PUL Design Flaw

Recently, Joann's Fabric and Craft Stores have begun carrying printed PUL. Oh, and are they cute! There are five different prints: Camo, Jungle, Monkey, Muli Dot, and Tie Dye. When I first saw them I couldn't wait to get some and make a few diapers.
 

Camo Print PUL interior

 

Camo Print Exterior



I bought one yard of each print with matching flannel for the lining just to start with. (They love me at the cutting counter with 15 different fabrics that need cut. OK, so maybe love isn't exactly how they feel.) 



Jungle Print PUL interior

Jungle Print Exterior



 So, at home I was extremely excited about making a diaper. I got all my supplies out and unfolded the fabric to pin my pattern down and (Gasp!) I realized plastic is on the WRONG SIDE of the fabric.


Monkey Print PUL



Monkey Print Exterior

 Cloth diapers made with PUL have the plastic lined side of the fabric on the inside of the diaper. So, why did they decide to put the plastic on the brightly printed side that would be hidden and the part that would be showing is the faded side of the print?


Mulit Dot Print PUL



Mulit Dot Exterior

 PUL is mostly used for cloth diapers. I'm sure there are other things people make out of PUL but the main reason Joann's sells PUL is because of the increased interest in cloth diapers and those who sew. I can't think of many things that would need the plastic on the visible part of the fabric but maybe I just don't know...



Tie Dye Print PUL





Tie Dye Exterior

 I have written Joann's a letter about this fabric. I feel like it was a design flaw by company. The person who designed these fabric obviously does not make cloth diapers. From now on I'll stick with the solid colored PUL but until then what do I do with 5 yards of PUL that doesn't fit my usual diaper needs? I still can made wet bags and pail liners out of it because the plastic lined side does show but what about diapers? As I see it I have 2 options:

1. Make diapers as normal with faded inside print visible.
2. Reverse PUL so plastic lined side shows with bright print.

So, I need the opinion of you cloth diapering moms out there (or anyone else out there who wishes to voice their opinion). If you were to have a diaper made from this PUL which option would you choose?

GreenCheeks Pail Liner

When using a dry pail for GreenCheeks diaper it is much easier (and cleaner!) to use a pail liner. A lot of people use trash bag but in the spirit of being green I recommend using a reusable pail liner.

The GreenCheeks pail liner is made from PUL waterproof fabric in a variety of colors. When it is time to wash diapers simply take the pale liner out of the pail with all the diapers still inside. Use the pail liner to dump the diapers into the washer. With the pail liner you never have to touch dirty diapers when putting them in the wash! Then turn the pail liner inside out and wash with the diapers. Air dry on the line or lay flat or tumble dry on NO HEAT. A pail liner is a must have for cloth diapering parents!

Reusable Wet Bags

One big bummer about cloth diapering is when you're on the go. You have no choice but to cart around a dirty diaper in your bag for several hours. Some people revert to paper diapers when they're out of the comfort of their own home but I'm out and about a lot. If I did that I wouldn't really couldn't say I cloth diaper when I'm still donating several hundreds of dirty paper diapers that don't decompose for 100 years to the landfills. That's not green at all. Although, there isn't much of a choice regarding carrying around a dirty diaper but there is a way to make it easier.

Introducing GreenCheeks' Reusable Wet Bags!

Medium Wet Bag

Medium Wet Bag open. Lined with pink PUL.

The Reusable Wet Bags are made from a variety of fashionable fabric on the outer layer and durable, waterproof PUL interior layer. It is closed with a strong, nylon zipper to keep leaks out. No leaky drawstrings on these bags! Keep a Reusable Wet Bag in your diaper bag for changing time. Place the dirty diaper in the wet bag and zip up. Store your wet bag in your diaper bag until you can get home to put the dirty diaper in the pale. With the Greencheeks' Reusable Wet Bag you can feel secure that dirty diapers (and their smells) will be kept enclosed and everything else in your diaper bag clean and dry!

