I get this question a lot; “How do I store my cloth diapers?” You may want to save your diapers in good condition for another child.
It is pretty simple, but very important to store them properly. Here are our recommendations:

1. Make sure the diapers are thoroughly CLEAN and DRY. Any stains left on the diapers during storage will most likely be there to stay. If the diapers are not dry, they may form mildew which will most likely ruin your diapers. Make sure you have used a cloth diaper safe detergent, with no additives, including perfumes. Any odor on them could be intensified. Of course, do not use fabric softeners.
2. Ideally, use bags, containers, or boxes that won’t degrade and will seal out dirt, dust, rodents, insects, and moisture.
3. Pack “loosely”, allowing air to circulate. Wrap each diaper in white tissue paper.
4. Tuck a lavender sachet or cedar block into each container to help repel insects.
5. Make sure that the temperate they are stored in is between 32 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. A cool, dry area is best. Attics may be to hot; unheated garages may be to cold; basements may be to damp.

For humid climates:

Make sure that the diapers are in a moisture-proof container. Store them right away after drying, with tissue paper layered between. Look for #5 plastic.

For dry climates:

If you’re storing in a clean, dry environment, a clean cardboard box works fine, as long as it is not subject to rodents or insects. If using a plastic container, look for #5 plastic.
You want to avoid dampness, extreme heat, and sunlight. Wherever your storage area is, do not let the diapers be exposed to direct sunlight.
If you have any questions, please send me an email at support@thirstiesbaby.com!

As a former Thirsties user (my kids are now out of diapers) and the former Thirsties return department, I have seen diapers in all states. One issue that is hard to avoid while cloth diapering is staining. The solids that end up in a diaper are organic proteins, and protein stains are one of the hardest to remove. Enzymes are great at removing protein stains, but can irritate the skin if not rinsed thoroughly. Oxygen bleach is great at removing stains, but can be harsh. I love to find solutions that are natural and that may be found in every household, so I experimented with some lemon juice and sunshine.

I took two returned Duo Wraps that were dingy, and washed one with our Thirsties Wash. These were equally dingy and from the same customer. After the wash, there was a slight change in the brightness (diaper on the right). Our Thirsties Super Wash brightens and whitens naturally. It cannot, however, take out set in stains.

I then took a 50/50 solution of lemon juice and water and sprayed the stains left on the leg gussets, and then put in a window to sun for about 3 hours. I then washed the wrap. I did this for a cycle of 5 sprays/washes. The staining left on the leg gusset elastic is very minimal.

The wrap treated with the Thirsties Super Wash and lemon juice/sun is noticeably brighter. The lemon juice treatment is not something that can be done on a normal basis, as the lemon juice is an acid, and can deteriorate the lamination and possibly the elastic over time. This would be done only as needed. We recommend using our Thirsties Pre-Wash and Super Wash to keep staining from setting in, and to keep your diapering products looking brighter longer!

Written by Sonya Choron 1/31/12

Buying USA made products keeps our money circulating in our own communities and country. This supports everyone in America – including you, your friends, your family, and your neighbors!

We are very proud of the fact that all of our products are USA-made by a group of very talented women, many of whom work in the comfort and convenience of their own homes. Thanks to the support of our dedicated customers, we are celebrating the direct development of new jobs in our area — that’s putting bread on the table for families right here in Colorado! Thirsties is very happy to say that we support our local economies!

We use only the best of USA-sourced components in order to reduce our carbon footprint, to help support domestic textile mills, and to ensure your diapers will last wash after wash.

Thanks for supporting Thirsties!

Sourced from www.thirstiesbaby.com
Written by Sonya Choron 10/27/10

Pure soap is not recommended for use on laundry due to the fact that soaps can leave a residue on your diapers and covers, in the form of soap scum. This makes the diapers repel moisture rather than absorb it, and it is also harsh on the laminates used in your diaper covers, making them absorb rather than repel liquid.

Soap and detergent are both cleaning agents, yet detergents are formulated specifically for laundry and other purposes. A detergent is a synthetic product, meaning the ingredients are processed and mixed together to form the detergent. Soap is made by simply mixing lye with vegetable or animal fats, although other ingredients may be added.

The best choice for washing your diapers is to use detergent on them; however, all detergents are not alike! For cloth diapers, you will want to choose a detergent with no additives such as Brighteners, Chlorine Bleach, Enzymes, Dyes, Fabric Softeners, and Fragrance. Check out the Diaper Jungle website to see which detergents contain these additives. These ingredients can be harmful to your diapering products, your baby’s skin, and/or the environment.

The only detergent we recommend with 100% confidence that it is safe for your diapers, your baby, and the planet we share is our very own. True, Thirsties Pre-Wash and Super Wash can be more costly than store brands, but will keep your diapers clean and looking like new longer!

For other recommended detergents, please go to our FAQs page on our website:

http://www.thirstiesbaby.com/customer-center/faqs/ -> Laundering Tips.

The Duo Wrap is a waterproof cover, and you will need to add absorbency inside. Thirsties offerings for absorbency in the Duo Wrap are the Duo Hemp Prefold, Stay-Dry Duo Insert, and Duo Fab Fitted diaper. One of the benefits to using a two piece system is that you can use the wrap up to 5 times in between washings. This means that you need to buy less wraps than diapers or inserts.

The following is some information about each option:

Duo Wrap + Duo Hemp Prefold:

This combo offers: Affordability, adjustability, durability, absorbency, softness, trimness, and natural fibers.

Prefolds are absorbent diapers that are flat. They can be trifolded for ease of use in the Duo Wrap. You only need 1 Duo Wrap for every 3-5 prefolds.

Cost:

Duo Wrap: $12.25 each for solids, $12.75 each for prints – available in snap or Aplix closures.

Duo Hemp Prefold: $8.00 each

Full stash of size 1 and 2: $405.50- $499.75 (This is for a two day supply.)

Save: $867.19 + over the cheapest disposables!

Duo Wrap + Stay-Dry Duo Insert

This combo offers: Affordability, adjustability, ease of use, trimness, and absorbency.

Stay-Dry Duo Inserts are absorbent inserts that replace a diaper. You will lay them into the Duo Wrap. You only need 1 Duo Wrap for every 3-5 Stay-Dry Inserts.

Cost:

Duo Wrap: $12.25 each for solids, $12.75 each for prints – available in snap or Aplix closures.

Stay-Dry Duo Insert: $7.00 each

Full stash of size 1 and 2: $365.50- $459.75 (This is for a two day supply.)

Save: $907.19 + over the cheapest disposables!

Duo Wrap + Thirsties Duo Fab Fitted Diapers

This combo offers: Adjustability, adjustability, absorbency, softness, and excellent leak protection.

The Duo Fab Fitted is an absorbent, adjustable fitted diaper. This diaper provides an extra barrier at the legs to stop leaks, and is very absorbent. You only need 1 Duo Wrap for every 3-5 fitted diapers.

Cost:

Duo Wrap: $12.25 each for solids, $12.75 each for prints – available in snap or Aplix closures.

Duo Fab Fitted: $17.00 each – available in snap or Aplix closures.

Full stash of size 1 and 2: $705.50-879.75 (This is for a two day supply.)

Save: $487.18 + over the cheapest disposables!

If you would like a one piece system, be sure to check out the new Duo All-in-One Cloth Diaper!

Written by Sonya Choron 1/13/11