Diaper Stink

Diaper Stink is the lovely term we in the cloth-diapering world use to describe that not-quite-clean smell that our cloth diapers sometimes retain. I wouldn't call it mildew, or ammonia, or really even poopy. I'd call it.... funk.

There are many reasons why diapers retain this wonderful "funk" smell, and here are just a few.

1. Bacteria and Fungus.
Yup, the good stuff. It's time to wash on the Sanitary Cycle, or add just a teensy bit of bleach (a capful should do it). You can also use a couple of drops of tea tree oil to help kill whatever it is. There are many types of bacteria (e.coli, which naturally occurs in digestive tracts) and fungus (i.e. mold, mildew, yeast, etc.)

2. Needing to wash more often.
It is really a good idea for home laundering of cloth diapers to wash no less often than every 3 days at most. Every 2 days is better. The synthetic fabric will retain smell more than natural fibers such as cotton or hemp. In addition, cotton and hemp can be washed in higher temperatures than the PUL material can, and this can help eliminate odors. So, if you wash more often, the smell will not linger on the diapers for as long, thus eliminating the problem before it starts.

3. Detergent Residue.
If you're either using a detergent that doesn't have five yellow stars according to either the regular detergent list or the HE detergent list, you ought to consider switching. Many detergents leave a residue that can retain odors and stains, and make the diapers repel moisture (meaning they wil not absorb urine). Also, be sure you're only using 1/2 the recommended amount for your washing machine (as directed by the detergent packaging) and be sure all detergent is thoroughly rinsed out. It is prudent to do an extra rinse, especially if you have an HE (front-loading) washer.

4. Rash Cream.
You've used rash cream and it has left an oily residue. Some rash creams contain fish oil (yuck) and other stinky substances that can leave stains and residue. Visit here for a list of rash creams. I personally use Dercut or Aura Cacia.

What can you do about diaper stink?

There are a few options:
1. Wash your diapers again. Maybe even without detergent.
2. Wash your diapers with a pea-sized drop of dawn (or joy, or sun, etc.) dish soap. Be sure to rinse all the bubbles out. This can help remove residue.
3. Sunshine! Lay diapers inside up outside on a sunny afternoon for a couple of hours. You'll be suprised. Stink and Stains be gone!
4. SOME diapers can be washed using 1/4 cup baking soda in the first wash, a 1/4 cup vinegar in the first rinse, and a second rinse with nothing. Please be sure this is ok for your particular diapers before proceeding. Baking soda can wear out some elastics.
5. Last resort - up to a 1/4 cup of bleach in the wash. Do not put bleach directly on diapers. Dilute first with water, or add to full washer and then add diapers. If you must do this, please be sure it is ok for your particular diapers. Color-safe bleach is NOT ok.