There are two basic things you need to look at when prepping diapers.
Is it a natural fiber? (hemp, bamboo, cotton, etc)
-OR-
Is it a synthetic fiber? (PUL, microfiber, etc)
If it’s a synthetic fiber:
Simply wash the product once with a bit of diaper safe detergent. I like to use hot water. Dry on medium heat or line if you prefer.
That’s it! Enjoy your new diapers!
If it’s a natural fiber:
Some diapers/inserts made from natural fibers come pre-prepped. If so, wash once (like above) if you like and enjoy.
Most don’t come prepped, so you will need to do it yourself to rid the fabric of it’s natural oils.
To get started using these types of diapers, 3 hot wash/dry cycles will typically work. I like to use a bit of diaper safe detergent with each wash to help strip the oils. The diapers will get more absorbent with use.
Some diapers will require more prepping (another hot wash or two). I suggest testing after 3 washes. You can do this by taking a dry diaper and running it under some warm water (slow stream). If it absorbs easily, you’re good to go. If it beads up, you need another hot wash.
Can you prep different diapers together?
Yes and no. You can prep natural fibers with natural fibers, and you can prep synthetic with synthetic.
What type of detergent can you use?
You can make your own. (We have a recipe on this blog.) or purchase a detergent.
There are several brands. I’m sure I will miss some. Just because a detergent is listed here does not mean that I personally support it! I have not had the chance to try these, as I have always made my own. Detergent can be different from one household to the next. Baby’s skin sensitivity, water hardness, wash routine and other things can play a factor in effectiveness.
Okay, onto brands you can buy 
Allens Naturally Laundry Detergent – http://www.allensnaturally.com/
BumGenius Diaper Detergent – http://www.cottonbabies.com
Charlie’s Soap – http://www.charliesoap.com/
Country Save – http://www.countrysave.com/
Crunchy Clean – http://crunchyclean.com/
Nellie’s – http://www.nelliesallnatural.com/
Planet – http://www.planetinc.com
Rockin’ Green – http://www.rockingreensoap.com/
Seventh Generation – http://www.seventhgeneration.com/
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks … question … if using your diaper detergent recipe … how much do you use to prep cloth diapers … I know you use a tablespoon of your detergent for soiled diapers … would I use half of this for a new diaper … a teaspoon maybe?
I would use a tablespoon on natural fibers. Reason being is that you are trying to strip the diapers of their natural oils. So you want enough detergent to help accomplish that.
If it was microfiber, I'd probably just use half a tablespoon.
So, I know you aren't supposed to prep different types of diapers (natural, synthetic fibers) together, but is it okay to wash them together on a regular basis once they have been sufficiently prepped?
It's absolutely okay
The prepping phase is done separately because of the oils in natural fibers. Once they have been stripped out in the prepping process, you're good to go.
Are you suppose to dry them after each wash? Or just keep washing then dry after the 4 or 5 wash?
You can dry them after each wash, but I would only do it after every other wash, at most. I wouldn't be too concerned about getting them totally dry either.
I have seen many people say that they only dried them at the end.