FAQ

A picture of a baby girl wearing a pink cloth diaper and smiling at the camera.

How do I wash (prep) my new diapers?

Yay, new diapers! It’s hard to wait to use them, but for best performance, you’ll need to prep them. Start with 5-6 hot water washes with detergent, drying at least partially in your dryer between each wash. Remember, it can take up to ten washes before the diapers will be fully absorbent. If you experience leaking after five washes, toss them in for another couple rounds of prepping.

How much detergent should I use on my GroVia diapers?

You will want to follow the directions of your detergent manufacturer for the amount to use on a heavily soiled load of laundry. After all, what’s more soiled than a load of diapers? Don’t skimp on the detergent! If you have hard water, you should add more than the recommended amount. You should also add more if you are using a large load setting on a top load washing machine, as there is a higher volume of water being used.

My cloth diapers smell like ammonia, what do I do?

The first thing to do is to look at what detergent you are using. Does it have plant oils in it? Are you using the recommended amount? Always use the recommended amount of detergent according to its package directions...always! Rinse your night time diapers well in the morning and squeeze all excess water out before adding to your diaper pail. Propping open the diaper pail to allow air circulation is also recommended, especially during the summer months.
If that doesn’t work, you may have some ammonia build up to bust through. Our Mighty Bubbles Laundry Treatment works great for an occasional diaper deep clean. Usually three treatments (back to back, one Mighty Bubbles pod per load) will be enough to get the diapers back to their fresh state again. If they still smell after three treatments, try another 1 or 2 treatments and follow up with a mild bleach wash to disinfect the ammonia bacteria. Use ¼ cup for a HE front load washer on a warm wash, extra rinse and ½ cup if you are using a non-HE top load washer.
Going forward, make sure you are using a good detergent and plenty of it. Check out our Laundry section for more information located in our Learn tab at the top of our website. You should never need to deep clean your Hybrid shells with Mighty Bubbles. The shells are water-resistant and non absorbent.
Read More Top 6 Laundry Mistakes >>>

My diapers smell musty/dirty, what do I do?

This sounds like a case of either a not-so-great detergent, or not enough detergent. Make sure you are always using the recommended amount of detergent per the package directions. Check to make sure your detergent does not contain plant oils. If you know you have hard water, you should also add additional detergent to compensate.
Read More Troubleshooting Smell >>>

Can I use bleach on my GroVia diapers?

Yes, but sparingly and only if there is a really good reason. Regular use of bleach will harm the TPU and elastic on the diapers. It will also break down the natural fibers causing premature wear. We do, however, recommend a bleach wash anytime you are treating a yeast infection or any other bacterial infection. You can also use it to treat some nasty ammonia buildup after you have used the Mighty Bubbles Laundry Treatment to deep clean them first. Anytime you use bleach, be sure to add an extra rinse to be sure its really getting rinsed out before your diapers return to rotation on your baby.

How can I remove stains from my GroVia diapers and Soaker Pads?

This might sound like rainbows and lollipops, but the answer is: sunshine! No seriously, a few hours laying a washed but still damp diaper in the sunshine will give you amazing results. Even laying in front of a window in the winter or on an overcast day will help reduce stains. Stick to sunshine, it won’t steer you wrong.
It’s important to note that stains on organic cotton materials are totally normal and not often a sign that you’re washing poorly. Some foods or medicines (like blueberries and tylenol) will produce some pretty surprising stains. Try the sunshine trick and be ready to be amazed!

 

What do I do with the poop?

You’ll want to remove as much of the solid material as possible at the time of the diaper change by rinsing with a cloth diaper sprayer, dunking in the toilet and flushing away. You may also enjoy using a BioLiner for catching waste before it hits the rest of the diaper, and making for easier cleanup! Just remember that our Bioliners aren’t meant to be flushed away -- free them of as much waste as you can and then pitch in the waste basket. Your plumbing will thank you for not flushing them!

