Cloth diapers have a lot of benefits, but there will come a time when they have to be stripped. That’s when the hard work begins…
Cloth diapers have a lot of benefits, but there will come a time when they have to be stripped. Both cotton and bamboo diapers rinse beautifully when washed, thanks to their natural fibers, but microfiber, suede, and fleece don’t rinse as well. Hemp also develops a stench over time, but it’s highly absorbent.
Over time, these diapers will get a buildup from detergent that hasn’t rinsed fully, oils, and additives. This can cause significant odors that don’t come out from regular washing. Rather than replacing your cloth diapers, you can save them by stripping to get them back to their former glory.
How to Strip Cloth Diapers
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to strip your diapers if you’re switching from one detergent to another or you’ve washed the diapers a few times in untreated hard water.
If you purchased used diapers and don’t want to take the time to strip, that’s okay! In this case, it’s most important that you bleach them for hygiene purposes. If you notice odor issues after bleaching, then consider stripping.
In general, non-absorbent diaper pieces, such as covers and shells, don’t need to be stripped. Because they’re not absorbent, they generally don’t retain odors.
Remember, stripping diapers rejuvenates them, but it’s not a gentle process. Constant stripping is hard on the fabric, so you don’t want to overdo it. Stripping isn’t intended to clean the diapers, which is reserved for the normal wash cycle. It’s an extreme process that’s used to correct improper washing or to remove stubborn odors.
How to Strip Cloth Diapers
All diapers will need to be stripped, but here are some tips to extend the time between stinky diapers:
If your diapers still stink, check out How to Strip Cloth Diapers: Part 2 for a full breakdown of how to strip your diapers properly.
How to Strip Cloth Diapers
If you have a top-load washer, it comes in handy for this process.
How to Strip Cloth Diapers
You went through the entire stripping process, rinsed endlessly, dried in the sun, and your diapers still smell. What gives?
Here are some things you can do:
How to Strip Cloth Diapers
The number one mistake we see parents make while cleaning cloth diapers is using too much detergent. Like most clothing, diapers are generally very delicate. Harsh treatment while cleaning can have a serious impact on the lifespan of your laundry – including cloth diapers.
There are three main reasons to moderate your detergent use:
If your laundry is out of hand, The Folde can help! Our professional laundry service handles washing and drying, folding, pickup, and delivery to make everything as easy as possible for busy parents like you. Schedule your pickup today!
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