The Reusable Wet Bags come in three sizes:

Small: 8"x10"  $8

Medium: 13"x16" $12

Large: 18"x21" $16

Stripping You're GreenCheeks Diapers

Wash after wash a little deteregent builds up on the cloth diapers. After a few months your diapers may feel filmy and don't look as good as they did when you first bought them. This is from detergent build up and you need to strip your diapers. I do this about every six months.

You need:

Blue Dawn Dish Soap original scent. Yes, it has to be the blue kind. It's the only one that isn't antibacterial or anything else. Dawn gets out oils in the diaper. 

AND

Color Safe Bleach. This must be used on GreenCheeks Diapers because of the colored lining. For some reason chlorine bleach does not alter the PUL but it does damage the lining. For this reason only use Color safe bleach. On inserts and prefolds cholorine bleach can be used.

What to do:

1. 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 color safe bleach in the wash cycle.
2. 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.

You should be able to tell a big difference in how your diapers look and feel after stripping them of detergent build up.



Do-It-Yourself Diaper Sprayer

I'm sure those of you out there who cloth diaper have seen the diaper sprayers the commercial companies sell. When my little one was first born I realized that some soiled diapers have to be sprayed off before being washed. It was too bad I had to learn that the hard way. So I really wanted to invest in a diaper sprayer but $40-$50 was a little steep for me. The thrifty side of me just wouldn't allow that purchase. So, I tried alternatives.

Shaking them off in clean toilet water was not very effective.
Using the shower hose on a stream setting into the toilet was more effective but water got everywhere!
Using the sink and its hose was most effective but really gross.

After sanitizing my sink 5 times I decided just to give in and spend the money on the diaper sprayer. I told my husband of my pending purchase but he told me to wait. When I got home that day he had fixed up a sprayer onto my toilet using a kitchen sink sprayer and it cost HALF of what the diaper sprayer cost. Plus, it works great! My husband is such the handyman.

So, I knew I couldn't keep this to myself. I asked him to tell me all the products needed and the steps to hook it up which is posted below with links and pictures.

If you don't want to go get these products yourself, I do sell a Diaper Sprayer Kit for $30 that is already assembled so all you need to do hook it up to the toilet. It's listed to the right of the posts in the Prices and Products section.

Do-It-Yourself Diaper Sprayer

What you need:

• 3/8 in. x 3/8 in. x 3/8 in. Brass Compression Adapt-A-Valve

• 3/8In.x1/4In. Brass Compression Coupling 

• 3/8 in. PEX Faucet Supply Line With Sleeve (This comes in anywhere from 12in to 30in but you only need about 1-1/4in piece so get the smallest length you can.)

 

• Sink Spray Hose & Head

 
Note: the links are examples of what to get. Please feel free to get any brand. It's easier to get exactly what you need if you go into the store and ask a employee to find the parts.

To Attach Sprayer to Toilet:

1. Turn off water valve
2. Disconnect toilet hose from shut of valve 
3. Connect the 3/8 in. x 3/8 in. x 3/8 in. Brass Compression Adapt-A-Valve to the shut off valve
4. Remove nut from side valve and reconnect the toilet hose to the side valve
5. Cut a 1-1/4in piece of PEX (Do not bend the PEX while cutting. Use a very sharp knife or a serrated knife to insure the PEX doesn't bend.)
6. Insert 1-1/4 piece of PEX into the top valve of the Brass comppression Adapt-A-Valve and tighten the nut around the PEX
7. Connect the 1/4in side of the Brass Compression Coupling to the PEX by putting the small brass insert into the PEX and tightening the nut.
8. Connect the sprayer to the 3/8in side of the Brass Compression Coupling and tighten the nut.
9. TA-DA! You have successfully connected your very own, very cheap, diaper sprayer!

This is what it should look like when completed:

If your having difficulty connecting your sprayer or need further instruction feel free to e-mail me at greencheeksdiapers@live.com or comment on this blog and I can help you.

GreenCheeks Perfect Pocket Diaper

The best fit diaper!

Well, I did it. Four patterns later and I finally discovered the best pattern to give the best fit with out leaks!
So what makes the GreenCheeks Perfect Pocket diaper such an amazing diaper? Several new and improved listed below.

