Creative and Practical Ways to Reuse Clean Cloth Diapers

Cloth diapers are an eco friendly alternative to disposables, especially since babies and toddlers go through several each day. However, they are great for more than just diapering a baby’s bottom. After the child is potty trained, they can be recycled and reused in a number of creative and practical ways. My son wore cloth diapers, and when he no longer needed them, I came up with several ways to recycle and reuse each one. I use for as rags, but they have many more uses.

Create Memory Cloths

Parents are usually glad when their toddlers no longer require diapers. It is a major milestone, but it is also a reminder that babies will not stay little forever. Reuse cloth diapers in a creative way that will help preserve memories. Dye a cloth diaper a color of your choice, and use washable acrylic craft paint to stamp the baby’s handprint in the center of the cloth. Create memory cloths for all of your kids, and preserve their handprints in a unique and creative way.

They Make Fabulous Dust Cloths

Why throw away perfectly good cotton cloths? Old cloth diapers are highly absorbent, and they make fantastic dust cloths and rags. Even if they are stained they can be used for dusting and cleaning throughout the house. Keep a stack in the utility room and a stack in the garage. You never know when you will need a high quality rag, and nothing works quite like a thick cotton diaper.

Recycle and Reused Cloth Diapers for Packing Material

Packing material can be quite costly, especially bubble wrap. Recycle and reuse old cloth diapers for moving and storing plates and other breakable items. They can be used to cushion fragile plates, and they can be used to wrap glasses and trinkets. After unpacking, reuse them for cleaning purposes in and around the home. Cotton fabric is great for polishing cars and scrubbing smooth surfaces both indoors and out.

Reuse Them for Cold Compresses

Cold compresses are often recommended for soothing recent injuries. They help to reduce swelling, and they provide much needed relief. Recycle and reuse cloth diapers for medical purposes. Wash and sterilize the fabric with bleach, and store them along with other first aid supplies. Before a cold compress is needed, soak the fabric in sterile water, ring it out while wearing sterile gloves, fold it up and place it in a freezer bag. A cloth that once covered a baby’s bottom might be needed to soothe their sprains and strains. Recycle and reuse the compresses again and again. Unlike disposables, they will last indefinitely.

Source: Green Living, Cleaning and Crafting Experience