How to Get the Smell Out of Cloth Diapers

Reusable cloth diapers can save money and reduce waste.

Using cloth diapers for your baby can be both environmentally sound and helpful for your home. The cloth diapers can save you money, since you don't have to buy packs of diapers each week, and will reduce the waste from your home. However, the cloth can retain the urine and defecation smells from your baby, creating a highly unpleasant experience. A washing mixture of baking soda and vinegar can remove this smell.

Things You'll Need

• Washing machine
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• Laundry detergent
• 1/2 cup washing soda
• 1/2 cup vinegar
• Drying rack or line

Instructions

1. Set your washing machine to a prewash cycle with cold water and add your cloth diapers. This initial wash will remove many particles and stains from the diapers.

2. Refill your washer with cold water. Add 1/2 cup of baking soda, followed by your diapers. Agitate the load for two minutes and allow the diapers to soak overnight. The baking soda will neutralize the smell in the diapers, and will also help to whiten the cloth.

3. Drain the water from the laundry machine and run a regular hot water wash with regular laundry detergent and 1/2 cup of washing soda. Add 1/2 cup of vinegar during the first rinse cycle. The vinegar will restore the acidity balance in the cloth that was neutralized by the baking soda. If you do not use vinegar, your baby could end up with a rash.

4. Hang your diapers to dry in an area with good air circulation. Make sure they are completely dry before using again.

References

• Diaper Pin: Frequently Asked Questions
• Green Mountain Diapers: Washing Cloth Diapers