Cloth diapers : Care

Now you want to try Cloth Diapers (CD). What's next?

We need to know how to care for them. The use of normal liquid detergents is a NO-NO for baby wears. It's because the residual traces from the chemical products on the clothing will cause skin irritation when our body perspire. For babies, this is dangerous as the harmful ingredients may penetrate into the skin and causes chronic diseases such as eczema.

I've encountered two famous CD brands on the web; Grovia and Rumparooz, and surprised with 2 different approaches they are pursuing. Being a curious consumer, I contacted them via e-mail regarding the recommended CD cleaning products.

Grovia, from its website, discourages the use of enzyme cleaners while Rumparooz on the other hand, encourages it. Hurm...

So these were their replies to my inquiry :

From Rumparooz : We highly recommend the use of detergents that contain enzymes

"When caring for your diapers we simply have suggestions and recommendations. I am not familiar with the product that you are using so I can not speak about it specifically. The number 1 thing that is most important when caring for diapers is to make sure that you are using a detergent that has enzymes. Enzymes are natural and biodegradable and they have specific "roles" in cleaning. There are enzymes that break down fats and enzymes that break down proteins and both of these enzymes should be present in your detergent to get the diapers clean. Without them the filth and poop is not cleaned from the diapers."

but here is the reply from Grovia : DO NOT use bleach, enzyme cleaners or fabric softeners

"Thank you for contacting us regarding your interest in our products. We do not recommend the use of enzyme cleaners in cloth diapers for two reasons. First, if the enzymes are not throughly rinsed from the fabric, they can actually work their "magic" on baby's bottom, resulting in irritation and rash. Secondly, repeated use of enzyme cleaners will cause the materials to wear more quickly, as with regular use over time they will also eat away at the cotton soaker pads. Enzyme cleaners do an amazing job of eliminating organic wastes, but if they aren't rinsed throughly they can eat away at both baby and diaper, and therefore we don't recommend their use for diapers. If you do further research on cloth diaper friendly laundry detergents, you will find that those which contain fragrances, dyes, enzymes and optical brighteners do not come highly recommended.

I would be very very cautious with using enzyme cleaner in diapers, they can cause serious rashes as they can eat away at baby's skin, as well as the materials of the diaper. There are several enzyme-free natural detergents that I would highly recommend. Ultimately it is your decision but I do urge you to research alternatives further."

First of all, I would like to thank both Grovia and Rumparooz for replying my inquiry promptly. I appreciate good customer service. And of course I respect both tips and advice. As a consumer, we need to be wise and know why we should or should not use certain products.

In my experience using GoEco Liquid Detergent (LD) and GoEco All Purpose Cleaner (APC), it is definitely the products I would recommend. To Grovia's concern, it is required to rinse the CDs thoroughly using enzyme cleaners as it may cause harm on the baby's skin otherwise. But I noticed after using GoEco Bio Enzyme LD, it is very easy to be rinsed, and does not leave soapy effect on our hands like normal detergents do. (Takde rase licin2 macam lepas pakai sabun biasa yang kena bilas banyak2 kali) So less water consumption and more effective cleaning! Besides, if you are using normal detergents on your baby wears, you actually need to rinse it thoroughly too! Because traces of the ingredients could lead to more severe diseases on the skin, and also internally! Also, Grovia also explained that enzyme cleaners might 'eat out' the cotton diapers. Hurm. I think cheap detergents will do worse cause it is harsh on the material? Erk. I always believe natural ingredient is the safest way to go! What do you say?

Now... what are actually GoEco products?

GoEco Bio Enzyme Liquid Detergent

Formulation : Protease Enzyme, Anti-Redeposition Cellulose, and Complex Super Detergent

• An enzyme formulation that is highly biodegradable, does not pose any health concern, contributes to environmental protection, and gets rid of stubborn stains effectively;
• Suitable for all washable clothing, including premium quality garments, underclothes, and baby wear. After laundry, the clothing would give a soft and smooth touch and do not get wrinkled, entangled, or hardened;
• Sets you free from the worry of residual traces of chemicals and does not harm your hands or cause skin allergies. Imparts your clothing with a natural, refreshing scent after laundry;
• A concentrated and efficient liquid detergent that needs only one-third the amount of a normal detergent, produces low suds, and is easier to be rinsed. Comparatively, its use brings the benefits of saving water, time, and power consumption;
• Conforms to the regulations of Eco Friendly Label, totally free from contents that are harmful to the human body and environment. These include phosphorus, optical brighteners, and bleaching agents;
• It also contains Anti-redeposition Cellulose, which immediately envelops or wraps up the dirt dislodged during the process of laundry to prevent secondary contamination of the washed clothing.
• Besides with the dirt being broken down into smaller clusters by the enzymes, the clothing becomes readily to be rinsed clean with ease, hence doing away with the need for a softener. As such, GoEco Bio Enzyme Liquid Detergent is your answer to ensuring that your clothing always stay as clean as new.

GoEco Bio Enzyme All-Purpose Cleaner

Formulation : Lipase Enzyme, Protease Enzyme, Glucoside Cleaning Agent, and Non-lonic Cleaning Agent

• An enzyme formulation that is highly biodegradable. Capable of thoroughly breaking down the oily film on the tableware and kitchen as well as the flooring.
• It features low suds and no residual traces, leaving the surfaces squeaky clean after washing;
• Highly concentrated formulation that needs only a small amount to generate economical cleaning results;
• It is free from any harmful solvents and hence does not harm your hands, the utensils, or the surfaces of any material, making it safe and environmental friendly;
• The sponge, rag, and washing basin do not become oily and can be rinsed clean with ease after use.
• As the breaking down is effected by enzymatic actions, it helps dislodge the oily stains that have built up in the draining pipes to reduce problems associated with blockage, keeping your kitchen and household environment clean and hygienic at all times.

You may need to wait for another few more months at least to hear from my personal experience using GoEco products on CD washing. (",) As for now, I've been using GoEco for my household cleaning and extremely love it. Especially GoEco LD, with fresh-scent naturally extracted from Lavender. GoEco APC which contains lemon oil is also very good for washing cars and kitchen utensils. With these products, you do not need to buy different detergents for different type of cleaning in the house. Only 2 bottles of cleaner (LD and APC) for the whole house -- talk about saving money! And most importantly, safe for you and your baby!

*Edited*

I just came to realize why GoEco LD is essential to us especially breastfeeding mommies. Make sure you use it to wash your undergarments too! Because your baby is close to your body when breastfeeding. When our body perspires, traces of chemical products from the detergent used on our clothes might affect our babies. Let's create a healthier younger generation. Stop spreading diseases! Reduce unnecessary medications and live healthy!