But wait, I thought detergent build up was a myth? ⁠ ⁠ 1️⃣ Detergent buildup on cloth diapers occurs when detergent doesn’t fully rinse out, leaving a residue that can make diapers less absorbent, cause leaks, and even irritate your baby’s delicate skin. ⁠ ⁠ 2️⃣ Why does this kind of build up happen?⁠ This happens when too much detergent is used or not enough water is available to rinse it out, leaving residue trapped in the fabric fibers. This is more likely in high-efficiency (HE) washers, which use less water, or when using liquid detergents that produce more suds. ⁠ ⁠ Hard water can also contribute by preventing detergent from rinsing cleanly, allowing it to bind with minerals and stick to the fabric. ⁠ ⁠ 3️⃣ How to check for detergent build up? ⁠ Do a swish test! Fill a bowl with warm water and submerge a clean, dry cloth diaper. Swish and squeeze it for a few minutes—if you see lots of suds or a white film, it means detergent residue is still present and your diapers aren’t rinsi...