Mailbox Mondays posts are where I answer a reader submitted question, whether they are looking for cloth diaper advice, or something else!
Questions don’t have to be cloth diaper related, just email maria at change-diapers.com with “Mailbox Mondays” in the subject, or fill out my contact form for readers, which you will always be able to find on my Contact Page.
Stephanie says:
I really despise microfiber and would rather go for hemp or bamboo for my pockets. Will these eventually develop the “stink” of microfiber? Do you have any recommendations on a good insert and washing tips? My stash is primarily made up of BG elementals, can they all be washed together?
Thanks!!
Sorry it’s like 4-5 questions, you just do a great job answering my questions I can’t help myself! 😉
Stephanie
Hi Stephanie! Microfiber is definitely more prone to stink than natural fibers. Especially since hemp actually has natural antimicrobial properties! Of course, the major benefit of microfiber is that it’s inexpensive, which is why it’s included with most pocket diapers. That means that if you want to replace all of your inserts with natural fiber inserts, it could get a little expensive!
That’s why I have used whatever came with the diaper, with the exception of the Knickernappies superdo inserts for night time. I am a big fan of the natural fiber inserts that came with my Babykicks, AMP, Heartland Dreams and AppleCheeks diapers, and wouldn’t hesitate to suggest that you try one of them!
Another option is to use a prefold to stuff your pockets, such as the Babykicks hemp prefold, or the Thirsties Duo Hemp prefold. If you don’t mind a little extra folding, you could even consider using flats to stuff your pockets, since they are even easier to get clean.
One you have prepped a natural fiber insert or diaper (washing & drying 3-5+ times) to fluff up the fibers, and remove natural oils, they can definitely be washed with any other diaper items you have!
I’ve found that my microfiber stink has been greatly reduced since I’ve started adding a little bit of Oxiclean free to each load. Previously, I had been washing inserts only with a dab of bleach, then rinsing like crazy, about once a month. Since using the Oxiclean, I’ve only had to do that once in 6 months, and it really wasn’t super-necessary.
So how about everyone else? Do you despise microfiber stink? Any tips for keeping it at bay? Do you have a favorite natural fiber insert?
Maria wants to live in a world where cloth diapers are the norm and moms can make parenting choices without judgement. When she’s not chasing her 18, 14 and 11-year old kids around, you might find her checking out the latest gadgets, organizing something (again) or exercising in the fresh air. 
[…] recommendations on a good insert and washing tips? My stash is …Here is the original post: Cloth Diaper Advice – Mailbox Mondays Microfiber vs. Hemp Insertswpa2a.script_load();Filed Under: Hemp News Tagged With: good-insert, pockets, really-despiseSpeak […]
Also forgot to add that when I was using microfiber, a little splash of bleach in each wash was all I needed to keep the odor at bay. And on the plus side, it’s much easier to get stains out of microfiber than cotton or hemp!
But still, I lean heavily towards natural fibers these days. Easier on baby’s skin and sustainable.
I tried microfiber in the past, and it was definitely cheaper, however I didn’t like that my babies were a bit sensitive to it, and so I had to make sure the doublers didn’t touch their skin. That meant hiding the inserts inside of the prefold. Really, I just wanted a quicker “lay-in” option, so now I use only natural fibers (or as close to 100% as I can get).
And there are ways to find natural inserts at low prices! My two favorites are the Thirsties Fab Doublers (cotton velour) which are $6 for a 3 pack, and the Nykibaby (cotton/bamboo) trifold inserts which I buy on Etsy, for just $3.50 each.