How to strip a cloth diaper effectively?

Over time, cloth diapers can lose their absorbency and develop unpleasant odors due to a buildup of residue, creams, or minerals. This is where stripping cloth diapers comes into play. In this article, we will explore how to effectively strip your cloth diapers to restore their full efficiency.

Why Strip Cloth Diapers?

Stripping is an essential step to maintain the performance of cloth diapers. Several signs indicate that stripping is necessary:

A decrease in absorbency.
Frequent leaks despite proper fit.
Persistent odor even after washing.
Redness or irritation on your baby’s skin.

These issues are often caused by of residue buildup, mineral deposits, or greasy creams that create a water-repellent barrier on inserts and absorbent fabrics.

When Should You Strip Cloth Diapers?

Stripping should be done:

When purchasing second-hand cloth diapers. In this case, disinfection is also necessary.
As soon as you notice absorption issues, odors, or irritation.

How to Strip a Cloth Diapers?

For optimal stripping, use sodium percarbonate or Oxyclean, ensuring that sodium percarbonate is the main ingredient.

This powerful natural whitening agent effectively removes built-up residues and unpleasant odors.

Instructions

Fill a bathtub, a large washing basin (sink), or a washing machine with hot water.
Dissolve the sodium percarbonate in the water (refer to the quantities below).
Add the clean diapers and inserts to soak for several hours (at least 4 hours).
Rinse the diapers and inserts thoroughly with warm water.
Place the diapers/inserts in the washing machine and run a rinse cycle with warm water and a spin cycle. Repeat until no more suds appear.
Finish with the second wash cycle of your usual routine, using the recommended amount of detergent.

Amount of Sodium Percarbonate or Oxyclean to Use

For 1 diaper: 1 teaspoon
For 5 diapers: 1 tablespoon
For 20 diapers: 1/4 cup

It is better to use slightly more rather than not enough, depending on the number of diapers being stripped. Just be sure to rinse them thoroughly before placing them in the washer.

How to Prevent Cloth Diapers from Needing Stripping?

To avoid frequent stripping, follow these best practices:

Use an appropriate detergent without glycerin or fabric softener.
Avoid using too little detergent during washing, as this can lead to residue buildup.
Test your water hardness: if you have hard water (rich in minerals), opt for powdered detergents or add a water softener such as sodium percarbonate or washing soda to liquid detergents.
Avoid greasy creams that can waterproof fabrics.
Do not overload the washing machine to ensure the diapers are thoroughly cleaned and rinsed.

Disinfecting Cloth Diapers

If you purchased second-hand diapers, if they have been in contact with a contagious illness, or if you are experiencing persistent odor issues, disinfection is necessary. To do this, use disinfecting bleach containing at least 5.25% sodium hypochlorite or labeled as “kills viruses/germs” with specific disinfection instructions.

Procedure:

Fill a basin or your washing machine with cold water and add bleach.
Stir well, then add the clean diapers and inserts.
Let the diapers soak for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Rinse the diapers and inserts thoroughly with hot water to deactivate the bleach.
Run a quick wash cycle with hot water and no detergent to remove any remaining bleach.
Finish with a full hot water wash cycle with a small amount of detergent.

Amount of Bleach to Use

Container: 1 tablespoon per 4 liters (1 gallon) of water
Washing machine (medium load): 1/2 cup

Conclusion

Now that you know how to strip a cloth diaper, you can easily restore their effectiveness. But, know that if you have to strip your cloth diapers again (unless you buy them second-hand), it probably means that something in your washing routine needs to be improved. A good maintenance routine prevents the build-up of residue and makes stripping unnecessary. Avoid stripping unless absolutely necessary, as this can sometimes be counterproductive. By adopting good washing practices, you will extend the life of your diapers and ensure their effectiveness on a daily basis. With these tips, your cloth diapers will remain clean, effective and odor-free!