How are cloth diapers washed?

Don't worry, it's completely normal for questions to arise around this topic. Ultimately, washing cloth diapers is one of the most important differences from disposable diapers. So that you don't get lost in the jungle of information, we offer you a concise summary of the topic "How to wash cloth diapers?"

First of all: New cloth diapers should always be washed so that the absorbent material develops its full absorbency. We recommend washing the insoles at least twice. The more often they are washed, the better: they develop their full suction power in the first five to eight washes.

Additionally, there are 5 simple tips you should keep in mind:

1. Storage

You should wash used cloth diapers approximately every three days and store them in a dry, cool and airy place. Wetbags are best suited for this. Cover pants should be stored separately from the pads to extend the life of the PUL.

2. Prewash

Always choose to pre-wash your cloth diapers so that any coarse dirt can be removed first. You can use the water plus button to ensure that the insoles can soak up water.

3. Main wash cycle

Choose a washing program with 800 - 1000 revolutions to increase the life of your cloth diapers and inserts.

You can wash overpants at 40°C and absorbent pads at 60°C to get them hygienically clean. A laundry net for overpants is recommended as it protects the waterproof membrane from damage.

Please note that the stool is removed beforehand and disposed of separately. Use our business paper (diaper fleece) to easily remove stool from the diaper before putting it in the washing machine.

4. Detergent

Use a heavy-duty powder detergent that contains oxygen bleach to ensure thorough cleaning.

Avoid fabric softeners, chlorine bleach, or stain removers. Make sure the detergent does not contain cellulase, as this enzyme can cause holes in the absorbent pads. We can recommend the sensitive detergent from the DM house brand.

5. Drying

Dry your insoles quickly in the air or in the dryer. Air drying increases the lifespan of your cloth diapers. Products made from PUL should not be tumble dried or dried in the sun to avoid damage.

Conclusion

Washing cloth diapers is not that complicated, but there are a few important points to keep in mind to preserve the lifespan of the diapers and ensure hygienic cleaning. By choosing the right detergent, temperature, and drying method, you can ensure your cloth diapers stay clean, soft, and long-lasting.

Do you want to find out more about diaper washing? Then feel free to read on. On the following pages we have summarized a lot of detailed knowledge about storing, washing and drying cloth diapers for you!

By choosing the right washing program and detergent, you can ensure that your cloth diapers are thoroughly cleaned and hygienically clean while at the same time protecting the materials.

Here you will find answers to the following questions:

• What factors influence your cloth diaper washing?
• Which washing program is ideal for cloth diapers?
• What is the ideal washing temperature for cloth diapers?
• Which detergent can you use for cloth diapers?

What factors influence your cloth diaper washing?

When washing, the interaction of various factors plays a crucial role in achieving an optimal result. The success of a cleaning is influenced by five parameters:

• Amount of water
• loading level
• laundry detergent
• temperature
• Duration of the wash cycle
• Number of revolutions

These factors work together when washing your cloth diapers.

Amount of water

One of these factors is water , which is often underestimated but has a significant impact on the cleaning effect.

A sufficient amount of water is required to distribute the detergent evenly and ensure effective cleaning. Since the absorbent pads absorb a lot of water, you should always make sure to use the water plus button. Too little water can cause the cloth diapers to not rinse properly and leave residue behind. The water not only serves as a transport medium for the detergent, but also influences the chemical reaction and mechanical cleaning of the diapers. The quality of the water , particularly its hardness, can significantly influence the effectiveness of the washing process. Hard water contains a higher concentration of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which tend to react with soaps and detergents and leave a residue. This residue can build up on the cloth diapers and make them appear less clean and soft.

To solve this problem, it is important to use the right amount of detergent and, if necessary, a water softener . A water softener can help bind the minerals in the water, improving the cleaning power of the detergent.

loading level

Another important point when washing cloth diapers is the load capacity of your washing machine.

