The Scrubba Wash Bag for Cloth Diapers

The Scrubba Wash Bag seemed like all the answers for my cloth diaper and handwashing needs, but in reality, it’s not the perfect solution to my handwashing woes. 

I’m participating in the 2018 Flats and Handwashing Challenge hosted by Cloth Diaper Revival.  This challenge helps showcase real solutions for parents struggling with diapering.

This blog contains affiliate links.  As a blogger, I do receive products from brands and stores. I am a brand ambassador for Omaiki.  I pride myself in truthful story telling, and honest reviews. 

Why A Wash Bag?

I decided to use a washbag for the 2018 Flats Challenge because it was something I wanted to try and learn about.

Yes. It was entirely frivolous purchase: a want, not a need.

But the little hand crank washing machines, those were even more expensive, than the $60 wash bag from Scrubba. I ordered mine from MEC (because I broke up with Amazon). 

I figure I could use the wash bag during our trip to Central Canada, during camping trips, and maybe just keep it in the emergency supply kit for those situations when you just need a little washing action.

Size is seriously the best part about the wash bag. 

The Scrubba Wash Bag

This appears to be the wash bag on the market. I haven’t really stumbled upon others. It holds about 5 cloth diapers, and probably 2 tshirts and a pair of shorts.

The Scrubba Wash Bag is made in China, weighs only 142 grams and is about 3 gallons in size (13L).

Inside the bag is a simple wash board style surface to help agitate clothes and effectively clean.

How to Use it.

1. Add whatever you need washing.
2. Add water.
3. Add soap/detergent.
4. Roll down 4-5 times, clip close.
5. Vent out Extra Air.
6. Scrub for 30 seconds to 3 minutes. Vigorously.
7. Empty.
8. Add clean water.
9. Rinse.
10. Repeat until water runs clear.
11. Ring out clothes.
12. Hang to dry.

Be sure to invert and dry bag after each wash — as I type thise, I realise I have yet to do that. Next wash cycle. 

My Cloth Diaper Review

It’s less work than a bucket and plunger method in that it’s day 4 and my arms don’t feel like they are about to fall off my body. But, I’m also not entirely sold on whether it’s sufficiently cleaning my cloth diapers – that might just be the soap nuts.

I love the convenience of sitting with it and just kneading the heck out of the bag, but at the same time, it’s inconvenient because I can only be about 4 flat diapers at a time.

It’s just okay.

 

I wouldn’t use it again because it’s a lot of work for a few diapers. I’d rather just pile a bucket full of diapers and use a plunger. I would rather just fill up the sink and try the washboard. Doing multiple loads is not fun.

 it’s not recommended for hot water. Scrubba states if it’s too hot for your hands it is too hot for the bag. Oops. I did that. I like to wash my cloth diapers with HOT WATER. Works better for the soap nuts and the poops, this might rule it out even more. 

I have been able to do small loads frequently, but this is only because life is easy right now. Sometimes, we have to work, do life, and be busy. When that happens, the diapers pile up and I don’t want to do the 15-minute dance of using my wash bag.

It does a good job at a simple task. 

I would travel with it.

I just wouldn’t wash cloth diapers with it full time.

Looking for more information about handwashing cloth diapers check out my tips on how to rock your hand routine, and then check out these great topics for today!