Image: MomJunction Design Team
When you’re a new parent overwhelmed with responsibilities, the only way to stay on top of everything is by making your life more convenient in every way possible. By bringing home the best washing machine for cloth diapers, you can free yourself of the worry of cleaning your baby’s diapers and use that time to bond with the baby instead.
Top loading washing machines are ideal for this purpose, as you can choose the water level recommended for cloth diapers and enjoy a host of other features. Some of them even allow you to pre-soak the diapers before washing, thus reducing staining and making the cloth look fresher.
It’s a good idea to have a separate machine dedicated to diaper washing instead of mixing cloth diapers with other clothes. Read on as we have listed the top washing machines that will make your life simpler and your baby’s diapers more hygienic.
Top Picks
5 Best Washing Machines For Cloth Diapers
1. Best Energy-Efficient Operation: Super Deal Portable Washing Machine
This trusted product might just be your answer to your diaper washing woes as it’s one of the lightest twin tub washing machines available. Just connect it to your bathroom or kitchen faucet, and it’s ready to go. With a wash capacity of 5.5 pounds and a spin capacity of 4.4 pounds, this 2-in-1 top load washing machine is perfect for washing small loads quickly and efficiently. Your cloth diapers will be squeaky clean and its gentle washing cycle keeps them in great condition. Its wash cycle time is 15 minutes, while the spin cycle time is about five minutes. This energy-efficient washing machine includes two deep rinses in all cycles and is engineered to stand any laundry additives such as detergents, fabric softeners, and more. Take a look at this video to know more about the product.
Pros
- Upgraded 1300 RPM motor
- Less twisting of the clothing
- Transparent cover design to observe the washing process
- Energy efficient operation
- True rinse technology for best rinsing results
- Water-saving washing machine
- Accurate suspension system
- Five options each for washing and spinning time
- Three washing modes
- Built-in gravity drain and inlet water hose
Cons
- Some may feel the spinner could be more efficient.
"Though it requires manual filling, its effectiveness in cleaning is undeniable. It removes most moisture from the clothes, making the air-drying process a breeze. Additionally, its portable nature is a blessing for us."
Point to consider2. Best Compact Design: The Laundry Alternative Mini Washing Machine – Mint Green
If what you need is an economical, portable, hand-operated washing machine that leaves your cloth diapers and other clothes sparkling clean, this might be just the product for you. This small-load washer takes a mere one to two minutes to wash clothes, is portable, and extremely gentle while getting your clothes completely clean! This hand crank unit washes a 5-pound load, and its new E-Z lid lever is much easier to use than the older lid screw design. It’s perfect for apartments, RVs, and for small loads like hand washables, delicates, and cloth diapers. You may check more about the product in this review video.
Pros
- Uses less water
- Saves on electricity
- Compact design
- Weighs approximately 6 pounds
Cons
- Some may find it difficult to assemble.
"I mostly rely on this washer for quick and frequent laundry needs, especially with my baby's delicate items. Its durability over the years has been a genuine plus point."
Do remember
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
About 4,635 reviewers on Amazon have given their seal of approval to the product.
3. Best Portability: Super Deal Mini Washing Machine
A great tried-and-tested option for smaller loads of laundry and space constraints, this tiny yet powerful washing machine both washes and spins your clothes, and can be connected to any standard outlet. The wash cycle takes just about ten minutes to get your clothes clean, while the spin cycle takes a mere five minutes. The automatic washer features a clear lid to monitor the cycles. High-quality intake hoses can be attached to a faucet, and then you can load with clothing and detergent and set the timer to the desired setting. It has an automatic rinse cycle and leaves your clothing super clean, free of residue and irritants. As per reviewers, this automatic washer is great for cloth baby diapers and delicate undergarments, which you may not wish to wash with other clothes. Check out this video to learn more about this portable washer.
Pros
- Compact size
- Great portability
- Lightweight
- 5.7 pounds capacity
- Effortless filling and draining
- Fits on counter top
- Consumes less water, detergent, and electricity
- Perfect for RV travel or camping
Cons
- The input hose may be difficult to connect to a water source.