1. The long tabs and hook closures allow for a variety of sizes and room for growth

2. The large pocket makes it easy to put in and take out the GreenCheeks 100% Cotton Insert and the pocket has elastic on both sides to keep the insert firmly in place.
3. The leg elastic is sewn in such a way to ensure that there is no twisting or binding so the diaper stays in place and leaks are minimal .

4. The diaper designs are fun and creative. Just because it's a diaper doesn't mean it has to be boring.



5. The loop closure is wide and long for a variety of sizes and to allow growth. It also ensures a secure closure. No one wants a diaper that comes off!
6. The diaper is lined with a waterproof PUL fabric so everything that should stay in the diaper does.
7. Customers can choose from hook and loop closures or snaps. I know there are some out there who have an aversion to hook/loop fasteners and for those people there are snaps!


GreenCheeks Perfect Pocket Diaper with snaps. Reason #7

8. Every GreenCheeks Perfect Pocket diaper comes with one sized GreenCheeks 100% Cotton Insert. 



This diaper is a large. Below are a few more designs of the GreenCheeks Perfect Pocket diaper. Let me know what you think!

 

This diapers is a large with a fish print lining.

This large diaper I put an extra loop closure on the outside of the tab in case it was too big and it needed that extra space for a snug fit. It turned out that it wasn't needed at all so this is the only one I added that extra.

This is a size small. Obviously, I have a lot of yellow fabric. I didn't realize this until I put the pictures up.

This large diaper has stars on the tabs. These are felt buttons that I sew on by hand. I just think it adds a little creative touch to the diaper. This diaper reminds me of sunshine on a cloudless day.

 

This is an x-small. It is the tiniest thing. I often forget babies are ever this little. I made this one for a customer who is about to have a baby. I love this fabric! It's so hippy. 

GreenCheeks No Leak Nursing Pads

A whole new way to prevent leaks. These reusable/washable nursing pads are lined on the outside (the side against your bra) with PUL fabric, padded in the middle with two layers of 100% cotton terry cloth for maximum absorbency, and lined on the inside with an ultra soft polyester/cotton blend. The breast pads are machine washable and can be lined dried or tumble dried on NO heat. GreenCheeks No Leak Nursing Pads come in four convenient sizes depending on cup size.

Sizing Guideline

X-Small (3in): A cup

Small (3.5in): A or B cup

Medium (4in): C cup

Large (4.5in): D or DD cup


X-Large (5in): DD or Larger

GreenCheeks 100% Cotton Inserts

The GreenCheeks 100% Cotton Inserts are made from 3 layers of soft terry cloth for maximum absorbency but quick drying. Unlike microfiber inserts, terry cloth is 100% cotton that washes well and leaves the insert smelling fresh and new. There is no "stink" after washing like other inserts.Also, the inserts are double stitched to ensure quality and integrity even after years of washings. The inserts can be tumble dried with heat and occasionally washed with bleach to strip and whiten. GreenCheeks 100% Cotton Inserts come in 4 different sizes to fit GreenCheeks diapers sizes:

 X-Small: 10in by 4in

Small: 11in by 4.5in

Medium: 13in by 5in

Large:  15in by 5in

*One Size GreenCheeks 100% Cotton Inserts Coming Soon

To use GreenCheeks 100% Cotton Inserts place insert into pocket of your GreenCheeks diaper until its not visible from the outside. Gently tug on both ends of your diaper to ensure the insert is perfectly fitted inside the diaper. Place diaper on your child. When changing remove the insert from the diaper and put both in dry pale for easy washing. (No one wants to separate dirty, wet diapers right before washing. It's much more convenient to do it right after the diaper change.)

