Part II: Protocol for stripping away the stink from your cloth diapers
Keep in mind that treating your diapers can be hard their natural fibers. If you're patient, issues with smelly or crunchy feeling diapers can often be solved by simply running a 2-3 hot water washes WITHOUT detergent. This is my preferred method since it is chemical free. This will help wash away the funky build-up of minerals and detergent. If you've already tried that and are looking for a sledge-hammer to rid your diapers of stinks then try the following approach...
Part I: Cloth diapers smelling like ammonia or barn?
If your cloth diapers have developed an obnoxious smell when they get wet it's likely build-up of ammonia, bacteria, minerals and/or detergent in the fibers. This can be a from a combination of things that are out of your control like your water hardness or your washing machine. Variables that you can control more easily that might have an affect are your detergent and the specific wash routine you follow....
A short history of wool covers in diapering
A journey through wool use in cloth diapering starting in the 1700s...
Reasons Why We Chose to use Wool over PUL
- No more leak issues (more sleep for everyone)
- No more thigh rashes
- Wool is a natural material; further reducing use of plastics
- Wool breathes (increases comfort and reduces rashes); good for warm and cold weather
- Wool is hypoallergenic (skin reactions to wool are incredibly rare)
- Fitted diapers work really well for both day- and night-time (super absorbent options that aren't insanely bulky)
- Wool is a natural fire retardant that wont melt to baby's skin in the event of a fire
- Wool is naturally antimicrobial
- Doesn't require washing with each use. Only requires washing when soiled or when it starts to smell
- Wool covers/pants are so soft and cute!
Cloth diaper laundry routine that works -with hard water and front loader-
Deciding on how to wash your cloth diapers can be daunting when you start reading about all the possibilities. Everyone has his or her philosophy. Honestly, it really depends on the type of diapers you use, your water source, and your washing machine. If you can find the right combination of detergent type and amount for your situation you will rarely if ever need to strip your diapers.
Deciding on how to wash your cloth diapers can be daunting when you start reading about all the possibilities. Everyone has his or her philosophy. Honestly, it really depends on the type of diapers you use, your water source, and your washing machine. If you can find the right combination of detergent type and amount for your situation you will rarely if ever need to strip your diapers.