How to Strip Cloth Diapers and Inserts

Why Do Cloth Diapers Need Stripping?

Cloth diapers are an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice, but if cared for improperly, over time they can face issues that affect their performance. Stripping is a deep-cleaning process that removes buildup, odors, and residues, caused by weak detergent, detergent buildup, infrequent washing and a host of other issues. Stripping your cloth diapers can refresh their function and absorbency, making them comfortable for your baby once again.

When to Strip Your Cloth Diapers

Stripping cloth diapers when issues arise is critical to maintaining their effectiveness and avoiding the escalation of issues with odor, rash and decreased absorbency. Here's when you should consider it:

• Diapers have been pre-loved (used by another baby)
• Diapers or inserts repel moisture instead of absorbing it
• Have persistent odors (e.g., ammonia or barnyard smell)
• Diaper rashes appears to be due to diaper contact
• Visible residue on diaper surface, elastic gathering or dinginess
• Freshly laundered diapers feel stiff, waxy or unclean
• Noticeable odor even after washing
• Reduced absorbency causing leaks despite proper fit and sizing

Part 1 :: How To Strip Cloth Diapers - Blue Dawn Dish Soap

Why Dawn? Original Blue Dawn is one of very few products that will dissolve detergent residues, and it is on an even shorter list of products that are safe for all fabric types and diaper styles. This process will also remove minerals, limescale and other residue from hard water buildup. 

Important Note: Never put Dawn directly in your washing machine. It can cause excessive suds and damage your machine.

Materials Needed:

• Original Blue Dawn Dish Soap
• Hot water (not boiling)
• Large bucket, bowl or sink
• Soft scrub brush or toothbrush

Steps:

1. Pre-Wash: Start with clean diapers (free from solid waste and pre-washed in your regular routine).
2. Drench: Place all the affected cloth diapers in a sink and fill with hot water until water rises just above the diapers. Squish diapers as the water fills to saturate fabric.
3. Dawn: Drizzle a small amount of Blue Dawn onto the inner lining of each diaper.
4. Scrub: Gently scrub each diaper’s lining with a soft bristle scrub brush or toothbrush, focusing on areas with heavy buildup.
5. Rinse: Thoroughly rinse each diaper individually under warm water in the sink until no suds remain.
6. Machine Wash: Run a cold wash/cold rinse cycle (no detergent).
7. Dry: Tumble dry on low.

Part 2 :: How To Strip Inserts - Vinegar Soak

Inserts ONLY, Not Safe for Elastic or Waterproof Laminate

Why Vinegar? Vinegar helps to quickly and effectively dissolve mineral deposits and built up detergent residue in fabric without rigorous scrubbing. However, vinegar is highly acidic and should not be used on cloth diapers containing elastic or waterproof laminate (TPU) as it is corrosive and will damage these materials.

Materials Needed:

• Distilled white vinegar
• Large bucket, bowl or sink
• Warm water

Steps:

1. Solution: Combine 1 quart of warm water with 1 cup of distilled vinegar.
2. Soak: Fully submerge inserts and let them soak for 1 hour. Increase solution, proportionally, as needed to fully submerge all affected inserts.
3. Agitate: Stir and squish inserts every 15 minutes.
4. Rinse: Remove inserts and rinse thoroughly under warm water.
5. Machine Wash: Run inserts through a regular wash cycle.
6. Dry: Tumble dry on medium.

Troubleshooting Common Cloth Diaper Issues

Ammonia Smell:

• Cause: Urine breakdown, poor ventilation, detergent buildup, saturated overnight diapers
• Solution: Follow the stripping steps above and ensure proper ventilation in diaper storage.
• Prevention: Evaluate your detergent brand, usage amount, wash and rinse routine. Thoroughly rise saturated night diapers in cold water first thing each morning and allow to air dry before placing in dirty diaper storage prior to laundering.

Also Read: Why Do My Cloth Diapers Smell Like Ammonia or Barnyard?

Persistent Odor:

• Cause: Bacterial growth from incomplete cleaning
• Solution: Strip diapers following steps above, after stripping is complete bleach cloth diapers to sanitize. Fix wash routine.
• Prevention: Evaluate your detergent brand, usage amount, wash and rinse routine and cloth diaper laundering frequency. Use of a proper wash routine and approved detergent that is fit for cleaning human waste is critical to thoroughly cleaning cloth diapers. Wash a minimum of twice a week.

Diaper Rash:

• Cause: Residue, detergent allergy, bacterial buildup, fungal rash, dietary changes, teething, other skin conditions (e.g. eczema or psoriasis), poor fit (friction rash)
• Solution: Identifying the cause of a rash can be overwhelming. Often it is easier to eliminate variables. A "swish test" can determine if your diapers have detergent residue, in which case follow the steps above to strip the diapers. Bacterial buildup can be resolved by stripping and sanitizing the cloth diapers. This is especially important to do any time baby has been treated for a fungal/yeast rash so the bacteria is killed and does not cause a recurrent infection. If you are curious about your diaper fit, or not sure where to start figuring out baby's diaper rash, reach out to our expert care team. Depending on the severity of the rash, it is always recommended to consult your family physician. 

When to Use Bleach:

Only for yeast infections or disinfecting pre-loved diapers.

Preventing Buildup in Cloth Diapers

Do's:

• Follow a thorough 2-wash cycle wash routine.
• Select a recommended detergent, and use the correct amount for load size.
• Rinse diapers thoroughly to remove detergent residue.
• Use a microchamois, microfleece or disposable diaper liner with all diaper rash creams.

Don'ts:

• Avoid using fabric softeners or dryer sheets.
• Avoid overloading your washing machine, as it can prevent proper cleaning.
• Avoid natural and homemade detergents, which unfortunately are too weak to effectively clean human waste out of cloth diapers.
• Avoid detergents that do not contain enzymes and surfactants.

Lets Wrap This Up

Stripping cloth diapers with Dawn Dish Soap and vinegar (for inserts) is a reliable, safe method for tackling buildup and odor issues. With a proper wash routine you should be able to avoid this process as a necessity, but it is available for occasional maintenance should the issue arise.

Identifying and addressing any wash routine issues that led to the need for stripping your cloth diapers is critical for resolving the issue moving forward, making sure your cloth diapers will stay absorbent, clean, and long-lasting.

Important Reminders:

• Use Blue Dawn for safe and effective stripping of cloth pocket diaper shells and inserts.
• Vinegar is effective for inserts, flats and prefolds but should not be used on pocket diaper shells, all in ones, or any cloth diaper with elastic and a waterproof laminate (TPU).
• Follow a consistent wash routine and approved detergent to prevent future need for stripping.

By keeping these tips in mind, you'll ensure your cloth diapers remain in excellent condition for years to come.