🌞 Treating Stains Naturally

Enter: the magical power of the sun. ✨

• Lay damp (not dry) diapers in the sun with the inner lining facing up.
• Let the UV rays work their magic—it’ll fade most stains right out!
• Be mindful not to leave the outer PUL side facing the sun for long periods; too much UV exposure can weaken the waterproof layer over time.
• Always sun wet, not dry! Sunning dry diapers can cause brittle fibers or cracks.
  

 

🧴 Bleach: The Backup Hero (Used Carefully!)

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a diaper needs a little extra oomph—whether it's to tackle stubborn stains or give your stash a deep sanitizing reset (hello, mystery barnyard stink). Enter: diluted bleach! Yes, you can safely use bleach on cloth diapers—but only the right way. To sanitize or treat tough stains without fading those adorable prints, use plain, unscented liquid bleach (never splashless or scented varieties). Mix 1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of cold water in a basin or tub, and soak only the absorbent parts (like inserts or flats) for about 30–45 minutes. For an occasional full-diaper refresh, you can run a bleach wash in your machine: add ¼ cup of bleach to the drum (for a standard top loader) or ⅛ cup (for HE front loaders), then run a short cold cycle—no detergent, just bleach. Follow it up with a full hot wash with detergent to rinse thoroughly. Avoid soaking or washing the outer shells frequently in bleach, as over time it can weaken elastics and fade PUL prints. Done correctly and occasionally, a bleach treatment can revive your diapers without compromising their style or function. Just think of it as a diaper spa day! ✨🧼

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:

To prevent maggots from returning:

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

Yeast infections are no fun—for babies or for their caregivers. If your little one develops a yeast rash and you're using cloth diapers, there are some very important steps to take to prevent reinfection and keep your stash safe. Yeast is a persistent microorganism that can survive regular wash cycles, so it requires a special approach.

👶 First: Treat the Baby

Before tackling the diapers, it’s essential to treat the source of the yeast infection—your baby’s skin.

disposable diapers during treatment to avoid cross-contamination or reintroducing yeast from a partially cleaned cloth diaper.

⚠️ Keep in mind: Even if the rash looks better, yeast spores can hang around—don’t skip disinfecting your diapers!

🧺 Second: Disinfect the Diapers

Once yeast has made its way into your cloth diapers, it’s important to kill it completely—or risk it coming back over and over. Regular washing isn’t enough. Here’s how to sanitize your stash safely:

🧼 Bleach Wash: The Gold Standard

Bleach is the most effective way to kill yeast on cloth diapers.

Follow this method to sanitize your diapers (and any cloth wipes, wet bags, or liners that were used during the infection):

Bleach Soak Instructions:

1 tablespoon of regular strength bleach (5.25–6%) per gallon of cold water

(or ½ cup of bleach in a standard bathtub with 10 gallons of water)

clean diapers for 30–45 minutes.

and then run a full wash cycle with detergent to remove any bleach residue.

For HE machines, you can do a bleach wash by adding ½ cup of bleach directly into the bleach dispenser during the hot main wash cycle.

🧽 Don't Forget the Accessories!

Yeast can linger in:

Disinfect them with a bleach soak or hot wash with bleach added.

💨 Optional: Sun Dry

After disinfecting, hang diapers in direct sunlight if possible. UV rays have natural antimicrobial properties and can help fade stubborn stains too.

✅ After Treatment: Preventing Reinfection

Once the rash is gone and your diapers are disinfected, you’ll want to keep yeast at bay:

🚨 Important Notes:

Many contain petroleum or zinc, which can cause repelling or staining. Use a disposable liner or switch to disposables while using medicated creams.

once per yeast infection episode—you don’t need to bleach every time you wash.

You’ve Got This 💪

Dealing with yeast while cloth diapering might feel overwhelming, but once you take the right steps, you can safely return to your routine with confidence. A little extra care now will help prevent ongoing rashes and protect the investment you’ve made in your cloth diaper stash.

Ammonia — it’s the sharp, eye-watering stink that hits you when you open the diaper pail or wash machine and wonder if you’ve wandered into a barn. While it’s a common issue for cloth diaper users, the good news is that it’s totally fixable and preventable with the right steps. Here’s how to identify, treat, and prevent ammonia smells, buildup, and burns — no stress, just solutions!