An overloaded machine can result in cloth diapers not being cleaned thoroughly because they don't have enough room to move freely. On the other hand, a load that is too small can lead to uneven washing results. It is therefore important to only load the machine up to the recommended capacity and to distribute the cloth diapers evenly in the drum. Make sure the diapers have enough room to move freely so that the water and detergent can circulate effectively through the cloth diapers. As a rule of thumb, there should still be a hand's breadth of space. If you only have a small amount of cloth diapers, you can wash your diapers with other laundry such as towels.

Function of the detergent

The function of the detergent when washing cloth diapers is essential for thorough cleaning and the removal of dirt and odors. Laundry detergent contains various ingredients that help loosen and remove dirt and stains from your cloth diapers. Some of the main ingredients of laundry detergent are:

1. Surfactants: Surfactants are surface-active substances that ensure that dirt particles are dissolved and removed from textiles. They help emulsify grease and oil spills so water can wash them away.

2. Builders: Builders are chemical compounds that bind water hardness ions and thus improve the washing effect of the water. They prevent the formation of lime soap and ensure that the detergent can work effectively even with hard water.

3. Bleach: Bleach is used to remove stains and discoloration and to brighten laundry. They can be oxygen-based (e.g. sodium percarbonate) or chlorine-based (e.g. sodium hypochlorite).

4. Enzymes: Enzymes are proteins that can break down certain types of stains and soils by breaking the chemical bonds between molecules. Examples of enzymes in detergents include cellulase (for smoothing fibers), proteases (for protein stains), lipases (for greasy stains), and amylases (for starchy stains).

5. Fragrances and dyes: Fragrances are added to detergent to create a pleasant smell, while dyes can be used for optical brightening.

6. Excipients: The excipients in detergents include, among others, thickeners, stabilizers and anti-redeposition agents, which serve to improve the stability and effectiveness of the detergent.

Washing temperature

In general, the higher the temperature, the more thorough the cleaning. Warm or hot water helps loosen grease and oil spills and remove stains, while cold water is more suitable for delicate fabrics and colors.

In addition to the cleaning effect, the washing temperature also influences the disinfection of the cloth diapers. Higher temperatures above 60°C can help kill germs and bacteria, which is particularly important for infectious textiles.

Duration of the wash cycle

The time factor determines how long the laundry is moved in the drum and how long it is in contact with water and detergent: A long wash cycle allows for a more thorough cleaning because the diapers have more time to move in the water and incorporate the detergent . A short wash cycle is therefore not suitable for cloth diapers.

Number of revolutions

A slower rotation speed means the diapers are treated more gently, resulting in a longer lifespan. A slower spin will push less water out of the cloth diapers, meaning they will be wetter after the wash cycle. This can mean that the drying time is slightly longer, but at the same time the stress on the materials is reduced.

On the other hand, higher speeds result in more efficient removal of water from diapers. This significantly shortens the drying time, which is particularly practical if there is no possibility of air drying the cloth diapers. The higher spin speed also rinses more water out of the diapers, meaning they won't be as damp after the wash cycle as they would be at lower spins.

Overall, the choice of rotation speed depends on various factors, including personal preference, the availability of drying options and the materials of the cloth diapers. It is important to find a compromise that ensures effective cleaning while maximizing the life of the diapers.

Which washing program is ideal for cloth diapers?

Most washing machines have one or two programs that are perfect for thoroughly cleaning cloth diapers - totally easy!

A quick look at your washing machine's operating instructions can help you find the optimal washing program for your cloth diapers . Programs such as "Cotton" or "Allergy" are often recommended because they provide adequate exercise and enough water to thoroughly clean diapers. These programs often also have options for different temperature settings and spin speeds that can be adjusted to suit your needs.

To help you choose the right program, we have the following tips. Always choose a prewash for your cloth diapers. The water should be pumped out after the prewash so that coarse dirt can be removed first. You can also use the water plus button to ensure that the insoles can soak up water. The
Choosing a prewash has the following advantages:

• Coarse dirt is washed out
• The fabric fibers can soak so that the dirt comes off more easily
• After pumping, your cloth diapers will be given fresh, clean water and detergent to be washed thoroughly

This is followed by the main washing program . Choose a cotton or allergy program for your absorbent pads as it uses the ideal combination of washing time, temperature and number of revolutions.