"This compact washer has found a nice, cozy place in my house. It handles small loads and does the cleaning part quite efficiently. I wish it were studier to handle its own mobility during an intense spin cycle."
Super Deal Portable Washing Machine Best Energy-Efficient Operation | The Laundry Alternative Mini Washing Machine - Mint Green Best Compact Design | Super Deal Mini Washing Machine Best Portability | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | PP Plastic, ABS Material | ABS | - |
| Weight | 22 Pounds | 5 Pounds | 12.3 pounds |
| Color | White,Blue | Mint Green | White,Blue |
| Wattage | 240 watts | - | - |
| Dimensions | 14.6 x 22 x 22.6 inches | 12 x 12 x 16 inches | 15.4 x 14.7 x 22.8 inches |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 4,248 | 4,635 | 1,618 |
| Price | $57.99 | $69.99 | $33.89 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best Hassle-Free Operation: Pyle Portable Washing Machine
Washing cloth diapers is a breeze with this portable 2-in-1 washing machine and spin dryer which is ideal for small loads. It doesn’t require any installation, and a power cord and drain hose are included, so all you need to do is put detergent and water into the washer dryer combo. With a 250-watt motor and a 7.7-pound capacity, your laundry cleaning requirements are conveniently taken care of. The tub has a translucent window on the lid so you can monitor the washing. The portable spin dryer features a 120 watts motor and a capacity of 3.3 pounds. This high-capacity appliance is also suitable for delicate items like lingerie or a few articles of regular clothing, making it a mom-approved option.
Pros
- Convenient top loading
- Hassle-free operation
- Rotary control washer timer
- Energy and water-efficient design
Cons
- Some reviewers found it a bit noisy
"I needed something like this that could effortlessly handle my on-the-go laundry needs. It's compact and fits almost anywhere. Its efficient cleaning process is a plus, too, but be prepared for an extra drying time."
5. Best Lightweight: ZenStyle Laundry Washer
Good things come in small packages and this washing machine has a large capacity to wash and spin your clothes despite its compact and lightweight design. Designed with ABS and PP plastic, its inner tub, which has a honeycomb shape, is constructed to handle a laundry load of up to 8 pounds at a time. Its powerful 1300 RPM motor thoroughly washes, rinses, and spins your clothes. It features a built-in drain pipe to drain out dirty water easily. According to reviews, this lightweight washing machine is easy to carry and can be placed anywhere you want, making it suitable for dormitories, apartments, RVs, and other places with limited space. The safe and effective washing machine automatically shuts down after 10 minutes if you start the machine and do not set any operation, which saves electricity.
Pros
- Fully automatic washing machine
- LED display control panel
- Weighs 43 pounds
- Choice of ten programs and three water levels
Cons
- Some may find it a little noisy.
"It's a simple and decent option for my household. I like its discreet and quiet operation, and the spin cycle is pretty efficient and does the cleaning well. Installation was mostly straightforward, except for the drain hose, which needed extra attention."
Point to considerHow To Choose The Right Washing Machine For Cloth Diapers?
Here are a few tips to help you choose the right washing machine for cloth diapers.
- Type
There are two types of washing machines — top loading and front loading washing machine. A top loader opens from above and uses an agitator to wash and paddles on the drum side, while a front loader opens at the front and uses paddles to wash clothes. Front loading machines are more spacious as the top loaders have space occupied by the agitator. You can save on water with a front loading machine as compared to a top load washing machine. Top-load washers are usually narrower and fit in smaller spaces, while front loading machines tend to require more space as they are wider.
- Option for cycles
A washing machine with more cycle options is better than one that has fewer. For diapers, it’s always good to have a soak or pre-wash option as that takes care of a lot of the staining before the actual wash. A standard washing machine should give you a normal cycle of 8 to 15 minutes in which it will strip the dirt off your clothes. It involves a combination of a wash and spin cycle and is a necessity in all washing machines. It’s also recommended to run an extra rinse cycle with diapers to ensure that all the detergent is removed from the diapers which can otherwise cause rashes. If your diapers have elastic, a cold water wash is the most suitable because a hot water wash will damage them. A cold water wash cycle is also more energy efficient.
