If I had to implement the most precautionary diaper laundering process, it’d probably look like this:
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get a “free and clear” laundry soap (not detergent which is typically petroleum-based but actual soap made from plants)–we used Ecos–and wash in hot water
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get a peroxide-based bleach–we use plain old store-brand hydrogen peroxide, diluted, in the final rinse cycle cycle
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hang up the diapers on a clothesline that gets maximum solar exposure
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take the dry stiff diapers off the line, throw the in a gas- or electric-dryer to tumble around for a while
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take notes on how it affects the diaper-wearer’s skin and adjust accordingly; we used to rub the washed dried diaper with our hands, feeling for rough spots, before pinning it (or later, snapping it! wow, diapers with snaps! engineering!) on Junior
We had a few months early on where we had to fine-tune how much dryer time the diapers were requiring before they felt “soft” and non-irritating.
Also, pee diapers are least likely to carry scary bad germs and can be thrown in the washer and dryer without extra steps or extra paranoia. We always kept the pee diapers in a separate bucket from the poop diapers for this and other practical reasons.
