Washing diapers is one thing, but finding the best way to dry cloth diapers can make all the difference. This can be tricky. When it comes to cloth diaper laundry, there's a balance to be struck between absolutely sanitizing diapering goods and extending their lifespan. The product's care is determined by whether the product contains natural or man-made components. This is much like any other load of laundry; it needs to be sorted with specific attention to the item's content. Cloth diapers just don't dry quickly in the dryer like regular baby clothes. The amount of time it takes to dry depends on the type of cloth diaper and how many diapers you have.
Drying cloth diapers in the dryer is an option for some diapering families, but drying cloth diapers can be tricky because of the size and material. You cannot just throw these in a normal dryer cycle, but how do you dry them? This article will tell you how to properly dry cloth diapers, so keep reading if this is something you would like to know.
First, check out the pre-wash instructions that came with your cloth diapers. Some diapers have special requirements, so be sure to check the label before you wash your diaper stash. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions. When it comes time to dry your cloth diapers and reusable liners, there are three options: sun-drying, tumble drying, and line-drying. Read on for the pros and cons of each method.
Can you put cloth diapers in a dryer?
Drying cloth diapers is a little different than drying regular laundry, so the common question is, can I put cloth diapers in the dryer? The short answer is yes, you can put your cloth diapers in the dryer—but it all depends on what kind of diapers you have.
First of all, you'll want to decide whether or not to use a dryer. If you have a dryer with a low heat setting, you can go ahead and use it on your diapers as long as they don't contain any elastic or waterproof materials. However, if you don't have access to a dryer or if your diapers contain elastic or waterproof materials, you'll want to try to dry them some other way.
If you're using a dryer, set it on low heat and separate the diapers into small loads that can move around freely in the machine.
Cloth diapers come in a variety of materials, and each has different drying instructions. If your diapers are made with cotton velour, microfleece, bamboo velour, or hemp fleece, they're safe to put in the dryer. On the other hand, if you have wool diaper covers or one-size covers with elastic trims or waterproofing, you should line dry them when possible. These materials will not hold up in the dryer and may get too hot and shrink or burn.
Pocket diapers and inserts with microfiber should be dried separately from the rest of your diaper stash; place them in the dryer on medium heat for about 20 minutes before adding them to your load of cotton velour or microfleece diapers. This will help draw out excess moisture that might cause less absorbent fabrics like microfiber to repel liquid. To summarize, the following is the general rule to remember when using the dryer to dry cloth diapers:
- Leave the covers to air dry like the diaper covers or diaper shells.
- Air or low-heat drying is recommended for pockets, fittings, and AIOs
- Higher heat settings can be used to dry cloth diaper pre-folds, flats, and inserts
Drying Cloth Diapers Using a Clothes Line: The Hanging Line Method
Line drying your cloth diapers is a great way to save energy and money, as well as reduce wear and tear on your cloth diapers. Line drying outside is the way to go. Not only do you get faster drying times, but you also don't have to worry about running out of space. But line drying can be both done indoors and outdoors depending on weather conditions. You'll want to start by hanging up all of your cloth diapers on an outdoor clothesline. Make sure they're spaced out far enough apart so they won't touch each other while they're being dried. This is the best option for your diapers; line drying will help them last longer and stay in good shape. You can line dry outside or inside using a clothes rack or hangers in your home. By following these simple steps, you should be able to line-dry your cloth diapers outside with ease.
- Collect all of the clothespins you will need (you should have at least one for every diaper).
- Find a clothesline that is long enough for all of the diapers.
- Hang each diaper from the clothesline using one clothespin per diaper so that they are not touching each other or anything else hanging nearby in case of wind gusts. You can actually use the snaps on diapers that have them and just clip them around the line.
This method works well if you have a washing line or clothes horse in your house. You can hang up your cloth diapers from these and leave them out in the sun or outside in the fresh air. It may take a few hours
for them to fully dry, but it's worth it!
How to Dry Cloth Diapers Using a Clothes Rack: A Drying Rack
These racks are great because they allow for more airflow around the diaper and this prevents mold from forming on them. They also keep them off of the floor so there will not be any damage done to your flooring or carpeting. It can take a while to get them completely dry, especially if they're not hanging in a well-ventilated area. Plus, it can be hard to have enough space to dry them and to get them to dry fast enough.
A drying rack is another way to dry cloth diapers without using your clothes dryer or the sun. A drying rack works well at home or on vacation when you do not have access to your clothes dryer. Drying racks are fairly inexpensive and easy to use when drying cloth diapers. Drying racks are also the best option when you are drying cloth diapers during winter.
First things first: You’ll need a clothes rack! I recommend getting one that has bars for hanging up clothing. This way, you won’t have any issues with straps falling off or other problems when you hang items from the top of the rack. Drying racks are made for drying all kinds of clothes, and not just cloth diapers. They're great for delicates and sweaters and other items that you don't want to put in the dryer. If you have a large one, it's perfect for drying your cloth diapers. To use a drying rack for cloth diapers, keep in mind the following:
- Gather up your clean cloth diapers. Make sure that you've got everything you need for the day or the next few days washed and ready to go.
- Hang each diaper or even a pair of diaper covers on different parts of the rack so they don't touch each other at all.
- Don't leave any extra space between the diapers—put as many as possible together as long as they're not touching each other to maximize your use of space.
Drying Cloth Diapers Outside to Drip Dry: Sun Drying
The cheapest way to dry your cloth diapers is by using the sun. The ultraviolet rays help get rid of bacteria and any lingering odors. If you live in an area where it is sunny, then this is the best way to dry your cloth diapers. The sun will help them to get clean and it also helps them to get rid of any bacteria that is on them. You can use either a clothesline or a drying rack, just put them out in a sunny spot. Here are a few things you should remember when drying your cloth diapers outside:
- Heat from the sun can cause fading and discoloration of your cloth diapers. If you have colored fabrics, it's best to avoid keeping them out in direct sunlight for long periods.
- If you live in a high humidity area, don't leave your cloth diapers wet for more than four hours at a time, as this could cause mold growth on them.
- Sunlight will also cause your cloth diapers to dry faster than if you were hanging them indoors; however, it can be harder during winter months when there is little sun to be had.
The sun is a great way to naturally clean your cloth diapers and kill bacteria without having to use chemicals or heat that might break down the materials in your diaper. If you live somewhere where the sun shines year-round this is a perfect solution for drying your cloth diapers! All you have to do is hang them outside.
There are many ways to dry cloth diapers, you just need to find the one that works best for you. Cloth diapering is great so make sure you know how to dry your cloth diapers in a way that keeps them absorbing well and their elasticity intact. Here is a table where drying cloth diapers can be a challenge due to different instances along with the best drying method we recommend.
