How to Get Rid of a Smell in Cloth Diapers

One of the most frustrating things for those who use cloth diapers is to complete an entire wash cycle and find the diapers still smell. For odor-free diapers, identify the source of the smell. Incorrect soaking and washing methods, detergent accumulation, and diaper rash cream are a few of the various possible reasons why diapers stink. There is no single solution to this problem; to get rid of this smell, you will have to find its cause and use the appropriate method to remove it.

Things You'll Need

  • Vinegar

Instructions

    • 1

      Wash cloth diapers regularly, at least once in every two days, if not every day. Allowing too much time to elapse between soiling and washing will make it difficult to remove the smell that gets locked into the cloth fabric. If frequent washing is not possible, rinse out the diaper before storing for a later wash. If you use a pail to soak the diapers, change the soak water every day.

    • 2

      Wash the diaper with plain water and checking for bubble formation. If you find the water shows the presence of bubbles, the likely culprit is the residual detergent left from previous washes. When this detergent comes into contact with fresh urine, it causes the diaper to stink. Continue washing until the water is clear and free from bubbles. From the next wash onward, use a lesser amount of detergent -- ideally a quantity that just breaks the surface of the water without raising a bubble mountain.

    • 3

      Use the right washing method to avoid diapers smelling. Avoid soaking the diapers for too long in the washer. Don't wash the diapers in the soak water; use fresh, cold water for a pre-wash followed by a hot wash and a cold rinse. Using hot water directly on diapers can lock in the smell. Dry the diapers in direct sunlight to remove any odors left from the wash.

    • 4

      Add about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of vinegar into the rinse cycle and see if the diapers stop smelling. If you are already using vinegar, stop adding it and see if the smell disappears.

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