Cloth diapering is becoming an increasingly popular solution for parents who want to reduce waste and save money in the long run. One of the most common questions for families that are new to reusable cloth diapers is: how long do they last? The answer, as is often the case, is, it depends.

The longevity of reusable diapers largely depends on the type of cloth diapers, how frequently they are used, and the care they receive. This guide will examine the life expectancy of different cloth diaper types and provide actionable tips and hacks for extending their lifespan.

How Long Do Cloth Diapers Last?

Cloth diapers are designed to be durable, with many lasting through at least one child’s diapering years, typically two-three years. However, their actual lifespan can vary depending on several factors, such as fabric quality, proper washing, and frequency of use.

Charlie Banana One Size diapers, for instance, have been built and tested to endure at least 300 washes. However, it is not infrequent for us to hear from our customers that they raised two or even three kids using the same Charlie Banana cloth diapers.

Helping washable diapers last for multiple children requires proper care, but it also makes them a great long-term investment for families: when you start baby #2 or #3 on cloth diapers with zero upfront cost, savings come pouring in.

On average, high-quality cloth diapers can last through two or more children, when they are washed and maintained correctly. Lower-quality or improperly maintained cloth diapers may show wear and tear after just one child, or sooner.

Tips for Making Cloth Diapers Last the Longest

Proper care and maintenance are crucial for maximizing the lifespan of your reusable cloth diapers. Follow the tips below to help keep your diapers in excellent condition:

1. Build a larger diaper stash

- The more diapers you have in your stash, the less frequently you have to reach for each diaper. Less frequent use translates to less wear-and-tear and helps prolong the lifespan of your cloth diapers.

- If you are cloth diapering all or most of the time, we recommend having at least 20-24 cloth diapers on hand. This will allow you to go two-three days in-between the washes.

2. Wash cloth diapers properly

While washing cloth diapers is way less intimidating than some internet sources make it sound, there are a few good laundry rules that can help extend the life span of your diapers.

- Follow the manufacturer instructions: Different brands might have different washing recommendations. Always consult the brand’s care guide first.
- Avoid fabric softeners: Fabric softeners (not to be confused with water softeners) tend to build up on cloth diaper fibers, decreasing their absorbency, so it’s best to stay away from them altogether.
- Water softeners, on the other hand, might be a good idea if you live in an area with hard water, as “softening” your water will help remove the minerals that might otherwise build up on the diaper fabric.
- Use the right water temperature: Hot water can weaken elastics and the waterproof outer layer, decreasing the performance of a diaper. When in doubt, washing on warm usually works best.
- Pre-rinse: It is best to always remove solid waste after the diaper is soiled. Disposable liners help separated solids from the fabric of the diaper, making cleanup much easier. We recommend rinsing the residue off before placing the diaper in the pail.
- A few words on wool: If you are using wool covers, keep in mind that wool is more gentle than other diaper fabrics and typically requires handwashing.

For more recommendations on cloth diaper washing routines, check out our cloth diaper cleaning guide.

3. Dry diapers correctly

Just like with washing, avoiding high temperatures is a great idea when it comes to washing cloth diapers, as high heat can be damaging to the elastics and waterproof layers.

- Air dry if/when possible: Line-drying helps preserve the elastics and waterproof layers. Plus, it saves energy and decreases your energy bill, helping you further maximize the savings!

- Tumble dry on low: If air drying your cloth diapers is not an option, there is absolutely no need to feel guilty about using your dryer. Just remember to stick with low heat setting to avoid any damage to the elastics and any waterproof elements.

4. Address stains, if needed

- Modern cloth diapers, like Charlie Banana, are designed to be stain-resistant. However, if staining occurs, you can treat it with non-chlorine bleach or stain remover (once again, always consult the manufacturer’s care label first).
- Sun bleaching (laying or hanging diapers to dry in the sun) is another great way to remove stains from cloth diapers, with the UV-light acting as a natural bleach.

5. Store diapers properly

- Storing diapers properly in between washes is key to preventing mildew and smells, neither of which help diapers achieve their maximum lifespan.
- A wet bag or a diaper pail usually work best for keeping used diapers until you have enough for a load.
- Soaking cloth diapers in a bucket of water is also a great option, especially if you are cloth diapering on a budget.
- For long-term storage (e.g. if you are saving your diapers for the next child), keeping clean, fully dried diapers in a cool, dry (but not airtight) place can help prevent any mold and mildew issues.

6. Repair small issues early on

Damage and wear-and-tear do happen, especially with long-term and/or intensive use, but there are not a reason to despair.

- If the elastics have worn out, but the cloth diaper is otherwise in a good condition, replacing the elastics can be a cost-effective way to get more use out of your diapers.
- Many cloth diaper brands offer repair kits. However, if sewing is not your strongest skill, looking up a diaper repair service is a totally valid option.

Final Thoughts on Cloth Diaper Longevity

Cloth diapers are a great choice for your baby’s diapering needs, especially if you aim at long-term financial savings and/or waste reduction.

While the lifespan of reusable diaper depends on product quality, proper care, and frequency of use, following the tips above can help them stay in good condition for years to come.

Investing in a quality stash, washing and drying diapers carefully, and addressing wear-and-tear early on can help you get multiple years of use out of your cloth diapers, allowing you to raise more than one kids using the same set of diapers.

Taking good care of your cloth diapers might require a bit research and preparation, but it sure pays off: by prolonging the lifespan of your reusable diapers you help reduce waste and maximize savings.

With proper care, the same cloth diapers can last long enough to serve multiple siblings, and once all your kids are potty-trained, you can pass your well-maintained diapers to a friend, sell them on an online marketplace, or donate them to a family indeed. Now that’s a win for everyone!

Have more questions? Our Customer Care team is here to answer them all.