts if you like)......
*Prerinse/Soak cycle in cold with 1/4 dose of regular Tide. I also put several drops of tea tree oil but that's optional. I like the idea of it being anti-bacterial, plus it helps if you ever find your diapers (hemp mostly) start to smell.
*Hot wash/cold rinse with another 1/4 dose of Tide. Occasionally I'll add about a 1/4 dose of Downey Advanced in the ball. Again that's an optional step.
*Cold rinse. I sometimes will add a few drops of lavendar oil just because I like the scent. This is totally optional.
*Once done, I take out all waterproof things (covers, aio's pockets) and dry in permanent press cycle of dryer. I hang the waterproof ones indoors until dry. Either in the washroom, over the banister, or in the bathroom (depends on if I'm expecting company or not. lol).
