How To Strip Cloth Diapers – 5 Effective Tips That Work

Hey there, mom! Are you struggling to eliminate an unpleasant odor from your baby’s cloth diapers, even after washing them thoroughly? If so, you may need to learn how to strip cloth diapers.

“Stripping” refers to a deep cleaning process that is sometimes necessary when regular washing isn’t enough. Although the term may sound intimidating, it’s a simple process that can help get your baby’s diapers smelling fresh and clean again.

In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of cloth diaper stripping. We’ll discuss when it’s necessary to strip cloth diapers and explore various methods that you can use to get the job done. So, whether you’re a new parent or a seasoned pro, keep reading to learn more about caring for your baby’s cloth diapers.

Understanding Cloth Diapers Classes (Before You Learn How To Strip Them)

Frankly speaking, it is always best to understand what you’re dealing with first before taking any action. Cloth diapers come in various types. First, they can be classified based on the materials used in making them. Second, they can be grouped based on their styles.

1. Based on the type of material used

Cloth diapers can be classified into two based on the type of fabric used in the production process. As mentioned in the previous section, there are natural cloth diapers and synthetic cloth diapers.

Natural Cloth Diapers:

Natural cloth diapers are made from plant-based materials known as fiber. The most common types of fiber used in making these diapers are cotton, hemp, wool, or bamboo. These natural fibers have the advantage of sustainability since they are renewable products.

Besides natural cloth diapers being soft on your baby’s skin, they also provide a greater degree of absorption. Also, note that natural cloth diapers have to be made of 100% of any of the natural fibers.

Synthetic Cloth Diapers:

As the name suggests, these cloth diapers are made from synthetic materials. The most common synthetic fabric is polyester, a non-renewable product. Synthetic cloth diapers are also absorbent and easy to dry.

These polyester diapers can come with different names such as microarray, microfiber, or minky.

2. Based on style of diaper

Cloth diapers can also be classified based on styles:

Flat/Unfolded

Prefold

Pocket

Fitted

Hybrid

All-in-one

All-in-two

Flat/Unfolded diapers

These types of diapers are the oldest kind of cloth diapers. A flat diaper is a large sheet of fabric that you can fold around your baby’s bottom as a diaper. It’s the cheapest as well – you can even make one out of old clothes or towels.

The downside is that flat diapers require fasteners and waterproof covers since they’re not waterproof. You may also have to double the cloth to create an absorbent layer.

Pre-fold diapers

Pre-folds are the next economical cloth diapers and are close to the flat type but they come with a thick absorbent layer so you don’t need to double the fabric. You just have to fold it around your baby’s bottom.

A pre-fold diaper also requires the use of fasteners and waterproof covers.

Pocket diapers

A pocket diaper is an upgraded version of the pre-fold and unfolded. It doesn’t require fasteners or waterproof covers. Instead, it comes with an opening between the inner and outer layers for the insertion of the absorbent material. This opening is the pocket.

Fitted diapers

As the name implies, a fitted diaper is designed to suit your baby’s size with its fasteners. It doesn’t require folding but needs a waterproof cover.

Hybrid diapers

A hybrid diaper is a cross between the traditional cloth diaper and the modern disposable diaper being that its external part is washable while the insert is disposable. If your baby soils their diaper, all you have to do is trash the disposable insert and replace it with a new one.

All-in-one diapers

These diapers come close to disposable diapers. They come with everything – absorbable inserts, waterproof covers and fasteners. They’re just made out of fabric. This also means they may take a longer time to dry.

All-in-two diapers

They are similar to pocket diapers, but the outer washable cover and insert need to be snapped together to make the complete piece. Instead of stuffing the insert, you just snap it onto the outer cover.

For all the styles of diapers, ensure you remove the waterproof covers before you strip them in your washing machine or tub. The goal is to strip the absorbable part of the diaper.

An exception to this is the all-in-one diaper which comes as a total package, of which the parts are inseparable.

What Does It Mean To Strip Cloth Diapers?

Having understood how different cloth diapers work, the next thing is to know what it means to strip cloth diapers.

Strip cloth diapers involve the process of removing build-up from the diapers, which may cause the diapers to smell repeatedly and leak from time to time.

Why Do I Have To Strip Cloth Diapers?

As a parent, you may think that washing your baby’s cloth diapers regularly is enough to keep them clean and fresh. However, did you know that repeated washing can cause detergent build-up on the diapers? This can lead to reduced absorbency, making the diapers less effective in keeping your baby dry.

This is where stripping comes in – it is a deep cleansing method that removes the build-up of detergent and other residues from the diapers. If you notice that your baby’s cloth diapers are not as absorbent as they used to be or have a persistent foul odor even after washing, then it’s time to strip them.

But beyond the hygiene aspect, your baby’s comfort is also crucial. Wearing uncomfortable cloth diapers can cause discomfort and irritability, leading to fussiness and crying fits. In addition, poorly functioning diapers that frequently leak can be a source of frustration for both you and your baby.