Ideally, the washing program has around 800 - 1200 revolutions to increase the life of your cloth diapers and inserts. The lower the number of revolutions, the more you protect your diapers and the environment.

You can wash overpants at 40°C and absorbent pads at 60°C to get them hygienically clean. A laundry net for overpants is recommended as it protects the waterproof membrane from damage.

Please note that the stool is removed beforehand and disposed of separately. Use our business paper (diaper fleece) to easily remove poop from the diaper before putting it in the washing machine.

What is the ideal washing temperature for cloth diapers?

In the past, boiling cloth diapers was done at high temperatures
a common practice to ensure all bacteria, viruses and fungi are killed. This method was considered an effective way to ensure the hygiene of the cloth diapers and thus protect the baby's health.

However, with advances in washing machine technology and the development of detergents with antibacterial and antiviral properties, the standards for cleaning cloth diapers have changed. Nowadays it is no longer necessary to boil cloth diapers at extremely high temperatures such as 90°C. In fact, studies show that a washing temperature of 60°C is enough to effectively kill all bacteria, viruses and fungi, as long as the cloth diapers are treated with a suitable detergent and an appropriate washing program.

We therefore recommend always washing the absorbent pads at 60°C. This temperature is high enough to kill fungi, viruses and bacteria and keep the diapers hygienically clean, but without putting too much strain on the materials. The overpants can also be washed at 60°C. However, since they often do not come into direct contact with the skin and are less dirty, a washing temperature of 40°C is often sufficient. This protects the materials and extends their lifespan.

Which detergent can you use for cloth diapers?

The detergent has five main tasks:

• It increases the pH to cause the fibers to swell so that the dirt can be removed from the fibers
• It prevents the dirt and substances that have already been dissolved from settling back on the fibers during the washing process
• It uses softeners to prevent salts from the water from settling on the fibers
• It uses oxygen bleach to remove gross stains from your fabrics and "disinfects" them
• Keep laundry odorless or scented

The detergent, in combination with the correct washing temperature, ensures that fungi, viruses and bacteria are killed to ensure hygienic cleanliness. In addition, the detergent helps keep the cloth diapers soft and prevents skin irritation for babies. It is important to choose the right cloth diaper detergent that is free of fragrances, fabric softeners, and other harsh chemicals that can damage the diaper materials.

It is advisable to follow the manufacturer's dosage recommendations and not to use too much detergent to avoid overdosing, which could stress the cloth diapers. The dosage is always based on the degree of contamination and the hardness of the water. Cloth diapers always fall under heavily soiled laundry. When it comes to water hardness, the harder the water, the more softener is needed.

No additional softener is necessary for soft water. For medium to very hard water, we recommend adding a softener or liquid descaler based on lactic acid. If you put it in the fabric softener compartment, it will ensure that your cloth diapers become softer and that no salts settle on the fibers. This will ensure that there are no residues left in the cloth diapers that can cause odors.

The best solution for washing cloth diapers is a heavy-duty powder detergent that contains oxygen bleach. This type of detergent is particularly effective at removing stains and odors and ensures a thorough cleaning of cloth diapers. It is important to avoid using chlorine bleach or stain removers as these can damage the materials of the cloth diapers. Make sure the detergent does not contain enzymes such as cellulase, as these can cause holes in diapers. You should also avoid fabric and hygiene softeners, as they impair the absorbency and can irritate your baby's skin.

A sensitive detergent without fragrance is often a good choice to avoid skin irritation in babies. If your child has sensitive skin, you should also avoid the following ingredients:

• synthetic fragrances
• Chlorine bleach
• preservatives
• optical brighteners

If you still notice stains after washing your cloth diapers, that's no problem. Basically, stains are not visually attractive, but are not a sign of poor cleaning. To remove dark stains from your absorbent pads, you can place your cloth diapers in the sun while they are still damp. The dye contained in the stool is broken down by sunlight and the stains disappear on their own. However, avoid placing PUL in the sun as strong heat can destroy the waterproof membrane.

