How to Strip Cloth Diapers

From time to time, you may notice that your cloth diapers begin to smell a little funky, even fresh out of the wash. No, it doesn't mean that you aren't getting your cloth diapers clean - it just means that there is some build-up of oils and detergent residue in the fabric. This build-up will not only cause odor, but can also decrease the absorbency of your cloth diapers, creating leaks. You can eliminate the odor and leakage issues by stripping your diapers. This is a fairly simple process.

Stripping your cloth diapers: Step 1

First wash your cloth diapers as you normally would. It is important to start with clean diapers. If your diapers are soiled when you begin the stripping process, you may set stains in the fabric. Simply run your cloth diapers through a normal cold wash cycle with a small amount of detergent, and rinse as usual.

Stripping your cloth diapers: Step 2

Run your cloth diapers through a hot wash with no detergent. Turn up your water heater if necessary to make sure that the water is really hot (but be sure to turn it back down afterward for safety). Note: check washing instructions for your particular cloth diapers. If you are using all-in-ones or pocket diapers with waterproof covers, too-hot water may damage them.

You may want to use just a drop or two of original blue liquid Dawn dish detergent to this wash to help cut some of the oils, but it's not always necessary. You can also add a bit of baking soda to absorb odors.

Stripping your cloth diapers: Step 3

Be sure to do an extra rinse at the end of your wash cycle. Add some white vinegar to this final rinse to remove all detergent residues from your cloth diapers. Don't worry, your cloth diapers won't come out of the wash smelling like vinegar. When the diapers dry, all the vinegar smell will disappear.

Stripping your cloth diapers: Step 4