So, if you notice any of these signs, it’s time to strip your baby’s cloth diapers. It’s a necessary step to maintain the quality of the diapers and ensure your baby’s comfort.

Build-Up: Understanding The Reason Why You Should Strip Cloth Diapers

A build-up on a cloth diaper is simply an accumulation of certain residues on the diaper that are not beneficial to the fabric and your baby’s skin.

Here are the main causes of build-up on your baby’s cloth diapers:

1. Detergent residues

Washing your baby’s cloth diapers with too much detergent can cause a build-up. It shouldn’t be hard to miss if the cloth diapers still emit a good quantity of soap suds during a rinse.

2. Hard water

Hard water contains a lot of minerals. It is advisable to know the type of water in your locality. Washing your baby’s diapers regularly with hard water can lead to a build-up of minerals. This can cause a terrible stink once your baby’s diaper is wet.

3. Diaper rash cream

Sometimes, the chemicals in diaper rash creams can affect the fabric of your baby’s cloth diapers. Examples are petroleum jelly and cod liver oil. Using diaper rash creams containing such ingredients will likely cause the diapers to repel instead of absorb and emit unpleasant odors.

How Often Should I Strip My Child’s Cloth Diapers?

You should strip once you notice signs of build-up on the cloth diapers. This can be occasionally – say twice a year – depending on factors such as the type of water in your locality and your wash routine.

You may never have to strip your child’s diapers if you have a good wash routine. But to be on the safe side, you may strip cloth diapers every few months.

When To Strip Cloth Diapers

Here are some signs that tell you when to strip your baby’s cloth diapers:

The diapers are leaking despite being secured tightly to your baby’s bottom. You will notice that the quality of the diaper’s absorption has decreased.

Your baby’s diaper emits a bad odor as soon as it becomes wet.

The diapers smell badly after being washed.

Your baby starts to develop rashes on the bottom area.

Your Best Options On How To Strip Cloth Diapers

There are several effective ways to strip cloth diapers. Highlighted below are some of your best options when it comes to the business of how to strip cloth diapers:

1. Use Dawn Dish soap

This blue dish soap has proved effective in fixing build-ups in cloth diapers. To carry out the stripping procedure, add one tablespoon of this dish soap to water. Make sure you soak for about an hour before rinsing and drying.

2. With RLR

The RLR stripping solution is quite a favorite amongst many because of its effectiveness. All you have to do is add a packet of water and soak your diapers in it for about six hours. One pack can strip about thirty diapers so you have to adjust the quantity.

After the soak, you should rinse till there aren’t any suds and dry the diapers.

3. Use a homemade strip solution

As a mom, you can have some fun and work with your own hands by making your very own strip solution. You’ll just have to mix 3 US tablespoons each of washing soda, borax, and Calgon. You will also soak the diapers for about 6 hours, rinse and dry.

4. Use GroVia Mighty Bubbles

GroVia Mighty Bubbles is a laundry product that is exclusively for clearing build-up on cloth diapers. It comes in pods, so one pod works for stripping 24 cloth diapers. With Mighty Bubbles, you may not have to soak the diapers.

Apply the pod to hot water in the washing machine and put your diapers in for a wash. Once that’s done, rinse in warm or hot water and take it out to dry.

5 Tips That Work On How To Strip Cloth Diapers

With all these instructions on how to strip cloth diapers, some tips will be helpful to you. I have listed five of them:

Use hot water to strip your diapers, preferably about 120-150°F

Never use a dishwasher to strip diapers.

Wear rubber gloves while handling chemicals and hot water.

You may have to rinse more than once for an effective stripping.

It’s advisable not to use dish soap in a washing machine but in a tub.

Should I Use Bleach To Strip Cloth Diapers?

As much as bleach is a powerful agent, it isn’t supported by some people as an agent for stripping cloth diapers. It is seen as harsh in those cases. Also, it can render the warranty of your washing machine void.

However, some manufacturers recommend it. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s website for product information to be certain that using bleach to strip won’t harm the fabric.

Final Thoughts

I understand that you’re considering the best options for your baby’s cloth diapers. Remember, your baby’s comfort and health should always be a top priority, so it’s crucial to pay attention to their diapers.

When using cloth diapers, it’s important to establish a good washing routine, avoiding the use of too much detergent, especially if you live in an area with soft water. Knowing the degree of water softness or hardness in your environment can help you take preventive measures to increase the lifespan of your baby’s diapers. Additionally, be cautious of certain diaper rash creams that can cause buildup and affect the absorbency of the diapers.

While stripping cloth diapers is necessary, it shouldn’t be done too frequently. Only do it when necessary and follow the proper instructions to avoid damaging the diapers. Remember, your baby’s comfort and well-being depend on it.

How To Strip Cloth Diapers – 5 Effective Tips That Work