How Much Detergent Should I Use On My GroVia Diapers?

We always advocate to use the recommended amount that your detergent directs on the back of the package. If you have hard water, you should add more than the recommended amount. You should also add more if you are using a large load setting on a top load washing machine, as there is a higher volume of water being used.

Can I use homemade detergent on my diapers?

We do not recommend using homemade detergent on your diapers. The main reason is because the ingredients usually include Fels Naptha or another bar soap which can leave residue on your diapers. Another common ingredient is OxiClean which is another no-no for regular use on cloth diapers. Borax is caustic and should also be avoided. The concentrations in homemade detergents are not formulated for modern cloth diaper materials, making this risky for the new style of diapers that include elastics and TPU. Learn more

What detergents do you recommend for GroVia cloth diapers?

Any detergent that does not have a lot of plant oils, bleach, oxygen bleach or fabric softener is suggested for use. Visit our Laundry Info Page for more information.

Do I need to strip my diapers?

Nope! If you are experiencing any stink issues, you’ll want to run a few treatment washes with our Mighty Bubbles (see above for treating ammonia smells). If you feel you have other build up, give our customer service team a shout via email and we can offer one on one assistance.

LAUNDRY

PRODUCT

What is the difference between the AIO and the Hybrid diaper?

Style and function!
The AIO is an All In One cloth diaper, which means everything you need to cloth diaper your baby is included in one neat package. It goes on as one unit, gets soiled, and comes off as one unit, with no pieces being reused again until after it is laundered. The AIO is a super trim fitting design, with waist panels the fasten behind the belly panel, so the fit is super sleek all around and especially across the front. Learn more about the AIO
The Hybrid system is a two-part system. This means that there is an outside piece (the Hybrid Shell) that does the waterproof work, and an inside piece (a Soaker Pad, Prefold diaper, or Biosoaker) that does the absorbing. The absorbing piece may be switched out when soiled, while the outside piece may be reused multiple times in a day. Learn more about the Hybrid

 

What absorbency options can I use with a Hybrid Shell?

One of the best things about our GroVia Hybrid System is that there is a flexible suite of absorbency options. Choose from our Organic Cotton Soaker Pads, PreFolds and even our No-Prep Soaker Pads. If you need an eco-friendly disposable option, we’ve got that, too! Choose our Biosoaker for a disposable insert for your Hybrid Shells and you’re ready for travel, laundry day, childcare, and more.

What is the difference between the soaker pad options, Organic Cotton and No Prep?

The GroVia Organic Cotton Soaker Pad is the only hybrid choice on the market that exclusively uses certified organic cotton as the absorbent layer. The No-Prep Soaker Pad combines four layers of thirsty microfiber terry topped with microfleece and ultra-soft leg gussets. Both options are very similar in absorbency and are backed with our proprietary TPU material, which typically allows our Shells to be worn multiple times between washes.

Can I use GroVia cloth diapers on a newborn?

Absolutely! We have specific GroVia Newborn sized AIO diapers for babies with a weight range of 5-12+lbs. Our GroVia Hybrid System ranges from 8-30+ lbs., and our GroVia AIOs and O.N.E.s range from 10-35+ lbs. These ranges are dependent on the body shape of your baby. Learn more about the Newborn AIO

How does Mighty Bubbles work?

Mighty Bubbles is a laundry treatment specifically formulated to deep clean and remove build up of ammonia and minerals in the diapers. Mighty Bubbles is not intended to replace your regular detergent, but can do a deep clean on funky diapers and get them back to being fresh again!
View Product>>>

 

What is the difference between an organic and a synthetic fiber?

Organic Cotton fiber is a natural fiber derived from cotton plants that are grown under organic rather than "industrial cotton" conditions. Synthetic fibers are a wide variety of man-made products that are created through a chemical process, often using petroleum as a base ingredient. Natural fabrics tend to allow the skin to breathe and are found by many parents to be healthier for baby’s skin. Organic cotton has the added benefit of having no residual pesticides or chemicals from the production process. Cotton is comparatively less durable than synthetic fiber; it will show wear after many washes.

