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As I’ve said before, I built my stash gradually, washing twice a day for a while, but something like the econobum would get you in cloth in no time flat!
So, I got sucked in by my favorite 4 letter f-word (free!) and bought something I could have paid less for, just to use a “spend $xx get a free one-size diaper” coupon. I had read comments of what others had received and I was hopeful that I’d get something new. Doncha know I ended up with another econobum.
So, I thought I’d give it to one of my readers, and I’m making this quick and easy (insert off color joke here.)
If you win, you will get the brand new, in it’s package, econobum pictured here.
Here’s how to enter:
Comment on this post. That’s it. Told you it would be quick and easy. Say anything you like, but I’d really love some feedback. Things you’d like me to review or give away, what you think of my usual giveaway entry methods and so forth. Please do make sure to leave your email address in your comment if it isn’t visible in your profile.
I’ll accept entries until Friday, August 13th, 2010 (oohh Friday the 13th!) at 9 P.M., Eastern. I’ll draw a winner using random.org’s true random number generator and notify him/her by email. S/he will have 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and other winner chosen.
This is open to the U.S. only. Sorry Canadians, I don’t really understand the rules up North, and I don’t look good in orange. ‘Cause, you know…they put people in orange jumpsuits when they throw ’em in the pokey. Bah-dum-ching. I’m here all night folks.
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Every Monday I will answer user submitted questions. They don’t have to be about cloth diapering! I’ll always answer questions via email, but if you would like your question to be answered in a Mailbox Mondays post, send an email with the subject “Mailbox Mondays” to change.diapers.change.the.world at gmail dot com!
Ash says:
Hi Maria! Love your blog! You were the first blog I found that I started following when I started blogging. 🙂
So right now I am exclusive to only one brand of cloth diapers. But I want to get some other brands soon. My question is…When you have more than one brand of diapers, how do you wash them? I know that most brands have different instructions for washing, so do you just keep washing with whatever you find that works, or do you wash each brand separately?
Thank you!
Ash from The Adventures of Ash and Rowe
http://adventuresofashandrowe.blogspot.com/
OK let me stop doodling big puffy hearts around Maria + Ash and answer the question. I love when someone tells me that they enjoy my blog, like my reviews etc. It makes me feel all warm & fuzzy and happy.
This is a very, very timely question given my recent issues with my Rumparooz delamination. Most of the differences in washing instructions (that I’ve noticed) have to do with the order of cold rinses/hot washes/cold rinses and when to use the detergent. Some say it’s OK to tumble dry, some recommend hanging to dry.
I always follow initial washing instructions, since some materials need to be washed separately a number of times to remove natural oils (like hemp.) Some materials (usually organic cottons) need to be washed around 3 times to prep, and up to 10 times to achieve maximum absorbency.
Beyond that, I do what works for me. Cold wash/rinse, hot wash/rinse with the occasional extra rinse. I do not bleach my diapers, or use additives on them, though I do use an occasional dab of bleach (and/or RLR) on the inserts only, followed by many extra rinses.
If I had to keep track of specific washing instructions for each manufacturer and wash separately, I would lose my mind.
That brings me to the other issue. Detergent. The majority of diaper manufacturers have the same list of “no-nos” including enzymes, brighteners, whiteners, dyes, scents etc. This issue is a hot button for me since the lack of “safe” affordable, local detergent is the #1 thing that stopped me from CD’ing from day 1 with my son.
Rumparooz, Drybees and at least one other (slips my mind right now) diaper company specifically recommend “standard” detergents like Tide, which contain dyes, scents and enzymes that are on the detergent black lists.
I stand by the idea that you should use what works for you. Don’t use too much or too little, and rinse them clean.
The problem with that is this: what if you have an issue with one of your diapers while it’s under warranty, and your claim is denied because you didn’t use the “right” detergent? Well, I’m not terribly worried for myself, because my choices were disposable diapering, paying outrageous sums to have one specific detergent (that was on all of the “safe” lists) shipped, or to use what worked.
Also, warranties don’t cover staining, repelling or stink. If a “safe” detergent isn’t getting my diapers clean, what good is it?
I really don’t like to use this thinking but, plenty of people have used any number of detergents with no issues. I’m using what works for me and that’s that. There’s no way I’m going to wash diapers separately so that some can be clean and stink free and others can be smelly, washed in pricey detergent, but covered under warranty!
In conclusion, yadda yadda, I bet you’re sorry you asked. 😉
Remember that my blabbing shouldn’t be taken as expert advice. Always pay careful attention to the manufacturer’s instructions. I’m not responsible for any damage or diaper injuries, insert other verbiage as you see fit to cover my hiney. 🙂
Bonus question since the first was so long, this is quick. It’s just a snippet of an email since it wasn’t a MM submission.
How did you get your comments numbered?
I followed these instructions from Blogger Sentral. Those are for use with blogger. I’m sure I could fool around to get them nicer looking, but this was just one of my many HTML “projects” and I was ready to be done by the time I got it working!
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I wanted to note than with further washing & drying, the organic pod is a lot smaller now. I still prefer the stay-dry pod, but the organic is much more manageable now! This is an awesome diapering system, and it’s landed itself in my favorites pile!
The winner is Guggie Daly! I’ve emailed you, and you have 48 hours to claim your prize. Congratulations!
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If you have a cloth diaper/accessory/babywearing/green giveaway you would like to be listed in the next giveaway roundup post, please email a link, blog name, giveaway title, end date and photo (if applicable) to change.diapers.change.the.world at gmail dot com.
My SoftBums Echo Slide2Size Dry Touch Solo Pack giveaway ends TODAY, 8/6!
SoftBums Diaper from My Life as a Married Girl (ends 8/14)
SoftBums Diaper from Biehl Adventures (ends 8/9)
Bum Essentials Diaper from Arizona Mama and The Baby Plus Store (ends 8/28)
pediped® Originals® from One Savvy Mom (ends 8/31)
Thirsties Duo Diaper from A Mom’s Take (ends 8/13)
Thirsties Duo Diaper from Happily Southern (ends 8/21)
Happy Heiny’s Diaper from Happily Southern (ends 8/21)
TK Cuddlers Diaper from Mommy of 1 and Counting (ends 8/14)
Mother-Ease Diaper & Cover from My New Life as Mom (ends 9/3)
Planet Wise Wet/Dry Bag from Mommy is Green (ends 8/19)
Nifty Nappy Diaper from It’s Me Melbie (ends 9/4)
Best Bottom Diaper from A Mom’s Take (ends 8/13)
Tiny Tush Diaper from Liz Has a Life (ends 8/18)
FuzziBunz Starter Kit from Pregnancy360 (ends 8/31) Super easy entry!!
Smartipants Diaper from Mom Most Traveled (ends 8/10)
Bummas Wipes from All Aboard the Giveaway Train (ends 8/12)
The Eli Monster Diaper Cover from Mama to 3 Blessings (ends 8/8)
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. Read More »
