bumGenius Washing Instructions

How do I wash my new diapers?

For bumGenius products:

Wash once in cold water with no more than 1/4 (high efficiency machines) to 1/2 (top loading, regular machines) of the detergent's recommended amount per load.
Wash once in hot (up to 120 degrees) water with no more than 1/4 (high efficiency machines) to 1/2 (top loading, regular machines) of the detergent's recommened amount per load. Optionally (and only occasionally), add 1/4 cup of bleach to this cycle.
Add an extra rinse to remove any lingering detergent in the diapers.
Line dry. bumGenius 3.0 One-Size Cloth Diapers will line dry quickly. For any product made with organic cotton, tumble dry briefly to soften and then finish the drying process on the line. bumGenius AIOs will dry quickly on the line if you turn them inside out.
IMPORTANT NOTE: To preserve your hook and loop closures, we suggest washing bumGenius products separately from heavy cotton or hemp diapers (like prefolds or cotton fitteds).

What detergent can I use?
You should only use detergents that are free of dyes, enzymes, perfumes, whiteners and brighteners. Using detergents containing these ingredients will cause damage to your diaper including elastic failure and leaking.

What should I avoid?
Do not use extra additives in your wash (like baking soda or vinegar). These ingredients are unnecessary and will cause problems in your diapers. Do not use fabric softeners. Do not boil your diapers.

My tabs aren't as sticky as they used to be. How can I solve this problem?
Wash your diaper and then dry it in the dryer on warm heat. Be sure to let the diaper cool completely before using. This causes the hooks to recontract and become "sticky" again.

Are diaper rash creams ok to use with bumGenius?
Diaper rashes should be treated according to your physician's recommendations. If you need to use a rash cream, you should use a stay-dry liner or a piece of fleece between your baby's bottom and the diaper to prevent the cream from transferring onto the diapers.

How can I prevent diaper leakage?
The number one cause of leakage is a saturated diaper that just needs to be changed. Any diaper will leak once full. If your baby is having problems with leaks, check this first. 99% of the time, additional absorbency solves leakage problems. If that doesn't work, we've included some other trouble-shooting points below.

Did you prewash?
First of all, make sure that you washed everything at least once before using. There can be residue left on the fabric from the production process that can cause leakage. If you have organic or hemp diapers, they must be prewashed in hot water 3-5 times before they become absorbent.

Is the insert flat?
Make sure that the insert is flat when you put the diaper on your baby. If it is twisted or wadded up, this can cause leakage. A Hemp Babies Diaper Doubler placed on top of your insert can prevent the wadding that can occur with some babies.

Is the wetness at the top edge of the diaper?
This issue has been resolved with the new bumGenius 3.0 diapers. Our unique extra layer of waterproof material across the inside front of the diaper prevents leaking at the top of the diaper. bumGenius 3.0 One-Size diapers are the first and only diapers with this innovative feature.

If you have bumGenius 2.0 One-Size diapers and the wetness is at the top edge of the diaper, make sure that the insert isn’t pushing the lining fabric up against your baby’s clothing. The insert should be placed approximately one inch below the top edge of the diaper. The top edge of the diaper should be flat against your baby with the soft fabric against your baby’s belly.

Is the wetness at the legs or the tabs?
If the diaper is leaking from the tabs or the legs, change the diaper and remove the insert. If it is saturated then your baby definitely needs a more absorbent insert or a more frequent diaper change. If the insert isn’t saturated, then the diaper may not be adjusted to fit your child properly or, if you are using a detergent that contains additives, your diapers may also have detergent buildup which can also cause leakage.

I think my diapers have detergent buildup. What should I do?

Wash once in hot water with one teaspoon (for high efficiency machines) to one tablespoon (for regular washing machines) with original liquid Dawn (blue formula) and up to 1/2 cup bleach in the wash cycle.

Do two additional hot water washes with no detergent to completely rinse the diapers clean. If you still see suds, keep rinsing until the diapers are rinsed clean.