Here’s my wash procedure:

Put wet diapers into dry pail (trash can with a lid)
Shake off solid poop into toilet
Optional toilet dunking for runny poop
Breastfed newborn diapers can go directly into the pail
On wash day: run a rinse and spin cycle with clear water
run a warm or cold cycle with half a dose of cheap detergent
add baking soda if you like–maybe a third of a cup
Run a hot cycle, add vinegar if you like
Hang to dry in the sun or machine dry

I use baking soda because I have a toddler in diapers and her urine is potent. It also helps with stains. Vinegar is for helping sanitize, to kill yeast and to soften the fabric on line dried diapers.

You’ll have to figure out your own washing routine, but you can start with mine (or anyone’s) and tweak it from there.

I don’t know why the cheap detergent works better, but I use the stuff labeled "free and clear" and it has no brighteners, enzymes or fragrances.

You’ll love cloth! Check out these sites:

www.diaperpin.com
www.cottonbabies.com
www.dy-dee.com