The Catch-All Wipes

If your going to use cloth diapers there is no reason that you shouldn't also use cloth wipes. I mean, you already have to wash the diapers. Why not just throw in the wipes too. I'm going to be honest, there are times when all my wipes are dirty and I don't have any made up that I use the disposable kind but I would much prefer my cloth. They clean up so much more with one wipe than any of those thin things could do. Plus, I have a container of wipes in almost every room of the house for all kinds of messes. You never know when you'll need a wipes. Because they are so versatile and thorough I call my cloth wipes the Catch-All Wipes. Here are some of my designs:

One side is an ultra absorbent terry cloth or micro-fleece that catches the big mess. The other side is a super soft flannel in many fun designs that allows you to double check your baby's bum is as clean as it can be. One wipe per diaper change is usually all you need. Plus these wipes are double stitched so they never fray and will last though countless diaper changes and washings.

For storage these 8x8 inch wipes fit nicely into a disposable wipes container when folded in half. That's what I use but you can do whatever works for you.

For information on recipe for the wipe solution please visit my post Reuseable Cloth Wipes Solution

Reuseable Cloth Wipes Solution

If your using cloth wipes you'll need to keep them in a solution so they can clean well just like the disposable wipes. Here is a recipe for the solution:

• 1 Cup Water
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil or Baby Oil (I know some people out there don't like the smell of olive oil)
• 1 Tablespoon Baby Wash (I would recommend going the natural or organic route with the wash. My personal favorite is Dr. Bronner's Unscented Baby-Mild Pure Castile Soap)
• 2 Drops Essential Oil for Scent (I use lavender as it soothes diaper rash as well)

Mix contents together and soak your wipes in it. Wring out your wipes until they are damp to wet but not soaking. Store in a closed container to keep moist. 

I make a large amount of solution all at once so I don't have to make a new batch every time I make up wipes. I keep the solution in a large glass container (it used to be a glass milk jug) in my pantry.

I really like using cloth wipes and this solution. It does take a little more time than just buying the disposable kind but it saves me money and I think these wipes do a much better job. 

How to Clean Your GreenCheeks Diapers

The most common question I get asked is how to care for the diapers. As we all know, diapers can get pretty messy so a thorough washing is essential to diaper care.  Because the diaper shell is made from PUL (polyurethane laminated fabric) which can melt and warp the diaper under too much heat specific drying methods are just as essential as the washings.

Here is a step by step guide to the care of your GreenCheeks diapers.

1.  Wash dirty diapers every other day at the least.
2. Remove solid waste before storing in pail to be washed.
3.  If diapers have hook and loop closures (Velcro) secure with laundry tabs.See my post Laundry Tabs
4. Prewash or soak diapers in cold water to remove waste and fight stains.
5. Wash diapers on hot setting 
• Detergent specifically designed for washing cloth diapers is best. You can also use homemade detergent. See my post Homemade Laundry Soap. A clean and clear detergent can be used in an emergency but is not the best for the diapers on a long term basis.
6. Follow washing with a second rinse.
7. If diapers still smell bad after washing repeat steps 5 and 6.
8. Line dry diaper shells and covers or put in dryer on NO HEAT. Tumble dry  inserts, wipes, and prefolds in dryer with heat.
9. To remove stains place clean, wet diapers and inserts in the sun.

Note: Once every six months to a year diapers may be washed with 1/3 cup non-chlorine bleach in hot wash cycle (step 5). Chlorine bleach can be used for items that do not have colored fabric or PUL such as prefolds, inserts, and all white wipes.

How to Make Laundry Tabs

Before I started making my own diapers I used many different brands of cloth diapers trying to find one that fit my needs and my baby best. I did like Bum Genius diapers with a few exceptions. Besides being overpriced I didn't like when I would pull them out of the washer they would be in a long train. The hook and loop (Velcro) closures would attach to each other and be a giant mess!

This is a Bum Genius diaper. I have circled the laundry tab. It is sewn onto the inside of the diaper which would be very convenient if they worked. After a few washings the hook closures are fastening to anything but the designated loop laundry tab on the inside of the diapers during a wash. This, not only is very annoying, it damages the diaper that you just mortgaged your house to buy. (OK, an exaggeration but you get the point.) Diapers do not last nearly as long if the hook closures are constantly tugging as the fabric. When a friend, who has been cloth diapering for years, told me her solution it was like a breath of fresh air.
Below is a simple step by step guide to making laundry tabs for you GreenCheeks diapers so that you may avoid the dreaded diaper chain.