- High efficiency or standard
High efficiency washing machines are environment-friendly and more expensive, but will save you money over time. Standard models are cheaper but tend to cost more over time, and also use more water and electricity. Again, the choice would depend on whether or not the machine will give you the option to soak the fabric diapers before washing, and a soaking option is more common in a standard washing machine.
- Capacity
A front-loading washing machine is a better option if you need to wash a larger load of laundry because its drum is more spacious than a top-loading washing machine. If your laundry loads are generally small, you should go for a small capacity washer.
- Water level options
Washing machines with auto-sensing water levels are not ideal for cloth diapers as cloth diapers absorb a lot of the water that is needed to wash them. A washing machine where you can choose your water level to ensure good agitation and cleaning can be a trusted choice.
- Cycle speed
A fast cycle is perfect for a small load of diapers that are lightly soiled. It is also good for refreshing clothes that were left accidentally in the washing machine. A cycle speed feature saves both energy and time as you do not have to wait for a full cycle which may take more than an hour. So you can choose or test a wash cycle power that will not ruin the diapers.
- Water and energy efficiency
Your washing machine should have a water level detector and temperature control as it will keep your energy bills low and save hard earned money.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the types of washing machines for cloth diapers?
There are two types of washing machines—top loading and front loading washing machine. The former uses an agitator, while the latter uses paddles to clean your clothes.
2. Are cloth diapers safe for my baby’s skin?
Natural cloth diapers are soft on your baby’s skin as they are free of chemicals. disposable diapers, they don’t contain gels or dyes and are a safer way of diapering. Catherine Moore, a certified newborn care specialist and professional nanny, says, “It’s essential to change a baby’s diapers frequently. Wash them according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and avoid using harsh detergents or fabric softeners.”
3. Is it safe to wash cloth diapers in a washing machine?
It’s safe to wash cloth diapers in your washing machine, but you should avoid mixing them with other clothes. It’s also essential you rinse off soiled diapers thoroughly before adding them to the machine. You may run a short cycle with detergent and then add your other clothes to the machine and run a longer wash cycle.
4. How often should cloth diapers be washed?
Cloth diapers need to be washed every two to three days so they don’t start stinking and staining. Cloth diapers must be changed more often as they are less absorbent, but remember to rinse them off as soon as you remove them.
5. Can I use liquid detergent on cloth diapers?
Opinions are divided on this, but as liquid detergent is already in a liquid state, it can immediately get down to cleaning the diapers. The downside is that most of them have additives. Powder detergent is generally cheaper, and its packaging is more eco-friendly, but it may not dissolve well and lead to detergent buildup.
6. Should cloth diapers be washed in hot water?
Rinse off dirty diapers before washing them in hot water. This prevents residue buildup, which often reduces their absorbency and lifespan, causes them to smell, and may even irritate your baby’s bottom.
7. What temperature is best for washcloth diapers?
It’s recommended to set the water temperature to the hottest setting offered by the washing machine to prevent odor, stains, and germ buildup.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Wedetso Chirhah has extensive knowledge of household products that make your life easier and more comfortable. Here, he brings you a comprehensive list of the best washing machines for cloth diapers from trusted brands after analyzing and comparing several products. Moreover, he has listed each product’s special features, pros, and cons to bring you unbiased reviews and provided a guide to help you pick the right product.
It is important to have the best washing machines for cloth diapers to keep your baby’s reusable diapers clean and safe. Using cloth diapers is a big step in protecting the environment. However, many parents may have hesitation when it comes to washing cloth diapers. Hence, you may find simple, small, size washing machines with front and top load options in the above list. You may review the customer reviews before purchasing to choose the machines that clean diapers properly.
Infographics: How To Wash Cloth Diapers In A Washing Machine?
Washing machines make cleaning cloth diapers more convenient and hassle-free. However, it’s essential to wash the cloth diapers in the machine correctly to ensure your little one’s safety. Read the following infographic to learn more about how to wash cloth diapers efficiently.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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