How to Prewash Cloth-eez Birdseye Flats Before First Use

By Green Mountain Diapers | Published: 2026-11-01

Category: How-to Guides

New to Cloth-eez flats? Here's a simple prewash routine for unbleached Birdseye diapers that removes factory residue and gets them ready to absorb.

Quick answer

Wash your new Cloth-eez Birdseye flats once in hot water with a small amount of detergent, then dry them fully. This removes factory residue and starts the absorbency process.

Why unbleached flats need a prewash

Unbleached cotton flats often carry natural cotton oils and manufacturing residue that can repel water. A single hot wash with detergent removes most of it, so the fabric can start absorbing evenly. Skipping this step can lead to leaks even after several washes.

What to expect from absorbency

Birdseye flats are made of organic cotton and are known for being easy to wash and economical. They will continue to increase in absorbency over the first several washes, so don't expect maximum absorbency right out of the package. A prewash is a starting point, not a one-time fix.

Prewash steps for Cloth-eez Birdseye flats

Unfold and sort: Unfold each flat completely and separate them so water and detergent can reach all layers. If you bought multiple sizes or packs, keep them loose in the machine. Check that no flat is folded or bunched; folded fabric won't get fully cleaned.
Run a hot wash with detergent: Wash the flats in hot water with a small amount of cloth-diaper-safe detergent. Use the recommended amount for your load size and water hardness. Avoid fabric softener and bleach. Too much detergent can leave residue; too little won't remove oils. Follow the detergent label.
Dry completely: Tumble dry on low or line dry until fully dry. Flats dry quickly, but make sure thick folds are completely dry before storing or using. Damp flats can grow mildew; feel the center of each flat to confirm dryness.
Repeat if needed: If water still beads on the surface after the first wash, run another hot wash with detergent. Absorbency will continue to build over the next few washes. Test absorbency by dropping a little water on the fabric; it should sink in rather than bead.

Product facts

Cloth-eez Flat Birdseye Diapers - Natural Unbleached: Made of organic cotton in an old-fashioned Birdseye weave. Organic cotton may contain natural oils that require a hot wash to strip before absorbency improves.
Cloth-eez Flat Birdseye Diapers - Natural Unbleached