Stinky Nappies

Crystal - posted on 06/28/2010

Add a few drops of Tea Tree Oil to your washer load, and use a cup of baking soda as well. I used my cloth diapers through 2 babies, and getting ready for the 3rd and they are in great condition. You can also add a few drops of Lavender Oil for a nice scent (but don't use that with the diaper covers).

Robin - posted on 06/28/2010

thank you all for your suggestions!
tried the baking powder and it worked wonders! there is now a box living in my laundry just in case!

Majaliwa - posted on 06/27/2010

I live in Texas which has some of the hardest water in the states. I personally recommend RLR Laundry Treatment. It helps to soften your water and lift the dirt, odor and stains. You can find it on ebay for pretty cheap. I add about 3 tablespoons to my wash cycle along with detergent to strip my diapers.

Jessica - posted on 06/27/2010

Perfect, but I would be considered a hard water area... what should I do? :)

Majaliwa - posted on 06/22/2010

you can use any of the following in the following amounts:

•1 tablespoon of Dawn liquid soap (or 1 teaspoon for HE washers)
•1/2 cup of Baking Soda
•Two scoops of Oxyclean (*NOT recommended for hard water areas)
•1 cup of White Distilled Vinegar (*NOT recommended for hard water areas)
•1 packet of RLR Laundry Treatment

Jessica - posted on 06/22/2010

I see a lot of people use vinigar and baking soda . . . how much do u use in a load?

Noreen - posted on 06/19/2010

I use Rockin Green on my diapers and they smell fresh, are super soft, and are bright and clean!!!

http://www.happycottontails.net/apps/web...

Candice - posted on 06/19/2010

use a small amount if borax when washing them then do a second rinse with vinegar..i do borax every wash and vinegar every rinse and never have problems really....u can do a half cup of bleach 1 time a month or so to strip them and then rewash..works like a charm!!!

Kristin - posted on 06/19/2010

Depends on what type of diapers you're using. I don't have issues with my prefolds. My pocket diapers do get a little funky. A small amount of Dawn to strip them does wonders.

Corinne - posted on 06/19/2010

When I start noticing a smell, I fill the pail with cold water and tea tree oil (available in most chemists),soak overnight (not the wraps!!!), wash in baking soda, then in usual detergent. Plus I always try to line dry 90% then finish off in dryer. :) x

Rebecca - posted on 06/18/2010

I should add, i use the old fashioned terry towling nappies folded into shape. Covered in plastic pilchers. i dont have PUL to worry about....

Rebecca - posted on 06/18/2010

I use vinegar religeously in my washing machine for everyload of nappies(3 a week) and clothes as well. it cleans out the crud from your machine and is better for clothes than fabric softener! I do use hard water and i have had no dramas. possibly different chemicals in ur water than mine??? i also spray vinegar on stubborn mess on my kitchen floor. 10minutes later i mop and it comes off like a charm! oh how i love vinegar!

Majaliwa - posted on 06/17/2010

Two watchouts on vinegar:

1. don't use it more than once a month. the acid in it will actually start to break down the PUL in your diapers.

2. don't use it if you have hard water. the acid in it will react with the minerals in your water and actually make the smell worse.

Cassie - posted on 06/17/2010

I agree with the vinegar, also every few washes I like to use a tad of fabric softener for the added fragrance but his depends on your brand of diaper's care instructions and any special needs for your bub's skin :-)

Heidi - posted on 06/16/2010

cap full of vinigar in the wash.

Majaliwa - posted on 06/15/2010

It sounds like you may need to strip them. Stripping is the process of doing a deep clean on your diapers. Detergent over time can build up on your diapers leading to odor.



You also may want to check the detergent you're using. Some cause more buildup than others. In general I don't recommend anything that is "free and clear" or any "soaps" - they leave soap scum on your diapers.



Here are some simple instructions for how to strip your diapers. My personal favorite additive is RLR Laundry Treatment.

http://www.pootersdiapers.com/stink-out-...



Here's a list of recommended detergents.

http://www.pootersdiapers.com/recommende...

Susan - posted on 06/15/2010

when i wash the first time I use baking soda and then i wash them a second time with just soap HTH