This is probably the number one asked question on cloth diapering forums. For some reason this one issue, or the rash issue in general intimidates to many that cloth diaper. The good news is that it doesn't need to. Aside from a couple extra things that you need to add to your load of diaper laundry, it's no different than if you were using disposables.
We've had to deal with cloth over the almost two years that we've been using cloth. I've tried many different wash routines, done a ton of research, and come out with a routine that I have found has killed the yeast once and for all (for us).
First of all you are going to need this:
Yes I know what you're thinking "OMG the warranty on my diapers!". First of all if you have a stash consisting of more than one type of diaper, and have used any diaper rash cream on your diapers you've probably already voided the warranty. Secondly isn't your little ones tush more important? People are also incredibly worried about the bleach breaking down their diapers. A tiny amount of bleach a couple times a year is not going to break down your diapers.
So...yes, good old chlorine bleach. It doesn't necessarily have to be Clorox bleach, I usually use No Name stuff, it's cheaper.
Second on the must have list is:
and/or:
The bleach kills the yeast, but you need tea tree oil and/or grapefruit seed extract to kill the yeast spores.
You can find the tea tree oil and grapefruit seed extract at your local health food store, or the organic section of your grocery store.
Now this is where people have different suggestions about the order in which to use these products, I am going to share what has worked the best for me when I have had to treat Emilie's diapers.
First off you're going to add 20-30 drops of the tea tree oil and/or the grapefruit seed extract to either your rinse, or your pre wash. We do a pre wash, so that is when I add the oils.
Then after your rinse or pre wash is over you are going to do a hot wash with your detergent, and 1/4 cup of chlorine bleach. I follow this with my usual extra rinse. Some people find that they need to do a crazy amount of extra rinses to get the smell of bleach out of their diapers. I have a super sensitive nose, and find I only need one extra rinse, but do whatever you feel comfortable with.
**I will add that this wash routine should be followed for all of your cloth wipes, inserts, liners, doublers, wet bags, wash cloths and towels as well. Basically everything that has come into contact with your diapers and your little one's tush. I also clean out the plastic container that I hold my cloth wipes in with some bleach as well, followed by a good rinse.**
After all this is done I like to throw all of my inserts (ie. everything that does not contain elastics and PUL) in the dryer on HOT. Then if God willing it is a sunny day, everything with PUL and elastics goes outside in the sunshine for some extra yeast killing treatment.
If it's the dead of winter or super cloudy where you live, no need to worry, just line dry your items like you usually would.
Now comes your big decision, do you keep your little one in cloth while you treat their bottom with anti fungal cream, or do you switch to sposies? If you stay in cloth you need to follow that wash routine the entire time to make sure there is no risk of reinfection. If you switch into sposies then you do the wash once, put the diapers away, and then put your little one back into cloth once the rash has been clear for 3-4 days. On average this means about a week.
A yeast rash while in cloth is a pain, but it doesn't have to be a disaster.
