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Monday 5 January 2015

The Truth About Bamboo

There are various types of bamboo rayon fabrics used for the absorbent part of a diaper.  They all work pretty well (although zorb has minor compression issues).  What people need to know about bamboo when choosing it is that it is a synthetic,  chemically processed fabric. The American federal trade commission in 2010 found bamboo rayon to be so chemically processed that it no longer held any if the properties of bamboo.  Now I  am not saying "don't use it".  That is completely up to you.  What I am saying is know what you are using so that you make the right choice for you and your family.  I personally won't use it because of the deceptive way in which it is marketed, often simply by the name (obv - organic bamboo velour & hobf - heavy organic bamboo fleece).  I also won't use zorb because not only is it bamboo rayon, it also uses MF (which I will later write about) and I take issue with how wazoodle markets it.  They did admit to its construction but you have to dig for the information.  I want fabric and suppliers that are upfront with me, I don't believe we should have to dig for the truth.  Link

Washability: synthetics do not wash as clean as natural fabrics.  That is just how it is.  Zorb I rank as even lower because it does have MF in it which has further cleaning issues. 

To use a synthetic I recommend using limited layers.  A diaper with one or two synthetic layers will wash cleaner then a diaper with exclusively synthetic layers.  Another way to help the washability of a diaper with synthetic fabrics is to have separate layers.  For example 4 layers in diaper plus a soaker that is attached at one end by sewing or snaps or inserted into a pocket.  That way at laundry time your only washing through a few layers at a time.  Layered petals and fold over snake style soakers are a great way to go in making a diaper that will come out nice and clean wash after wash.  Plus it will dry better. 

•Best way to use bamboo is a multi layered effect and in combination with natural layers.  

Fabric reference page

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