Operation: fall in Love with Rockin Green

I know.. I know.. I have been letting Amanda do all the writing, but here I am!

I spent 1 month with my whole mission being to fall in love with Rockin Green Laundry Soap. I bought a big bag of the grape soda (yum! I have a love of Fanta Grape so that is why I chose that scent).

pre-month: I stripped all diapers so I could start fresh. (with RG) I followed the instructions on the card that the soap came with.

week 1: I soaked all my diaper loads of no more than 10 diapers in 3 Tbsp of RG and scalding hot water mixed with boiled from stove top and hot from the tap. I did this because I was told by many that the reason the first time I tried RG was because I didn't have hot water to my washer and it requires hot to activate. Well, all week I activated that crap and still, the diapers smelled like crap. Oh, so I did the soak with detergent, then wash then 2 rinse cycles.

week 2: Maybe I need a smaller wash cycle. So I did 120 degree water with 6-8 diapers and repeated wash routine from week 1. result" crappy smelling diapers.

week 3: the way to get hot water out to my laundry room became a serious pain in the ass. So I returned to my cold water and put in 8 Tbsp. of RG. Well the diapers didn't smell crappy anymore but they did still have a dingy look to them.

week 4: went out and bought Tide regular because I ran out of RG and voila! my diapers were clean, white and fluffy.

Review: Rockin' Green Detergent

Detergent: Rockin' Green Cloth Diaper Detergent; $2.50 for sample size and $13.95 for larger bag.

Materials:  Clean rinse detergent: sodium carbonate , sodium percarbonate, sodium citrate, sodium sulfate,  surfactants, fragrance oils (if scented is chosen)

How it works:  Rockin' Green Soap is an all natural clean rinse formula detergent that is said to make your diapers sparkle and not create the residue build up like other detergents can. 

Thoughts from Natalie:

Smell -  I am not a fan of anything that smells like baby powder so many products that are dubbed for baby stuff I avoid with fear of it smelling like fake baby powdery gunk.

Rockin' Green is so much fun to buy because all of her amazing scents. It's like being in a candy store with Grape Soda and Pumpkin Crunch. I purchased the samples of Cherry Lemonade and Vanilla Lavender. I loved the the Cherry Lemonade and wanted to eat it!

Functionality - I used the Rockin' Green soap as soon as I got it. (after I stripped the diapers) I soaked my diapers for 3 hours in 2-3 tablespoons and then washed them and rinsed twice. My diapers came out smelling like wet dirty gym socks. I was so turned off. I assumed I used it wrong so then I washed my diapers without anything, then ran the diapers with 2-3 tablespoons of soap then a clean rinse cycle. They still smelled wet and gross. Kim, the creator said maybe I have too many diapers in the wash so I tried with half the amount of diapers roughly 5, and the same thing happened. I stopped using the soap for a few days then kept hearing rave reviews about the soap so I was now determined. I spent a whole day washing my diapers with this much then that much and then more rinse cycles. I never got my diapers to smell clean. They felt clean and looked super clean but never smelled clean. 

I do like how Kim lets you get scent cards and you can purchase samples that are nice sized for $2.50 so you can have fun. Maybe it is my washing machine, but no matter how much I want to love this product, I just don't.

Thoughts from Amanda:

Smell -  I tried the Vanilla Lavendar, Vanilla Buttercream, and the Peppermint Cocoa.  I personally didn't find the Vanilla Lavender or the Vanilla Buttercream to be that fragrant.  To me they just smelled like laundry detergent.  The Peppermint Cocoa is the only one that I really got a good smell separate from the detergent itself, and it was a nice scent for winter.  Personally it didn't really matter to me if the detergent smelled nice because the smell won't linger on the diapers since it is a clean rinse detergent.  But, I guess it's fun to smell it as your pour it in.  I hear good things about Grape Soda, which I will have to try another time.

Functionality - I followed the directions that came with the sample packs just as Natalie did.  I too ended up with a stinky diaper.  Which is weird because I've never had a smell issue before.  But, I decided to stick with it.  (My hot water temp. is around 135 degrees.  FYI)  I'm glad I did.  After a few subsequent washes (3ish) the lingering smell has been gone ever since and I have a nice clean diaper.  Although it wasn't as fast acting as my other detergent was (Planet Ultra) I am pleased with the long term results. 

My only qualm is that I wish it came in a liquid form.  I'm not a big fan of powder detergent.  I find it messy and I like the convenience of a lid as the measuring device.  With that said at 13 cents a load you can't beat that!  

