By Lifetips
Cloth diapers are a great choice for eco-conscious parents, but over time, they can lose their absorbency or develop odors. If you’ve noticed your diapers aren’t performing as well as they used to—whether they’re leaking more than usual or they have an unpleasant smell—it might be time to strip them. You may be wondering, how do you strip cloth diapers? Don’t worry, it’s simpler than it sounds. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to restore your cloth diapers, making them fresh, soft, and absorbent once again.
Why Stripping Cloth Diapers Is a Must
Stripping cloth diapers is a deep-cleaning process that removes residue build-up from detergent, oils, and minerals in your water. Over time, even with regular washing, these things can accumulate, causing your diapers to lose their absorbency. This can lead to leaks or rashes for your little one—definitely not something you want!
By stripping your cloth diapers, you remove the buildup and restore their original performance, helping them last longer and work better. It’s one of those necessary chores that helps you get the most out of your cloth diaper investment.
Step-by-Step Guide to Stripping Cloth Diapers
Stripping cloth diapers isn’t complicated, but it does take a bit of time and patience. Here’s how to do it:
- Start With a Good Wash Begin by washing your diapers like you normally would, just to remove any surface dirt. This will give you a clean slate to work with before you start stripping.
- Prepare the Stripping Solution Now it’s time to create your stripping solution. There are a few ways you can go about this:
- Dish Soap Method: Use a small amount (about one teaspoon) of dish soap in hot water. This helps break down the detergent build-up.
- RLR Laundry Treatment: A popular choice for many cloth diaper users, RLR is specifically designed to remove detergent residues without damaging the fabric.
- Vinegar or Baking Soda: If you’re looking for a more natural approach, you can add a cup of white vinegar to your wash or make a paste with baking soda.
- Soak the Diapers Fill a large basin, bathtub, or sink with hot water and add your stripping solution. Submerge your diapers in the water, making sure they’re fully soaked. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to an hour). During this time, you should see the buildup float to the surface of the water.
- Agitate and Rinse Once the diapers have soaked, gently agitate them with your hands to help loosen the buildup. Afterward, rinse them thoroughly with hot water—repeat the rinse until the water runs clear. If the water is still murky after the first rinse, you may need to soak and rinse again.
- Wash and Dry Finally, wash the diapers as you normally would with a gentle, cloth-friendly detergent. Avoid using fabric softeners, as they can leave a coating that may affect the diaper’s absorbency. Once they’re clean, you can either hang them to dry or use the dryer, depending on the care instructions for your diapers.
Best Products to Use When Stripping Cloth Diapers
If you want to make the process even easier, there are some great products designed specifically for stripping cloth diapers. Here are a few tried-and-true options:
- RLR Laundry Treatment: This powder is a fan favorite for removing detergent residue and mineral buildup, and it’s gentle on your diapers.
- Rockin’ Green Diaper Stripping Powder: This eco-friendly product is formulated to strip diapers effectively without harming the fabric.
- GroVia Mighty Bubbles: These pods are another excellent option, known for their ability to deeply clean without harsh chemicals.
For the most part, you don’t need anything fancy, but these products can give you peace of mind that your diapers are getting the thorough clean they need.
What Are Some Mistakes to Avoid When Stripping Diapers?
While stripping is a pretty straightforward process, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:
- Overloading the Basin: If you try to strip too many diapers at once, the solution may not be as effective. Make sure the diapers have plenty of room to soak and agitate.
- Not Rinsing Enough: It’s easy to get impatient and skip a rinse or two, but rinsing thoroughly is crucial. Any leftover stripping solution can cause problems down the line.
- Using Too Much Product: Less is more! Too much detergent or stripping solution can cause build-up, which defeats the whole purpose. Stick to the recommended amount for the best results.
How Often Should You Strip Your Cloth Diapers?
Stripping your cloth diapers isn’t something you need to do frequently—just once every few months should be enough, or when you notice that the diapers aren’t absorbing like they used to. If you have hard water or use a lot of detergent, you may need to strip a bit more often. Always keep an eye on your diapers for signs like a strong odor or reduced absorbency, which means it’s time to strip them.
Conclusion
Stripping cloth diapers is an essential part of maintaining them over time. By following these simple steps, you’ll restore your diapers to their former glory and make them as absorbent and fresh as when they were brand new. Remember, a little prevention goes a long way—wash and rinse properly, and you won’t have to strip as often. But when the time comes, you’ll have the knowledge to tackle those stains and odors with confidence.