What Causes Ammonia Smell in Cloth Diapers?

Ammonia is a natural byproduct of urine breaking down over time. When diapers sit too long without washing or aren’t getting fully cleaned, ammonia builds up in the fabric. This can lead to:

Let’s break it down by issue:

🧼 1. Ammonia Smell

If your diapers are starting to smell like ammonia after a wash or once they’re wet again, they likely need a deeper clean. Here’s what to do:

🧪 2. Ammonia Buildup

If ammonia is a repeat offender, it may be due to:

How to fix it:

🌡 3. Ammonia Burns (Ouch!)

This is the most serious result of ammonia buildup. You’ll know it’s happening if your baby has:

First, stop using cloth for a few days and switch to breathable disposables to let your baby’s skin heal. Treat the rash like a burn:

Meanwhile, deep clean your diapers:

💡 Prevention Tips

Still having trouble? You're not alone — ammonia is one of the most common cloth diaper challenges, but with the right info and routine, you'll be back to fresh, fluffy diapers in no time.

If your cloth diapers smell like a barnyard—even after washing—you’re not alone. This unpleasant odor (often described as a sour, musty, or vaguely "animal-like" smell) is a common sign that something in your wash routine isn’t quite working. The good news? It’s fixable.

💡 What Causes Barnyard Smell in Cloth Diapers?

Barnyard smell usually points to residual bacteria, trapped ammonia, or buildup in the diaper fabric. It’s often a result of:

(too little detergent or a weak wash cycle)

(leading to buildup that traps stink)

or hard water affecting wash performance, preventing proper agitation

🧼 How to Get Rid of Barnyard Smell

1. Start with a Reset Wash (aka Strip Wash)

If your diapers have built-up stink, oils, or detergent, doing a one-time strip wash can help reset them.

Option A: RLR or stripping agent

Use a commercial stripping product like RLR (or one approved for cloth diapers). Soak your clean diapers in hot water with the product, then rinse thoroughly until no suds remain.

Option B: DIY Strip (if no synthetic materials)

Soak clean diapers in:

⚠️ Avoid stripping frequently—it’s a deep clean for occasional use only.

2. Check (and Tweak) Your Wash Routine

Here’s a wash routine that works well for many cloth diapering families:

Step 1: Pre-wash (daily or every 2–3 days)

Step 2: Main wash

enough detergent for a heavily soiled load.

Step 3: Extra rinse (optional)

3. Dry Thoroughly

fully dry before storing, as lingering moisture can contribute to stink.

💧 Bonus: heck Your Water Type

Hard water (high in minerals) can interfere with detergent performance and lead to buildup. If you suspect hard water:

Calgon in your wash.

✅ Preventing Barnyard Smell Going Forward

heavily soiled laundry!)

Barnyard stink doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it just means your diapers are asking for a little routine tune-up. Once your wash system is dialed in, your diapers will come out clean, fresh, and ready for action.

🐟 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.

🧪 What Causes Fishy-Smelling Diapers?

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

: 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.

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

: Underwashing can leave behind bacteria and waste, even if diapers look clean.

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

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

🧼 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)

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

2. Tweak Your Wash Routine

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

Pre-wash:

Main wash:

Extra rinse (optional):

💡 Prevention Tips

heavily soiled load, not just lightly dirty baby clothes.

🚨 If It Still Smells Fishy…

If the odor keeps coming back after wash adjustments:

hard water issues and consider using Calgon or a softener.

fabric softeners, vinegar, or DIY detergent mixes that might interfere with diaper absorbency or cleaning.

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.

Dealing with Mold on Cloth Diapers: Why Discarding May Be the Safest Option

Mold is a serious concern when it comes to any fabric that comes into close contact with the skin—especially for babies, whose immune systems and skin are more sensitive. Mold spores can cause a range of health issues, including skin irritation, allergic reactions, and even respiratory problems like wheezing, coughing, or sinus issues. In some cases, prolonged exposure to mold can lead to more significant health risks, particularly for those with asthma or mold sensitivities.

