Stripping Cloth Diapers



Stripping cloth diapers is the process of removing detergent build up. Over time you may find that your diapers have become stinky and you just can't get them to smell fresh anymore. Or you may go to change your baby's diaper and find it just isn't absorbing and causing leaks. This is a sign it may be time to strip your diapers. Over time, a soapy build-up can occur if your detergent leaves residue. That is why it's always important to include an extra rinse when washing. Here is a simple step-by-step guide on stripping cloth diapers.

Step 1: Wash your diapers as you normally would. It is important to start with clean diapers before the stripping process is started.

Step 2: Fill the washer with hot water. Make sure the water level is higher than the diapers.

Step 3: Put your diapers in the washer and let the agitation cycle begin.

Step 4: After the diapers have gone through the agitation cycle for a few minutes, add 1 - 2 squirts of liquid Dawn.

Step 5: Allow the washer to agitate the Dawn while keeping an eye on it.

Step 6: Continue the wash as normal.

Step 7: Once the wash cycle is finished, run the rinse cycle as many times as necessary until the bubbles are gone. This may take as many as 3 - 4 times.

You may have to complete this process more than one time in order to completely strip them of any residue.

How Often Do I Strip My Diapers

I can't stress this enough - most problems with odor or repelling are due to detergent build up. Many detergents do not completely rinse out of cloth diapers leaving a horrible residue. Over time this residue builds up and can cause your diapers to stink horribly, repel urine, or just leak. I highly recommend a detergent made specifically for cloth diapers. I have to say I love Rockin Green. It has been a miracle for my diapers. I have tried a few detergents and have never had my diapers as clean as when I use Rockin Green. The detergent itself smells awesome, but the diapers come out smelling like nothing. This is great. Someone once said "do you diapers smell clean, or do they smell like Tide?" This is so true - if your diapers smell like detergent, are they really clean, or is the strong smell of detergent just masking everything else?

The good news is you may never need to strip your diapers. If you find the right detergent then stripping diapers is not going to become an issue. If you have odor issues with microfiber, I recommend bleaching them every couple of months. Microfiber is known to stink and you can avoid that with a bit of bleach. Just don't use the bleach on any other cloth diapers.

If you have had problems with odor, etc., even ammonia, I highly recommend doing a good stripping on your diapers and changing to another detergent, preferably one made for cloth diapers. It may cost a bit more, but in the end it will save you a lot of time and hassle, as well as your diapers.


Return from Stripping Cloth Diapers to Cloth Diaper Connection