The optimal washing routine for your Lunakind cloth diapers is crucial to ensuring they remain hygienically clean and odor-free while maximizing their lifespan. Here you will find our 4-step washing instructions to print out so that you always have all the important tips at hand.

Here you will find answers to the following questions:

• How often should you wash cloth diapers?
• Can I wash cloth diapers with other laundry?
• Proper washing machine care

How often should you wash cloth diapers?

The frequency of washing cloth diapers is an important aspect of the cloth diaper routine that affects your baby's hygiene and comfort. After a while, urine breaks down into ammonia, which attacks the substances and can lead to unpleasant smells. Therefore, it is advisable to wash cloth diapers every two to three days. This time frame provides a balanced approach between frequent washing to remove dirt and bacteria and an appropriate amount of cloth diapering to minimize washing effort.

Adequate rotation of cloth diapers ensures that each diaper has adequate time to dry and recover before being used again. This helps extend the life of the diapers and prevent potential damage from excessive washing.

Washing cloth diapers frequently can also help maximize the effectiveness of detergents and wash cycles by effectively removing dirt and residue. Studies show that regular washing at appropriate temperatures and with appropriate detergents helps create a hygienic environment for the baby and reduces the risk of skin irritation.

When it comes to practicality, it is advisable to have an adequate supply of cloth diapers to facilitate the washing cycle. A stock of around 20 to 30 all-in-one cloth diapers or 6 covers and 24 inserts makes it possible to have enough diapers available while others are washed and dried in the meantime. This also helps reduce the pressure of washing and makes daily cloth diaper handling easier.

Can I wash cloth diapers with other laundry?

A question that concerns many parents: Can I wash my cloth diapers with other laundry? The answer to that is actually quite simple: yes, you can!

Modern washing machines are able to ensure hygienically clean laundry at a temperature of 60°C and this applies to both cloth diapers and other items of clothing. So as long as you choose a long wash program and set the right temperature, there is no reason why you can't fully load your machine with towels, washcloths, bed linen and other textiles. Some parents may be hesitant to get used to it at first, but most quickly find that it works just fine.

A little tip to counteract the mental cinema: Choose a pre-wash for your cloth diapers without detergent or a short rinse program to first rinse out all residues from your cloth diapers. You can then add more laundry and start the main wash cycle. This not only uses less water and energy, but also ensures better cleaning of your laundry.

Overall, washing cloth diapers alongside other laundry offers a practical and efficient way to save time and protect the environment without sacrificing hygiene or cleanliness. So don’t be afraid to load the machine full and make washing super easy!

Proper washing machine care

To ensure that your cloth diapers are cleaned optimally, it is important to regularly care for the washing machine.

After each wash cycle, leave the detergent drawer and the machine door slightly open. This allows the machine to dry inside, which in turn prevents deposits and mold from forming. Also clean the dishwasher compartment regularly to remove any detergent residue.

Another important point is the lint filter. It is located in the lower part of the washing machine and retains abrasion from the clothes. You should remove and clean this regularly to avoid blockages.

In addition, you should not forget the door seal and the glass of the washing machine. The best way to clean these is with water and household cleaner. Pay particular attention to the lower area of ​​the door seal, as water often collects here.

For harder water, also use descaler to remove limescale deposits that can affect the performance of the washing machine. A well-maintained washing machine not only ensures clean cloth diapers, but also extends the life of your washing machine.

Here you will find answers to the following questions:

• How to store cloth diapers until you wash them?
• What is the best way to dry cloth diapers?
• Cloth diapers without a dryer - is that possible?
• Tips for natural stain removal

How to store cloth diapers until you wash them?

Proper storage of cloth diapers is important to prevent odors and mold. Here are a few tips on how to optimally store your cloth diapers between washes:

Store pads and covers separately. This not only makes later sorting before washing easier, but also improves air circulation and minimizes odors.

Store used cloth diapers in a well-ventilated area. Avoid airtight containers as they can restrict air circulation and cause odors. Moisture promotes bacterial growth and mold formation. Your cloth diapers can be optimally stored in a wetbag .

