What is what to do when a diaper goes through the wash?

Oh no, a diaper in the wash! Here's what to do:

  • Stop the Machine! Immediately stop the washing machine. The longer it runs, the more the diaper's contents will spread.

  • Assess the Damage: How bad is it? Was it a clean diaper, or a very full one?

  • Clean the Washing Machine: This is the most important step. You'll need to remove all traces of the diaper's absorbent materials.

    • Remove Large Pieces: Manually remove any large clumps or pieces of the diaper material from the drum, agitator, and around the door seal.
    • Wipe Down Surfaces: Wipe down all interior surfaces of the washing machine with a damp cloth to remove any remaining residue.
    • Run a Cleaning Cycle: Run an empty washing machine cycle with hot water and a washing machine cleaner (or bleach if your machine can handle it – check the manufacturer's instructions). Repeat if necessary. You can learn more about https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/washing%20machine%20cleaning to improve your washing machine cleaning skill.
    • Check the Drain: Check and clean the washing machine's drain filter. Diaper bits can clog it.
  • Clean the Clothes:

    • Shake Off Debris: Before attempting to wash the clothes again, shake each item individually to remove as much diaper material as possible. Do this outside or over a trash can.
    • Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse each item under running water.
    • Rewash: Rewash the clothes in the washing machine with detergent. You may need to https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/rewashing clothes multiple times.
  • Check the Dryer: Before drying, inspect the clothes carefully to ensure all diaper material is gone. The dryer will bake in any remaining residue, making it much harder to remove.

  • Prevention: To avoid this in the future, always double-check pockets before loading laundry. Consider using a https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/laundry%20bag for delicates to prevent small items from getting lost.