🐟 Why Do My Cloth Diapers Smell Fishy?

A fishy or sour, ammonia-like smell coming from cloth diapers—especially after your baby pees—is a red flag that something in your wash routine or diaper maintenance needs attention. While it might make you wrinkle your nose, it’s a common issue and totally fixable.

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🧪 What Causes Fishy-Smelling Diapers?

That fishy odor is usually linked to one of the following:

- Ammonia buildup: Over time, leftover urine breaks down into ammonia, which creates that sharp, sour-fishy smell. It can also cause rashes or even ammonia burns if left untreated.

- Inadequate rinsing: If your diapers aren't getting fully rinsed, waste and detergent residue can linger and turn stinky.

- Not enough detergent: Underwashing can leave behind bacteria and waste, even if diapers look clean.

- Hard water: Minerals in hard water can bond with detergent and urine, trapping smells in the fabric.

- Overstuffed washer: If the machine is too full, there may not be enough water or agitation to clean thoroughly.

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🧼 How to Fix Fishy Smelling Diapers

1. Do an Ammonia Reset Soak

If you suspect ammonia buildup, give your diapers a one-time treatment:

Bleach Soak (for ammonia and bacteria)

- Mix 1 tablespoon of regular bleach per gallon of cold water (or ½ cup for a full washer).

- Soak clean diapers for 30–45 minutes, then wash and rinse thoroughly.

⚠️ Always check manufacturer guidelines. Most PUL and microfiber can handle occasional bleach soaks, but natural fibers might be more sensitive.

OR Try a Rinse & Strip

- Do a rinse with hot water and no detergent.

- Then soak clean diapers in a stripping solution (see barnyard smell post).

- Rinse until the water runs clear—no suds or residue.

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2. Tweak Your Wash Routine

Here’s what a solid wash routine might look like:

Pre-wash:

- Short cycle, warm or hot water

- A small amount of detergent

- Goal: remove the bulk of urine/solids

Main wash:

- Long, hot cycle

- Full dose of a strong detergent

- Don’t overfill the drum—diapers need room to move

- Optional: add a water softener if you have hard water

Extra rinse (optional):

- If you suspect detergent residue or live in a hard water area, a final rinse can help.

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💡 Prevention Tips

- Wash every 2–3 days—don’t let diapers sit too long.

- Use enough detergent for a heavily soiled load, not just lightly dirty baby clothes.

- Ensure good water flow and agitation in the wash.

- Don’t skimp on rinses—urine and detergent both need to be fully flushed out.

- Watch for changes in your baby’s diet, illness, or hydration—these can affect pee chemistry and stink levels.

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🚨 If It Still Smells Fishy…

If the odor keeps coming back after wash adjustments:

- Double-check for hard water issues and consider using Calgon or a softener.

- Inspect your diapers for any damage—microfiber especially can trap stink over time.

- Make sure you're not using any fabric softeners, vinegar, or DIY detergent mixes that might interfere with diaper absorbency or cleaning.

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A fishy smell isn’t fun—but it’s your diaper stash’s way of saying, “Hey, I need a little TLC.” With the right tweaks and possibly a deep clean, you can banish that odor and keep your cloth journey fresh and stink-free.