Additionally, you should not store your cloth diapers for too long before washing them. It is ideal to wash the diapers every 2-3 days to avoid odors and ensure hygiene.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your cloth diapers are stored properly and stay fresh between washes.

What is the best way to dry cloth diapers?

The best method for drying cloth diapers is to air dry them in the fresh air. Hang the diapers outside on a clothesline or drying rack. Sunlight has a natural disinfectant effect and helps remove stains and neutralize odors.

If the weather doesn't permit it or you don't have outdoor space, you can dry the cloth diapers indoors in a well-ventilated area.

Of course, you can also use your dryer for all absorbent pads. Here we recommend a low temperature and gentle settings to maximize the life of your diapers. PUL dries so quickly that it doesn't need to be put in the dryer. There is also a risk that high heat could damage the waterproof membrane.

With these tips you can ensure that your cloth diapers are dried optimally and their quality is maintained.

Cloth diapers without a dryer - is that possible?

Yes, cloth diapers can be easily dried without a dryer. In fact, air drying is the preferred method for drying cloth diapers because it is gentle on the materials and uses the natural disinfectant effects of sunlight.

To dry cloth diapers without a dryer, we have the following tips:

Hang the cloth diapers on a clothesline or drying rack outside. Sunlight has a natural disinfectant effect and helps remove stains and neutralize odors. If the weather doesn't permit it or you don't have outdoor space, you can also dry the cloth diapers indoors in a well-ventilated area. Drying time can of course vary depending on weather conditions. By letting the cloth diapers air dry, you can not only save energy, but also ensure that your diapers remain optimally cared for and hygienically clean.

Tips for natural stain removal

Stains on cloth diapers can be a challenge, but are more of a visual problem than a hygienic one. There are some natural methods to effectively remove stains without using harsh chemicals. Here are some tips for removing stains naturally:

Sun consists of UV light that bleaches and disinfects. These properties make them an excellent means of removing stains from cloth diapers. Even if the sky is overcast, sunlight can be effective, although the process may take a little longer. A simple step is to hang the still-wet cloth diapers outside or near a sunny window after washing and let the sun do its work.

For particularly stubborn stains, such as those from breast milk stool, a targeted moist treatment can help. Squirt a little water on the stains and let them sit for a few minutes before exposing the cloth diapers to the sun again. This process can be repeated several times until the stains completely disappear.

Another way to remove stains is citric acid. Their natural properties make them an environmentally friendly and effective solution for a variety of stains, including rust and blood stains.

If your clothespins have left rust stains on cloth diapers or your baby is taking iron supplements, citric acid can help. Drizzle some lemon juice on the affected areas and let it work. Then rinse thoroughly or wash as usual. The citric acid helps loosen the rust and remove the stains without damaging the fabric.

Blood stains can be stubborn, but citric acid can provide an effective solution. Start by rinsing the stains with cold or lukewarm water and gently rubbing the fabric together. Do not use hot water, as this can cause the proteins in the blood to stick together and permanently fix the stain.

Halve a lemon and drizzle the juice generously onto the stain. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing the fabric thoroughly or washing it as usual. The citric acid helps to loosen and remove the blood stain naturally without having to use harsh chemicals.

By using these natural methods, you can effectively remove stubborn stains on your cloth diapers without having to resort to harsh chemicals.

Here you will find answers to the following questions:

• What to do if the cloth diapers smell like urine/ammonia?
• Solutions to common laundry problems
• How to clean cloth diapers thoroughly?

What to do if the cloth diapers smell like urine/ammonia?

If your cloth diapers smell like urine or ammonia, it means the urine wasn't completely flushed out. Another possibility is that detergent residue and bacteria have accumulated on the absorbent pads. Here you should adjust your washing routine.

Make sure you use the recommended amount of detergent. If your tap water is particularly hard, using a water softener can also help improve the effectiveness of your detergent and reduce residue. You should also use enough water when washing: use a prewash and the water plus button.

If you continue to have problems with odors or residue, increase the washing temperature to 60°C or higher to kill bacteria and eliminate odors. Sometimes you only notice the wrong dosage when bacteria or detergent residue has built up. You should also dry the diapers quickly after washing.

