RE: A million and ONE questions
Which diapers did you get specifically? We can give better advice then. My unbleached Kissaluvs and unbleached Motherease diapers just needed regular washing in hot about 2-3 times to be "ready". Unbleached fitteds tend to be made form fabric that has already been pre-washed to some extent and don't require quite as much preparation as unbleached prefolds do.
My water is moderately hard. I found that All F&C was "OK". I used Tide when I was at my in-laws over Thanksgiving and found that worked MUCH better, so I switched to Tide.
I do two wash cycles. I do a regular cold wash with 1/4 the recommended amount of detergent. My washer has a soak option, and I set that option, which inserts a two hour soak. I then do a second hot wash cycle with just a smidge of detergent. If the diapers have a strong urine smell when I put them in the washer, I add a 1/4 cup baking soda to the cold wash. If I still notice a smell after the cold wash is done, then I add a Downy ball with vinegar. This seems to happen about once a week or so.
Zout is not a soap/detergent, so don't worry about build up. If I notice any stubborn stains, I add a half-capful of Biz and that works really well.
HTH,
Beth, mom to older DD (8/01) and younger DD (10/06) and always missing Leah (4/22 - 5/1/05)