Unfortunately, once mold has developed on a cloth diaper—especially if it's been sitting damp or in storage—it can be extremely difficult to ensure it’s been completely eradicated. While bleach and other treatments can kill many types of mold, there’s no reliable way to verify that every spore has been eliminated deep within the fibers of the fabric. Some mold can remain invisible or dormant, and even a small amount left behind can grow again under the right conditions.

This uncertainty is what makes mold in cloth diapers so tricky. While some families choose to attempt mold removal with bleach soaks or other treatments, the reality is that there’s always a risk the mold wasn’t fully killed—or that toxins associated with mold (like mycotoxins) may still be present. There’s also the potential for cross-contamination if moldy diapers are washed with the rest of your stash.

Because of these risks, we strongly recommend discarding any cloth diaper or reusable item that has visible mold growth. As difficult as it may be to let go of a diaper—especially if it's a favorite or part of your stash—your baby’s health and your family’s well-being come first. Tossing the item is the most reliable way to:

Think of it as a small sacrifice that helps preserve the safety and integrity of the rest of your cloth diaper collection—and more importantly, your family's health.

If you’ve just discovered your little one has worms, take a deep breath — it’s more common than you think, and treatable with the right care and sanitation steps. Cloth diapering while dealing with pinworms (the most common type in children) is totally manageable with a little extra cleaning and caution. Here's everything you need to know.

📌 First: Treat the Infection -

Contact your pediatrician to confirm the type of worm and follow their treatment recommendations. Most often, a single dose of anti-parasitic medication is all that’s needed, followed by a second dose two weeks later.

It’s common for all household members to be treated at the same time, even if they aren’t showing symptoms, to prevent reinfection.

Keep fingernails trimmed and wash hands frequently — pinworms
spread easily from scratching and touching surfaces.

🧺 Step 1: Sanitize the Cloth Diapers

Diapers used during a worm infection need a little extra love to ensure no eggs remain on fabrics. Here’s how to thoroughly clean
and sanitize your cloth diapers:

Pre-Rinse: Do a cold rinse with no detergent to flush away waste.
(If there are visible worms or eggs, dispose of any solid waste into
the toilet.)

Hot Wash with Detergent: Run your normal main wash on hot with a
full dose of detergent that contains enzymes (like Tide or Persil).
Enzymes help break down organic matter — including any eggs that
might remain.

Add Disinfectant: For an extra sanitation boost, you can safely add one of the following to your main wash:

¼ cup regular chlorine bleach (in the drum, not the dispenser)
for HE machines

½ cup bleach for standard top-load machines

OR 1 scoop of oxygen bleach (like OxiClean) if you prefer a
non-chlorine option

Extra Rinse: After the main wash, run an extra rinse to be sure all disinfectant and residue is flushed away.

Dry Thoroughly: Tumble dry on high heat or line dry in direct sunlight. Heat and UV rays are both effective at killing lingering eggs or bacteria.

🧼 Step 2: Sanitize Other Cloth Items

Wash all cloth wipes, wet bags, and changing pad covers used
during the infection using the same method above.

Wash bedding, towels, and baby clothes on hot with bleach or
oxygen bleach — especially during the first week of treatment.

Change sheets and undies (or cloth diapers) daily for at least a
week to minimize reinfection risk.

🌿 Step 3: Prevent Reinfection

Wash hands frequently — especially after diaper changes and
before meals.

Clean under fingernails and discourage scratching if possible
(mittens can help overnight).

Disinfect surfaces like changing tables, potty seats, doorknobs,
and toy bins daily during treatment.

Continue washing diapers every 1–2 days during treatment to keep
them fresh and clean.

💡 Good to Know:

Pinworm eggs can survive on fabrics for 2–3 weeks if not washed
properly, which is why hot water and thorough drying are key.

Cloth diapers are absolutely safe to continue using — no need to
switch to disposables unless you prefer to during the treatment
window.

A single bleach wash won’t harm your diapers if done correctly
and is often recommended for deep sanitation.

You're doing an amazing job, even when the unexpected pops up.
With the right steps, your stash will stay safe and your little one
will be on the mend in no time!