No matter how simple or complicated our wash routines may be, there is one thing that most cloth diapering parents can agree on when it comes to laundry--- hanging outside is the best way to dry! For starters, it covers both primary reasons most of us choose to use cloth...it uses less energy making it eco-friendly AND better on the budget. Beyond that, the sun is also a great natural stain remover and line drying is gentler which keeps our diapers in better shape longer. It seems like a no brainer, doesn't it?
But then comes WINTER!
And let's be honest, for most of us hanging our diapers out right now to dry would lead to diaper popsicles. (That's not the type of Frozen diapers we like to wear around here!) So, what are we supposed to do?
The good news is that there are many great solutions that allow us to hang dry inside, no matter the weather outside! Take a look:
- Clothes Drying Rack. Perhaps the easiest, most classic solution at all. These can be found for anywhere from $10-$15+ and can come in handy for drying needs long beyond the cloth years. Place in front of fan or fireplace/heat for faster drying.
- Ikea Octopus Hanger. A clothes drying rack might seem like the ideal for most, but if you're limited on space may not be the best solution. We personally use this wonderful hanging rack from Ikea that is perfect for diapers! It will hang anywhere, takes up little space and quite honestly, is absolutely adorable! We even take this along when we travel! Once the diapering days are over, this would still come in handy for hanging delicates...or for drying kids crafts!
- Use What You Have, Are drying racks and fancy hangers not in your budget? No need to worry, just toss them over your shower curtain rod...no need to buy anything additional, use what you already have. Other options could be hanging in your laundry room, curtain rod...whatever works. (I don't suggest this method when expecting company, but hey...what a conversation starter!)
- When all else fails, use the dryer! Honestly, yes, hang drying may be better for your diapers, but drying in the machine isn't going to kill them. Use the lowest heat setting/most delicate cycle and they'll be just fine! (We actually always dry our inserts and just hang the covers. If you use pockets or all in twos this is a great time saving option as well!)
Do you continue to hang dry diapers in the colder months? What tricks have you found?
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ReplyDeleteI will hang the stained ones outside on a drying rack for a few hours and the I stained ones inside. Then I will throw the frozen diapers in the dryer to thaw/dry them and add the indoor hung diapers to fluff soft.
ReplyDeleteFortunately, I can still hang outside MOST of the year...It's usually well above freezing at least during the day here!
ReplyDeleteI use a clothes rack year round because I don't have any other option, I might have to start putting it outside the back door to dry this winter though because my diapers aren't as pretty as they were this summer!
ReplyDeleteWe've been using standard plastic hangers lately. We just drape the covers over the hanger. Do you think that the clips on the octopus hangers would affect the PUL in the covers at all? I'd like to get one of those, but I'm concerned about damaging the PUL.
ReplyDeleteI just found a nice indoor clothes rack at my local thrift store for $4! It's very sturdy and already I've noticed that sweaters dry faster on it than they do laying on our bed frame. This will be perfect for cloth diapering :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the tips. I just started cloth diapering and have been drying them in the dryer. I haven't done outside yet, but don't really have anything to use to do that. So these ideas will help me get away from exclusively machine drying either way.
ReplyDeleteThese are wonderful tips, especially for someone new to cloth like me. Thank you!
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