1. You need a piece of 2 inch loop fastener. The length depends on how many fasteners you will need.

   
       2.  Measure 1.5 inches in length.

   
       3. With a fabric pen mark the loop fastener as 1.5 inches.

       4. Cut the loop fastener at 1.5 inches where you just marked.

       5. Place your new laundry tab on the hook fasteners of your GreenCheeks diaper.

       6. Now that your tabs are covered your diaper is ready to be washed!

I put my laundry tabs in a small container by the side of my changing table. When I change a diaper I put the tabs on the diaper before I put it in the dirty pale so when I'm ready to wash my diapers all my laundry tabs are already in place. I'm been using this method for several months now and I can really tell the difference it makes for my diapers.

I hope this helps you out too!

Cloth Diaper Laundry Soap

The recipe below originates from Crystal Miller's recipe for homemade laundry soap . You can visit this website for questions regarding the soap. This is a very inexpensive recipe and averages out to about $.01 per load.

Here is some information about the ingredients:

The Soap:  The most typical type of soap to use is Fels Naptha.  It is an old-fashioned type of soap usually found in the laundry aisle.  The other options for soap are Ivory or another brand called, Zote. Or you can use Kirk's Castile Soap which contains coconut oil and helps with yeast build up.  Any of these will work.  If you use Ivory/Kirk's Castile Soap or your own homemade soap you will need to use the whole bar.

Washing Soda: This is not to be confused with baking soda.  They are not the same thing.  Washing soda is sodium carbonate or soda ash (baking soda is sodium bicarbonate).  It is a white powder.  Its purpose is to help remove dirt and orders.   The brand to look for is Arm & Hammer Washing Soda.  I find it in the laundry section of my grocery store.   Many people have a hard time finding this locally.  I know you can purchase it on-line, even through Amazon.com.  I would also suggest asking your grocery store manager if it would be possible for the store to get it for you.

Borax: Borax is a naturally occurring mineral: Sodium Borate.  It is a white powder.  It’s purpose is as a laundry whitener and deodorizer. The brand to look for is 20 Mule Team.  It comes in a 76 oz. box.  You should be able to locate this in the laundry detergent aisle.  Again as with the washing soda, if you cannot find it ask you store manager or look online.

Homemade Laundry Soap
1/3 bar Fels Naptha soap or one whole bar of Ivory/Kirk's Castile Soap or homemade soap (I used Ivory)
1/2 cup Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
1/2 cup borax powder
water
2+ gallon bucket, for storing (I use an old laundry detergent bucket that has been cleaned and rinsed)

1. Grate the soap and place in a sauce pan. Add 6 cups of water and heat until the soap melts.

2. Add the washing soda and borax and stir until it is dissolved. Remove from heat.

3. Pour 4 cups of hot water into the bucket. Add the soap mixture and stir. Add 1 gallon plus 6 cups of water and stir.
4. Let soap sit for 24 hours before first use and it will gel.
5. Store your laundry detergent in the bucket, covered. (I put plastic wrap on the top of mine, and I also left my long plastic spoon in the soap to stir it briefly before each use.) Use 1/2 cup per load of clothes.
6. You can make the soap scented by adding some essential oil. My favorite is lavender. I add 1/4 tsp. for a light scent.



There is a downside to using a soap recipe. Soap can build up on the diapers after many washes. This is why many commercial diaper companies do not recommend using soap. I have found that the diapers just need to be stripped when this happens. You can strip your diapers using non-chlorine bleach. I do this every 6 months to a year. See Stripping Your GreenCheeks Diapers.

If your not up for making your own soap I am a really big fan of Crunchy Clean Laundry Cleaner . It works very well, has fabulous scents and doesn't cost an arm and leg that the commercial diaper companies sell for their cleaner. I have had some customers tell me Charlie's Soap is also a good brand for washing cloth diapers and is comparable in price to Crunchy Clean. It is also more readily avaliable at stores and online.

If you have any questions please feel free to ask.