Customer Service - Natalie did comment to me on what a great help Kim was in her quest to make Rockin' Green work for her.  I contacted her regarding my hard water and she was a big help.  She recommended the Classic Version.  I also wanted to say here that their delivery is insanely speedy.  I had my detergent in 2 days!  Good thing for a procrastinator such as myself.  

Our Washing Routines

Natalie:


I know Amanda has been waiting for me to post my wash routine, but the truth is.... I am stumped right now, but I am working on it.


Detergent- Mrs. Meyers Baby Blossom . I get mine at Babies R Us , Whole Foods or sometimes TJ Maxx .
I have also tried All Free and Clear, but heard there is long term damage.. so no more!
Rockin Green Detergent 
Top Loader washer, not sure the brand. The man is a cheapo and I am sure he found this machine on the side of the road, but it works.


Normally I soak the diapers over night with a tad bit of detergent, I add the night time diaper then the diaper before her morning nap. I do this because she usually makes a nasty in the morning. 

1.  I run the wash with just water.
   
2. Next with the detergent and extra rinse cycle.   ***note I do not have hot water hook up and I live in Florida so my water comes out of the tap at about 80+ degrees.
3.  I dry like normal.
   

Sometimes I lay the dipes and liners in the driveway to be bleached by the sun.
I have recently been trying Rockin Green Detergent (the new super detergent). I tried 6 different wash cycles with the same load today, and I still am not 100% about this stuff. Kim, the creator is so nice and helpful and I want to LOVE her product but I just can't. I will continue to try, it could very well be my cheap washer. I promise a diaper pin filled review soon.


Amanda: 
Detergent - Planet 2X  I get mine at the grocery store
Top loader washing machine.  (Directions would be different if you use an HE/front loading washing machine.)

1. Cold water rinse with 1/2 a capful of Calgon because I have hard water.
2. Hot water wash with 1/2 the amount of detergent I would use for regular clothes.
3. Warm water rinse to get rid of any lingering detergent.
4. The inserts, contours, and cloth wipes go in the dryer on medium heat.  (With thicker inserts this takes 2 times in the dryer.)  Covers and the outer portion of the pocket diapers go on the hanging rack to air dry.

***  Never wash new organic cotton, bamboo, or hemp products with other diapers until they have been washed 4-6 times on their own.  They have natural oils that will get on your other diapers before they've been washed that many times, and it will make your other diapers less absorbent.

How to Get Started

What kind of diaper is for you? 
Some stores offer sample packages in which you can try varying types of diapers so you can find what type works for you and return what doesn't.  Jillian's Drawers has two packages to try for at the most $10 if you don't like cloth diapering.  One trial package is for infants and one is for newborns.
There are many kinds of diapers out there to try.  The most commonly used are:

• Prefolds -  These are probably what you visualize when you think of "old-fashioned" cloth diapering.  They come in several different materials and sizes, but have a thicker portion in the center for good absorption.  They do require a cover or wrap over them.  Prefolds also need to be fastened with a diaper pin or a Snappi.  To keep moisture away from baby's bottom I use a piece of fleece to wick moisture away.
• AIO/AI2s  (All In Ones/All In Twos) - These are the most similar cloth diaper to a disposable diaper.  In AIOs there is an inner absorbent layer that is attached to an outer waterproof layer, and on top of the inside is a layer of fabric which wicks moisture away from the baby's bottom.  In the AI2s (also referred to as Hybrids in some places) the inner portion of the diaper can be removed (usually via snaps) for easier cleaning.  Both AIOs and AI2s close with velcro or snaps, and can be purchased in varying sizes or as a One-Size diaper.
• Fitteds - Similar to an AIO diaper the fitted allows you to control the tightness of the diaper via velcro or snaps, and some WAHM made diapers with a Snappi or pins.  Fitted diapers will also need a waterproof cover over them.  These diapers can be purchased in varying sizes or as a One-Size diaper.  (These are very popular with the WAHMs.)
• Contours - Contours are a cross between a prefold and a fitted diaper.  They go under a waterproof cover and come with a sewn in doubler which can be a plus for a big wetter.  They come in fewer sizes as they can be folded somewhat to accommodate a growing baby (OS), but they may need to be fastened with a diaper pin or Snappi if you can not get a decent fit by just overlapping the wings under a cover.
• Pockets - These are a two part diapering system.  They have an outer waterproof layer, and an inner layer that wicks moisture away from the baby's skin leaving it dry.  There is an opening or pocket built into the diaper in which you "stuff" inserts in to absorb the moisture.  These are convenient as you can easily adjust the amount of absorption you get by adding more inserts, often referred to as doublers.  Pocket diapers are also usually One-Size Diapers.
• One-Size - Allow you to adjust the rise through a series of snaps on the front outside of the diaper or sizable elastic in the legs.  This creates a diaper system that will grow with your baby over a large period of time.  

