How Do I Take Care of Cloth Diapers?

There are several ways to care for cloth diapers and it all depends on what works best for you. Here I'll expound on the 2 forms I've tried and which I like best.
Generally when washing cloth diapers you want to use an oxygenated soap like Dr. Bonners, Sun Detergent or 7th Generation. These soaps aid in releasing possible set in stains. Additionally, ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS  dump solids into the toilet before beginning the wash routine.
Some tools I find helpful and certainly handy are:

• 2.5 Gallon ( or larger) Bucket
• Bowl/Large Cup/Small Pail
• Washboard
• Latex Gloves
• Stain Remover
• Dr. Bonner's Soap (used for pre-wash)

When washing your diapers in the washer use cold water and remove inserts. Pour in 1/4 of the recommended amount of detergent along with some baking soda and my personal fave 2-3 drops of tea tree and/or lavender essential oils. Once your wash and rinse cycle are complete perform an extra rinse. Some washers give you the option of an extra cycle; if yours allows for this KUDOS no need to run back to the laundry room. Upon full completion, either toss them in the dryer or hang to dry. Allowing your diapers to dry outside where the sun can hit them is a wonderful option. The sun acts as an antibacterial agent along with a stain releaser for those stubborn spots.
**IMPORTANT** Do not use fabric softener or dryer sheets when drying your diapers. This will shorten the life and decrease absorbency.
Now, on to the soaking/prewash methods...

First is the soaking method. Fill a bucket, diaper pail etc with lukewarm water and toss your diapers in until it's time for the wash (remember to dump those solids.) When the time comes, pour everything including the water into the washing machine. Start with the spin cycle and allow the water to spin out before beginning the regular wash routine.
Although this method is the least hands on, there is an odor build up, so, you'll want to change the water everyday to every two days because odds are the odors will set into your diapers. Baking soda can also be used to absorb possible odors.
Second is the dry method, which I prefer. When my daughter soils her diaper I fill the bucket with just enough hot water to begin a pre-wash and rinse. I then add a drop of soap to the water and repeatedly dunk the diaper in and out. For "poo" diapers I add a little bit of Dr. Bonner's soap to the blemished areas, work it into a lather and use the washboard to get the rest out. If you don't have a washboard simply perform a handwash. Thoroughly rinse the diaper, ring it out and store in your pail until time for the wash.

With consistency, you'll begin to notice washing your diapers and keeping them in rotation is a feasible feat.