🪰 Oh No, Maggots?! Here's What to Do

If you’ve just opened your diaper pail or wet bag and were met with a wriggly surprise—deep breath, you're not alone, and you can absolutely fix this! Maggots show up when flies lay eggs on organic matter, especially if diapers are sitting too long in a warm, humid place.

Here’s how to deal with it:

1. Don’t panic. Maggots are gross, but they won’t ruin your diapers if handled quickly.

2. Remove any soiled diapers from the pail or wet bag and shake off any maggots outdoors (yes, gloves are your best friend here).

3. Rinse off any remaining maggots with a strong hose spray or in your utility sink using hot water.

4. Pre-wash your diapers on a hot cycle with detergent to remove residue.

5. Run a second, heavy-duty hot wash with detergent and a scoop of oxygen bleach (like OxiClean) or ¼ cup of regular bleach (in the drum, not the detergent tray) to sanitize thoroughly.

6. Sun dry the diapers if possible—UV rays help kill any lingering bacteria.

To prevent maggots from returning:

• Don’t let dirty diapers sit longer than 2–3 days.

• Store diapers in a well-sealed wet bag or pail with good ventilation, ideally in a cool space.

• Rinse poop off solids (especially in summer) and don’t let overly wet items sit sealed in heat.

You’re not a bad parent—life happens. This is totally recoverable. Deep clean, take a breath, and carry on!