I am finally going to prep my diapers. It has taken me what seems like FOREVER to figure out exactly how to do it -and how to conserve the most water.
11:24am: I am currently washing my fitteds/contours and am boiling the water to prep the prefolds. I think I am going to be super lame and post pictures of the prefold prep process (kinda stealing the idea from the lady who's format I'm following).
I didn't keep up with the specific times, but I have pics of the prep process:
#1: The Supplies : 12 unbleached indian prefolds, Original Blue Dawn dishwashing liquid, large stockpot
#2: Prefold thickness prior to boiling (this is all 12)
#3: First batch while boiling.
I filled the stock pot almost to the top (as you can see) with a Squirt of Dawn. I didn't measure it so I couldn't tell you how much exactly to use. I boiled 6 PFs at a time for 20 minutes each (I even got a picture of the timer so make sure to note it through the steam!) I stirred them around a bit to make sure they all got submerging time as the ones at the top of the pot tended to float.
#4: wringing out the diapers with tongs ... I wrapped the PF around the tongs and squeezed them against the side of the pot until they didn't drip a lot (note: after awhile the rough edges on the tongs really tore up the palms of my hands so I started wearing cleaning gloves while wringing them out to save my poor hands)
#5: I put the six boiled prefolds on our draining tray to cool off and wait for the other six to finish.
I repeated steps 1-5 on the second set of 6 diapers.
After all 12 were boiled, I threw them in the washing machine with no detergent (figuring Dawn is still going to be in the wash) and did a hot wash with two cold rinses. (I have a top loader machine that is apartment-issue so it basically has no options other than this)
NOTE: I had meant to use the water in the pot for the wash (to save on water ... given that it was already boiling temp) but I neglected to do so. I used the largest water setting on the machine.
They went into the dryer after that (along with my fitteds/contours to save on energy)
#6: Photo of diapers after the first wash/dry. Notice the increase in quiltiness/fluffiness and thickness.
After the initial wash/dry, they went back into the washing machine with 1/2 the recommended amount of Purex Free & Clear through a hot wash/ two cold rinses. Again, I used the largest water setting. I washed my fitteds/contours with them this time.
They went back into the dryer after that (the prefolds/fitted and contours)
#7: After the boiling and two washes/dries. Again note the increase in fluffiness/quiltiness (is that even a word) and the thickness.
KL washing recommendation: http://www.kissaluvs.com/care-instructions.php
Pinstripes and Polkadots list of instructions from manufacturers: http://www.pinstripesandpolkadots.com/CareInstructionsbyBrand.htm
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