The Water Variable
On your journey to be a cloth diapering guru you may learn that where you live and what type of water you have accessible can determine your future success in cloth diapering. Knowing your water type can help reduce the amount of buildup in diapers over time and make choosing a detergent easier.
Hard water is found in lakes, rivers, on the ground and in deep wells. Many cities draw water from these sources, but soften water through treatment plants. This water has extra minerals like calcium, iron magnesium that leave mineral deposits in sinks, faucets, and when boiling water. These also cause corrosion and rust. If your water does not leave residue around the house and you are unsure of what type you have, you can get test strips from your local aquarium store or call your local water company.
When it comes to cloth diapers and hard water, you need to make sure the detergent you choose has the ingredients to properly clean your diapers. Without these additives, the minerals can stop detergents from doing its job. Adding baking soda or Calgon can also prevent buildup over time and ensure a better cleaning for each wash. Also please note that synthetic materials like microfiber inserts are more likely to collect buildup which means more stripping no matter your water type or washing routine.
When it comes to cloth diapers and hard water, you need to make sure the detergent you choose has the ingredients to properly clean your diapers. Without these additives, the minerals can stop detergents from doing its job. Adding baking soda or Calgon can also prevent buildup over time and ensure a better cleaning for each wash. Also please note that synthetic materials like microfiber inserts are more likely to collect buildup which means more stripping no matter your water type or washing routine.
Soft water has had most of its minerals removed either through treatment or evaporation; rain is generally considered soft water. It is easier to use for cleaning and allows you to use less detergents when washing cloth diapers. To help reduce buildup over time with soft water, you can add baking soda to your wash cycle and vinegar to your rinse cycles.
Alaskan Water Types
Anchorage - Moderately Hard Chugiak - Very Hard (Well Water) Eagle River - Very Hard (Well Water) JBER - Hard Wasilla - Very Hard (Well Water) |
Recommended Hard Water Detergents
Charlies Soap Country Save Ecos Free and Clear Rockin' Green Soap Nuts |
*The location and detergent recommendation information was provided by families in the Alaskan Cloth Group.
Sources:
http://www.ehow.com/info_8043038_types-hard-soft-water.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_water
http://www.herballegacy.com/August_22_2007.html
http://www.kellyscloset.com/cloth_diaper_laundry_tools_tips.html
http://www.theclothdiaperreport.com/2010/03/diaper-tips-tuesday-washing-cloth-diapers-with-hard-water-2.html
http://www.theclothdiaperwhisperer.com/2011/08/hard-water-heartache.html
http://www.ehow.com/info_8043038_types-hard-soft-water.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_water
http://www.herballegacy.com/August_22_2007.html
http://www.kellyscloset.com/cloth_diaper_laundry_tools_tips.html
http://www.theclothdiaperreport.com/2010/03/diaper-tips-tuesday-washing-cloth-diapers-with-hard-water-2.html
http://www.theclothdiaperwhisperer.com/2011/08/hard-water-heartache.html