Amount of diapers:

• Every day use - For newborns you will need at least 10-12 diaper changes per 24 hour period.  So if you only want to do laundry every other day you'll need around 18-24 diapers.  As babies get older they will begin to need fewer; however, it's always good to be prepared for more than what you will need so we suggest having 18-24 diapers on hand in general.  Make sure to do laundry every 2-3 days.  You can get enough diapers to last you just one day/night and then doing laundry every day if you prefer.
• Just the evenings and weekends -  You will need at least enough diapers to get yourself through a full day on the weekend.  So at least 12 - 14 diapers which will allow you to make it through the night, to change in the morning, and then wash the rest of dirty diapers.

(Other trial diaper programs to check out:  Nicki's Diapers, Diaper Daisy, Cute Caboose)

Other supplies you will need:

• Doublers - If you have a big wetter than doublers are a must.  Many pocket diapers will come with a regular insert and a doubler.  But, for making it overnight most babies will need some extra absorption.  Microfiber is good for moderate wetters, but for heavy ones I recommend a hemp doubler.
• Liners - You can get liners for diapers so that wetness won't come in contact with your baby's skin (if you're not using a pocket diaper) and also for easy clean up of those early soft baby poos.  There are flushable liners and then there are fleece, flannel, or silk liners that need to be washed. These lay on top of the inside of the diaper. 
• Storing dirty diapers - There are many schools of thought on how to store your dirty diapers.  You can invest in a bag that keeps moisture in or use a trash bag.  You will just have to replace the trash bag each time.  A dry diaper pail is what is recommended and you can even use a Diaper Champ.  A pail with a lid on it will trap odors in more.  Some people feel that is a con.  It works for us.  A diaper pail liner will help you tote diapers back and forth to the laundry.  A wet diaper pail (a pail filled with water) is NOT recommended as it can be a drowning hazard for babies and young children.
• Using diapers on the run - Cloth diapering on the run can be very easy if you have the right kind of diaper and something to keep them in when they're dirty.  A ziploc will do but investing in a traveling wet bag is a great way to save money...and look super cute on the go.  :)  
• Wipes - You can use throw away wipes, but part of the fun of CDing is helping the environment.  Reusable wipes are a great way to do this.  You can use baby washcloths, flannel wash cloths that are purchased online, there are all different kinds to look at.
• Wipe Solutions - You can also make your own wipe solution that can be poured over wipes in an old wipe container, or that can be stored in spray bottle and spritzed on your child's bottom or directly onto the wipe itself.  Here is a great place to find recipes for your own wipe solutions.

Detergents:
Be very careful of which detergents you use on your cloth diapers as additives such as perfumes, brighteners, enzymes, and dyes are not good for your dipes. This website provides a fantastic overview of many types of detergents out there and rates them based on their friendliness to CDing.  
Amanda uses: Planet 2X
Natalie uses: Mrs. Meyers Baby Blossom 

Cost:  


This really depends on what type of diapers you plan to buy.  But, for a general idea see the information below from Diaper Daisy:
Cloth diapers are affordable. On average, you will spend $2000 on disposable diapers per child during the diapering years. Compare that to an average of $700 for your first child's cloth diapering system. A second and third child will cost much less, as many of the diapers can be re-used. Plan on spending a little more or less, depending on the type of cloth diapering system you choose.

Did you know that In 2.5 years of diapering...


Cost of disposables: $2000
Cost of disposable wipes: $800
Total cost disposables: $2800


Cost of cloth diapers: $840
Cost of cloth wipes (24): $42
Total cost of cloth: $882


Savings: $2000!*


Figure washing time as 15 minutes every other day. That adds up to just over 60 hours a year. With a savings of $800 a year, the time you spend laundering diapers equates to an earnings of $17.50 an hour. If you hang dry your diapers, you are spending more time...but saving more $$ in utility costs.
*The savings will go up even more if a family chooses a more affordable cloth diapering option such as prefolds.*

You can also re-sell many of your cloth diapering items and get half or more of your money back!