Can I use a GroVia Magic Stick if my child has a bacterial or yeast infection?

We don’t recommend it! Discontinue use while you are treating the infection. We have had many customers successfully cut off ¼ inch of the Magic Stick and continue to use once the baby is clear of the infection. Baby's skin should be clear for 24-48 hours before re-introducing the Magic Stick.

How do I adjust the fit of the diaper on my baby?

The rise snaps can be adjusted by snapping all the way down for an infant size, middle rise snapped for pre-toddler and unsnapped for older toddler. Body shape will play a huge role in determining the right size for your baby. You should only be able to slide one finger between the baby’s skin and the elastic opening at the leg once the diaper is on. If there is more room than that, you'll most likely experience more leaks.

Why does it take so long for Organic Cotton Soaker Pads to dry?

They’re just SO absorbent! There are five layers of Certified Organic Cotton that comprise the GroVia Organic Cotton Soaker Pads, so they can take longer to dry. To speed up the drying process, you can turn them inside out to have the cotton facing outside and the waterproof TPU inside. You can also try adding a dry bath towel or 2 to help absorb moisture and assist with the tumbling action, which will help them to dry faster.

Can the Bioliner be used in a shell by itself?

No, the GroVia BioLiner is not an absorbent layer. They are designed to allow moisture to pass through to the cloth diaper while keeping your baby’s skin dry. They also keep solids contained for easy clean-up.

PRODUCT CARE

My diaper is leaking, what can I do?

There are four likely reasons a cloth diaper may leak:

  1. Fully prep new diapers: Make sure you have properly prepped your diapers with 5-6 hot washes with detergent, partially drying in a dryer between each wash. It will take up to 10 washes for diapers to become fully absorbent.
  2. More absorbency needed: If baby is saturating the diaper, you need to either add more absorbency or change more often. Our Organic Cotton Booster and Stay Dry Booster are good options for adding more absorbency for daytime. GroVia Prefolds, tri-folded and laid on top of or in between the two layers of the soaker pad works best for naps and night time for heavy wetters.
  3. Check your routines for build up: Check your detergent to make sure it does not contain any plant oils. Also ensure that any diaper balms you are using do not contain any petroleum products. If you have either of these issues, contact our customer service team for specific help to solve them!
  4. Get a snug fit: Make sure the rise setting is set for your baby’s body type and size. A good fit test is once the diaper is on your baby, you should be able to slide just one finger between the baby’s leg and the elastic. Any more room than that may cause leakage. If you have the rise snapped down, make sure that the fold of fabric created on the inside of the diaper is pointing up towards baby’s belly button -- it will help create a smoother and closer fit overall and reduce gaps.
    Read More >>>

The hook and loop on my Hybrid Shell is worn out, what can I do?

Hook and loop will occasionally need some TLC to stay in its best working condition. Use a pin or an old toothbrush to free the tabs of lint and threads. A sweater shaver may be used to remove excess pilling on the loop fabric. Repeated flattening of the tab out of the wash keeps the tabs from curling at the edges, which become less sticky (try using something heavy and flat, like that stack of books you don’t have time to read anymore, to flatten the tabs out). If you have a non-HE top load washer with an agitator, it may be fruitful to pull your Hybrid Shells aside and wash separately on a gentle cycle. That will reduce excess wear on them. Always, always, always use the laundry tabs before washing to keep your Shells in tip top shape!

How do I store dirty diapers?

You will want to use a pail with a pail liner, or our Perfect Pail, for easiest storage until wash days. NEVER soak your cloth diapers in a wet pail, especially one that has bleach or any other caustic solution in it. Make sure water has been squeezed out really well after spraying or dunking, diapers should not sit soaking wet in the dry pail. Consider propping the lid open so that air can circulate to reduce ammonia build-up (especially important during hot summer months).

