Cloth Diapers – Getting rid of the “stinkies” and leaks!

There are many things that could cause diapers to smell of ammonia or have an unpleasant odor. This article will go over some of the causes of these odors and possible solutions.

Below are some causes of diaper leaks and odors.

1.  Too much detergent/too little detergent – There is a big emphasis on not using a lot of detergent with cloth diapers because of potential buildup. This buildup creates an unpleasant odor when it combines with urine. The buildup also lodges itself between the fabric and makes it so the insert does not absorb properly. Improper absorption causes wicking and leaks. So, it is right to not use too much, but at the same time, you don’t want to use too little as well. The dirty diapers are going into the washing machine to be cleaned. Detergents get the diapers clean, so skimping too much on it may actually cause the diapers to never get really clean and hold onto the smell.

2.  Sitting too long in Pail/waiting too long to wash – The recommended time between washes is 2-3 days. Any longer than that and stains will start to set in, as well as odors.

3.  Older kids have urine that is more acidic and acidic urine stinks, (e.g.: my daughter, almost 3 years, and son, 2 months, were in a one-size diaper at the same time, They used the diapers interchangeable. My daughter only had hers on overnight and the ammonia smell was strong in the morning, while I could not smell anything when I took my son’s diaper off. My son used the same diapers all the way up to over a year (overnight as well) and I never had any problems with odors…..now that he is older the stink problem has shown up.

4.  Hard water – Hard water can leave deposits on the diapers and inserts. The deposits can create a film that causes the diapers to leak and creates an odor when it is combined with urine.

5.  Using a detergent that is not cloth diaper friendly – Not all detergents are meant for cloth diapers. Some can cause high buildup on the diapers or irritate baby’s skin. Using a detergent that rinses clean and is free of optical brightners and enzymes may help with buildup problems.

Below are some ways to combat the “stinkies” and leaks. These methods involve stripping the diapers of any buildup and neutralizing odors.

1.  Plain Liquid Dawn – Dawn will strip the diapers of any buildup. Add a few drops of liquid dawn to the wash cycle. Do not add any detergent when you do this. If you see bubble in the rinse cycle then the diapers still have detergent buildup on them. Rinse the diapers until you no longer see soap bubbles.

2. Vinegar – This will help the detergent to rinse out easier. There are some who say this works and some who say this doesn’t. A lot depends on the cause of the stink. If the diaper is used by an older child with acidic urine, vinegar will only exacerbate the problem. For other causes, vinegar may work. This is one that you may just need to try out and see if it works. To use vinegar add ¼ cup to ½ cup to the wash cycle.

3.  Bleach – Adding ½ cup bleach to the hot wash may help to eliminate odors. Some manufacturers, such as bumGenius, say it is optional to add bleach once a month to the hot wash to help sanitize and fight odors.

4.  Calgon – This is a water softener and may help out those who live in areas with hard water. Adding this to the wash cycle will help to remove the buildup on diapers and inserts. Rinse the diapers until you no longer see soap bubbles.

5.  Baking soda – This may be used to eliminate odors. Add ½ cup to 1 cup to the wash cycle.

6.  Hot wash/hot rinse or Boil – If you are dealing with prefold or microfiber inserts, then extremely hot water may be a solution. This high heat will sanitize the diaper and may also loosen buildup.

7.  Bac-out – This is an odor and stain remover. It attacks organic wastes and odors with enzymes that digest them.

8.  Oxyclean – Add Oxyclean to the wash to remove buildup and eliminate odors.

9.  RLR – This is also a water softener. RLR removes deposits that are trapped within the fabric. It will increase the absorption of inserts, preventing leaks, and remove buildup that leads to odors. Add one package to the wash cycle and check in the rinse cycle for any bubbles.

There are many solutions out there, and if you ask several people you will probably get a different suggestion from each of them. Try out some for yourself and see what works for you.