Cloth diapers must be "prepped" before use-  Here's how:

Wash twice in warm water*, dry once and wash twice again.
If your diapers are "leaking" wash them a few more times.

The natural oils in cottons & hemp need to be "stripped" allowing the fabric t o absorb.
Washing several times also causes the fibers to shrink, fluff up and become more absorbent.
The diaper will shrink and get thicker with the first few washes. 
This shrinkage has been allowed for when designing the diapers. 

Hemp diapers and inserts will need to be primed by washing and drying them 5-7 times on HOT prior to first use.

Keep your wet and dirty diapers in a diaper pail.
If you're using pocket fitteds, shake out the insert into your diaper pail and throw the diaper in after changing your baby's diaper.   

Because organic cotton fibers tend to wear slightly more than conventional or synthetic fibers, a little extra care can extend the life of the diaper.

Wash your diapers in warm water* with a small amount of detergent on gentle cycle. 
Diapers do not require much detergent, too much will leave a residue causing your diapers to possibly stink, leak, or leave baby with a rash.
1/4 the recommended amount per load is sufficient. 
Washing the diapers on hot can make our dyed organic diapers fade in color. 
An additional rinse can be used for particularly soiled loads.
Make sure that your diapers are rinsed clean. If in doubt, rinse again.
Any residue from poop, urine, detergent or vinegar can make your diapers smell. 
Tumble dry on medium to low heat or line dry.

DO use white vinegar.
In the wash it helps remove bacteria causing order and detergent residues.
In the rinse cycle, vinegar leaves your diapers soft and fresh.
Vinegar has completely replaced fabric softener in our home.

Do use baking soda.
In the diaper pail, it keeps odors from growing.
In a pre wash cycle, it helps remove bacteria and stains.

Do not use fabric softener.  It will coat the diapers making them water repellent and reduce the absorbency of the diaper.
Be aware that if you use dryer sheets in your dryer for other laundry this can coat your dryer and transfer to your diapers.  

Do not use bleach.  This will cause the fabric's fibers to break down.

Do not stretch the diaper while it is still warm.  Allowing the diaper to cool after taking it out of the dryer will extend the life of its elastic.

For more information and steps for specific washing machines, see our free Handout Sheets in All About Cloth Diapers.

*Warm means water temperature should not exceed 40 degrees C or 105 degrees F