To combat the smell of ammonia, you can try deep cleaning your cloth diapers. You can find instructions for this in the last section of this article under “How to thoroughly clean cloth diapers”.

Solutions to common laundry problems

If you're having trouble washing cloth diapers, there are some solutions you can try to improve the effectiveness of your washing process. Below are solutions for other washing problems:

The insoles don't absorb properly

Your insoles only develop their full absorbency after about five to eight washes. Therefore, you should add them to your regular laundry before using them or soak them overnight. If your insoles suddenly stop sucking after a long period of use, then it may be due to deposits of grease residue. This is obvious if you have used creams, baby oil or ointments and they get on the insoles. Another reason could be lime soaps. These occur when the limescale from the water combines with soap from the detergent. Since lime soap is water-repellent, it impairs the absorbency, just like the grease residue. Since they also build up in your washing machine, you should deep clean both your absorbent pads and your washing machine. Machine cleaning products from the drugstore are suitable for the washing machine. You should clean the absorbent pads thoroughly as described in the next section. You should also consider using a water softener. For medium to hard water, we recommend adding a water softener to the detergent.

The PUL is damaged

The membrane of cloth diapers has a breathable and water-repellent layer. If this is destroyed, some diapers may no longer hold tightly in the broken areas. To avoid this, you should put them in a laundry net to wash. Especially if you wash your diapers with other laundry that has Velcro and zippers, a laundry net protects your pants from damage. Additionally, you should not expose them to direct sunlight for long periods of time. Drying overpants in the midday sun can damage the PUL membrane. The same applies to the dryer: If a pair of overpants gets lost in the dryer, there probably won't be a problem. However, if you use the dryer regularly, it can increase the wear and tear on your overpants and they can become porous. Improper storage of the overpants can also be a reason for a defective PUL. It's best to air these out and store them separately from the absorbent pads. If this is not possible, you should wash it after 2 days at the latest, as the residue from bacteria and urine can attack the coating.

Holes in the absorbent pads

Some detergents cause holes to form in the absorbent pads. That's because some detergents have cellulase added, which smoothes and "shaves" the fabric fibers. Especially with bamboo inserts, we recommend using a detergent without cellulase to improve longevity.

How to clean cloth diapers thoroughly?

Deep cleaning of cloth diapers is called stripping. To thoroughly clean your absorbent pads, it is important to use an effective washing process. Here are some steps you can follow to ensure your diapers are clean and odor-free:

A quick and easy solution is to put your cloth diapers in a warm water bath with about 30ml of “Ullrich Descaler”. This is based on lactic acid and cleans the diapers gently. After about 2-3 hours you can put them in the washing machine and wash them as usual.

If that is not enough, we recommend washing the cloth diapers at at least 60°C and using 1/4 more detergent powder. Also turn on the water plus button. If that's still not enough, you can soak your absorbent pads in a mixture of washing soda, detergent and oxygen bleach:

• Take a bucket of hot water and mix it with 2 tablespoons of washing soda. Wait half an hour until the lime from the water has settled on the floor.
• Now add 1 tablespoon of detergent powder and 1 tablespoon of oxygen bleach and mix it with the water until the detergent is dissolved.
• Now you can put your washed insoles in the bucket and let them soak for another half hour.
• Then wash them again as described above.

Please only use this process for absorbent pads and not for products with PUL, as this can damage the membrane.

Would you like to find out more about the differences between washing soda, descaler, etc.? Here we have a little summary for you:

• Washing soda, also known as sodium carbonate or baking soda, is a commonly used cleaning agent and aid in washing clothes. It is a white, crystalline powder that is easily soluble in water. Washing soda is often used as part of cleaning formulas to loosen dirt and stains and as a water softener in laundry detergents. It can also be used to treat stubborn stains and is sometimes used as an additive in commercial cleaning products.

• Oxygen bleach is a type of oxygen-based bleach used to clean and whiten textiles. Unlike chlorine-based bleaches, oxygen bleach is safer for the environment and for colored textiles. It works by releasing activated oxygen that dissolves stains and discoloration without damaging the fibers. Typically sold in powder or liquid form, oxygen bleach can be used both to pre-treat stains and as an additive to laundry detergents.

