Are you thinking of dumping all cloth diapers because of mildew and mold? Have you given up on the cloth diaper journey? You must be thinking cloth diapers are not at all economical as they are known. Now and then they stink and collect yeast and bacteria.
If you are looking for a solution, you are in right place. We have more than one solution to rescue you from the stress of buying a new stash of cloth diapers or switch to disposable diapers.
Washing cloth diapers thoroughly is sufficient to tag them hygienic and safe to wear. If the stink still lingers on or your kid suffers a yeast infection it is better to sanitize the cloth diapers.
How Often Do You Sanitize Cloth Diapers
You should thoroughly sanitize when you purchase preowned cloth diapers. Sanitizing preloved stuff is a must as they have come in contact with the excreta of another person. Sanitizing will kill the composition and bodily fluids residing on the preowned cloth diapers.
Another reason you would want to bleach the cloth diapers is if your child suffers from any fungal, viral, or yeast infections. You have to make extra efforts to get rid of yeast or fungal bacteria so that doesn’t grow on the cloth diapers and infect your kid again.
Although, it is not necessary to sanitize cloth diapers after every wash. Sanitizing cloth diapers frequently is recommended. The best is to disinfect cloth diapers after every 5-6 use.
Sanitize cloth diapers when the smell lingers on even after washing with detergents and drying properly.
If the cloth diapers stink or hold stain, it is suggested to soak in a tub filled with water and sanitizing solution.
You can sanitize cloth diapers either by using bleach or without bleach.
Sanitize Cloth Diapers With Bleach
Bleach is the second-best disinfectant after hot water. Bleach helps in getting rid of microorganisms living on cloth diapers. The downside is, It is a chemical substance and can cause irritation to the skin. It can damage the fabric and shorten the life of cloth diapers. If you use bleach, you may void the manufacturer’s warranty.
Although, you would not like the idea of bleaching cloth diapers which you are going to put on your baby. Mothers look for the most gentle stuff for babies, be it a bath wash, or sanitizers to treat their diapers. When you buy or borrow used cloth diapers, hot water soak and bleaching are the best options.
Use chlorine bleach on baby cloth diapers.
Method
- Remove the solids from the diapers using a jet spray.
- Dilute the bleach in cold or warm water in a tub. Add cloth diapers.
- Let it soak for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse well repeatedly until the odor is gone.
Pros
- It is easily available
- Its lab tested
- It is an easy-on-budget solution
- Removes stains, microorganisms, odor 100%
- Easily soluble in water
Cons
- It’s a harsh chemical. You need to extra careful
- Produce fumes
- It makes the iron-rich water rusty. This can leave permanent stains on the diaper.
- It shortens the life cloth diapers
Sanitize Cloth Diapers Without Bleach
There are numerous methods for sanitizing cloth diapers effectively without bleach.
Sanitize with Vinegar
Does vinegar sanitize cloth diapers is the most common question mothers ask. Yes, It does. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and water softener. It breaks down minerals which make it a cool product for softening and freshening cloth diapers. It is a strong cleaning acid.
If you plan to use vinegar for sanitizing cloth diapers, use a diluted solution. Use edible and synthetic white vinegar.
Method
- Remove the poop solids from the diaper using water
- After cleaning the diapers, Soak them in a tub filled with vinegar and water for 30 minutes. One cup of vinegar for a full bucket is sufficient
- Wash the diapers in the washer
- Rinse thoroughly
Pros
- Natural and effective
- Softens hard water
Cons
- Undiluted vinegar can break fabric threads and loosen the elastic.
- It leaves a pungent odor
Hot Water Soak
Hot water is the most inexpensive and effective sanitizer. Hot water is said to kill 98% of bacteria, viruses, and fungus from any fabric. Many washers have an option of hot water soak
Method
- Wash the cloth diapers in the washer or manually using detergents.
- After washing, Soak the cloth diapers in hot water for 30 minutes – 1 hour
- You are done sanitizing cloth diapers
Pros
- No expense
- All-time available
Cons
- Soaking in hot water can weaken fabric thread thus shortening the life of the cloth diaper.
- You have to be extra careful while handling hot water.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Borax
Hydrogen peroxide an antiseptic disinfectant. Diluted hydrogen peroxide may not disinfect the cloth diapers. You need to add more cups to get the job done. This amount of hydrogen peroxide weakens the fabric and makes the fabric more prone to shred and tear. We add borax to amplify the sanitizing power of hydrogen peroxide
Method
- Dilute 4 cups of hydrogen peroxide and one cup of borax in a tub full of water.
- Soak cloth diapers for half an hour
- Wash the diapers thoroughly without using a detergent
Pros
- Get rid of microorganisms effectively.
- Easily available
Cons
- It can fade fabrics
- Additional cost to laundry
- Shorten the life of cloth diaper
- Not as effective as bleach
Readily Available Diaper Disinfectants
There is an array of cloth diaper antiseptics in the market. These solutions very effective and claims to kills 99% of the germs.
Method
- As described on the package.
Pros
- 99% effective as they claim
- Easily available
- Easy to use
- Soft on fabric
Cons
- Expensive
Machine Sanitize Cycle
These days washers are equipped with 90C cycle. It sanitizes cloth diapers without using additives. In this mode, the machine holds up the cloth diapers at 160 degrees Fahrenheit for a minimum of 30 minutes. This can be used to effectively treat all solid compositions and yeast formation. It is said to kill 99.99% of germs.
Method
- Just put cloth diapers in the machine and switch on the 90C cycle. You can add detergents. No additional additives are required to sanitize cloth diapers.
Pros
- No additional cost if you have a machine
- No chemicals used to treat cloth diapers
- Effective
Cons
- Wear and tear of cloth diapers
- Not available for everyone
Sun Drying
Sunlight is said to be an effective natural sanitizer. The ultraviolet light from the sunlight is super effective in killing microorganisms. The sun exposure to contaminated diapers effectively lowers the contamination rate.
Method
- Hang dry the wash diapers open space under the direct sunlight for a minimum of 2 hours.
Pros
- No cost
- Effective
- Natural
Cons
- Not everyone has open space to hang diapers under direct sunlight.
How often do you sanitize cloth diapers do not matter much. What matters is the method of sanitization that fits your budget and lifestyle. Internet is full of advice on how to sanitize cloth diapers. Do not come into a trap. Only you can decide what is right for your kid.