Can I compost your bio products on my own?

The GroVia BioSoakers and BioDiapers are made with compostable and biodegradable ingredients. However, they are meant to be sent to a commercial composting service. Most home composts cannot support the volume of diapers used.

Can I use diaper rash cream?

Only "cloth diaper safe" rash creams should be used. Avoid any rash cream that contains petroleum as an ingredient, unless you are going to use a disposable while treating your baby’s diaper rash. Petroleum jelly will cause severe repelling on your diapers, resulting in the need to hand scrub the build up away with original blue Dawn dish soap. Our GroVia Magic Stick is formulated especially for cloth diapers and works well for most families.

How can I replace or repair the relaxed elastic on my Hybrid Shell?

If your GroVia Hybrid Shell is past being covered by a warranty, you can replace the relaxed elastic by following this tutorial.

How do I store my diapers between children or when not in regular use?

Diapers should be stored in a temperature-controlled environment and NOT in an air-tight container. We love storing away in pillowcases or open bins. Diapers should be pulled out and laundered at least once per year while in storage. We also recommend doing a Mighty Bubbles treatment on the diapers prior to storing them.

How do I treat “new to me” used cloth diapers?

A good rule of thumb when purchasing pre-loved diapers is to first deep clean them a couple of times to make sure they are at full absorbency. Mighty Bubbles is a great option for deep cleaning, or RLR can also be used. Follow that up with a chlorine bleach wash to disinfect the cloth. Use 1/8 cup for a HE washer or 1/4 cup for a non-HE washer on warm, with an extra rinse. This practice will ensure the new diapers are clean and disinfected for your little one!

COMPANY

Where is GroVia located?

GroVia's Headquarters are located in Bozeman, Montana.

Where are GroVia cloth diapers made?

All product origins are listed on each individual product page at www.grovia.com. We have production in the U.S.A., Pakistan, and China. Our core cloth diaper products are manufactured according to strict organic certifications which also include a review of our fair trade/labor practices.

How can I apply to be a GroVia retailer? 

Thank you for your interest in stocking our brand! Interested parties can apply by filling out our wholesale application here: Retailer Application

Do you offer GroVia gift cards?

Yes, we offer a digital gift card option that you can buy for yourself or send directly to a friend or family member!

Do you offer a gift registry?

Yes, GroVia has partnered with MyRegistry.com to offer an easy way to create one universal gift registry filled with items from any store you'd like, including GroVia! Create your wishlist and share your single manageable registry with family and friends.

ORDERING

Can I change my order?

Once placed, orders cannot be modified or changed. If you need assistance cancelling and placing a new order. Please be advised that some orders are shipped very soon after placement, and it may not always be possible to cancel.

My order is not going through, what do I do?

If your order on the GroVia website is not going through, please check the following:
Make sure everything you have ordered is in stock by going to the "Shopping Cart" symbol in the top right-hand corner of the site and then choosing "Continue to Checkout". Any "out of stock" notifications will appear in this section. Make sure your billing address matches the address listed on your credit card.Make sure your account information and order information match. You can do this by clicking on the ‘My Account’ link on the top right corner of the site.

How long will it take to receive my order?

Orders are usually shipped out of warehouse in 3-4 business days. Please allow 5-7 business days from the time your order ships until it is delivered.

Can I return something if I am not happy with it?

If you are not satisfied with your GroVia product, you may return your unused, unwashed items within 30 days. Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the consumer. Refunds will be made in the same form of payment used to make the purchase. More Info
Non-defective items must be returned in the same packaging as they were received, unwashed and in re-sellable condition. Items must be accompanied by the original receipt. Shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer.

Are your diapers covered under a warranty?

Absolutely! At GroVia, we stand behind our products 100%. We cover all manufacturing defects on GroVia products for one full year from the date of purchase.