• Water softeners are substances or devices used to treat hard water that contains high concentrations of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals can cause soaps and detergents to be less effective and leave limescale deposits in household appliances such as washing machines, kettles and coffee makers. Water softeners work by binding or chemically converting the minerals in the water to reduce their effects. They can be in the form of salts, resins or chemical additives and are often used in detergents and cleaning products.

• A lactic acid-based descaler is a type of descaler that uses lactic acid as the main active ingredient to loosen and remove limescale deposits. Lactic acid is an organic acid that occurs naturally in various foods, such as sour dairy products. It is effective in removing limescale deposits, especially in household appliances such as coffee machines, kettles and steam irons. Lactic acid-based descalers are often a preferred choice for people looking for more environmentally friendly alternatives to chemically aggressive descalers, as they are biodegradable and less harmful to the environment.

Is the ecological balance of cloth diapers really better? "Cloth diapers aren't any more sustainable; you have to wash them regularly, which uses up a lot of water." Yes, you still hear that, but how much water and energy is actually used when washing cloth diapers? In the following part we will examine the energy consumption of cloth diapers and make a comparison between cloth diapers and disposable diapers in terms of their environmental impact and cost.

Cloth diapers:

For the washing process of cloth diapers we need an average of 50 liters of water and have an electricity consumption of 1 kWh per load. A load of detergent costs €0.17.

• Water consumption per year: 50 liters/load × 122 washing days = 6,100 liters per year
• Electricity consumption per year: 1 kWh/load × 122 washing days = 122 kWh per year
• Detergent costs per year: €0.17 x 122 washing days = €20.74

The average cost of electricity is around €0.30 per kWh. So the electricity costs for 3 years are:

122 kWh/year × €0.30/kWh ×3 years = €109.80

The average cost of water is around €4 per 1,000 liters. So the water costs for 3 years are:

6,100 liters/year × €4/1000 liters × 3 years = €73.20

The cost of the detergent for 3 years is: €62.22

The purchase costs for cloth diapers, absorbent pads and wetbags and reusable changing mats amount to €650. We also need diaper fleece for around €220.

Disposable diapers:

Suppose we use 6 disposable diapers daily with a unit price of €0.25 per diaper for a period of 3 years:

• Cost of diapers per year: 6 diapers/day × €0.25/diaper × 365 days = €547.50 per year
• Ø Annual garbage fee: €150

Added to this are the costs for disposable documents. Here one deposit is used every two days. The costs for 3 years amount to:

• €0.17/disposable pad x 183 days x 3 = €93.33

The total cost of disposable diapers for 3 years is:

€547.50/year × 3 years + €150 + €93.33 = €1,935.83

Conclusion:

Cloth diapers:

• Water consumption per year: 6,100 liters
• Electricity consumption per year: 122 kWh
• Electricity costs for 3 years: €109.80
• Water costs for 3 years: €73.20
• Detergent costs for 3 years: €62.22
• Purchase costs for cloth diapers, absorbent pads, wetbags and reusable changing mats: €650
• Cost of diaper fleece: €220
• Total costs for 3 years: €109.80 (electricity) + €73.20 (water) + €62.22 (detergent) + €650 (purchase costs) + €220 (diaper fleece) = €1,115.22

Disposable diapers:

• Total costs for 3 years: €1,935.83

Savings on cloth diapers compared to disposable diapers of €820.61

Conclusion :
The comparison shows that cloth diapers are significantly cheaper than disposable diapers over a three-year period. Although the initial cost of cloth diapers is higher, the operating costs (electricity and water) and the costs of accessories overall are significantly lower than the total costs of disposable diapers. Additionally, the long-term environmental benefits of cloth diapers in terms of waste reduction and resource conservation can also be considered.

And one more thing: Did you know that you can save yourself the increased initial purchase costs with us? We offer 0% financing with PayPal, so that instead of paying around €650 once, you simply pay around €30 a month for 24 months.