Soaking can take place in the toilet, in a locking diaper pail, or in the washing machine. While rinsing and soaking helps keep germs at bay and helps to keep diapers whiter, this step is not mandatory and is not used by all cloth diapering parents. Another method of caring for diapers in between wash days is to store them in a diaper pail without water. This method is known as 'Dry Pail' storage. Simply shake heavy poop into the toilet and place soiled diapers into your dry diaper pail.
Wet diapers can go directly into the dry pail.
On wash day soak your diapers in the washing machine for a few hours or overnight and then proceed with a prewash, regular wash and second rinse. This method eliminates rinsing and soaking altogether and your entire diaper chore job is handled by your washing machine. There are many wonderful laundry detergents and boosters available to get your baby's diapers fresh, clean and white. Many products available are phosphate free and more environmentally friendly than others, so check around. Many parents use their every day laundry detergent to clean their diapers and use vinegar, an inexpensive household staple, to neutralize their diapers.