Stains: Here are some natural ways to combat diaper staining:
- Place damp diaper on grass in direct sunlight, or place the diaper on the grass with the morning dew. This really does work! We have found that about 1-2 hours in direct sunlight is all it takes. At times, it may be necessary to flip the diaper over to the other side to get those stains out.
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Put lemon juice on stained area. Wash as usual.
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Put some hydrogen peroxide on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Wash as usual.
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Try white vinegar in the wash.
Leaks: Cloth diapers should not leak. Leaky diapers can be attributed to a number of reasons. The following are the most common:
- Not changing the diaper frequently enough. This is very common especially for those parents who have switched from disposable diapers to cloth diapers. Cloth diapers need to be changed about every 2 hours or as needed. Heavy wetters and newborns may require more frequent changes or the use of a diaper doubler on a regular basis.
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Detergent build-up or using the wrong detergent and/or fabric softener. Remember, do not use Dreft®, Ivory Snow®, pure soap, or fabric softeners. These products put a light coating on the diapers causing them to repel water. It's a good idea give the diapers an extra rinse cycle with hot water without detergent to help remove any excess detergent build-up.
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Bad fit. If the fitted diaper is too big for your baby, the elastic at the legs will gap, allowing urine to escape. Be sure you purchased the right size for your baby. Test, by lifting baby's legs. If the diaper gaps away from baby's thighs, it is too big.
Urine Smell: There should not be a strong urine smell after washing. The following are good ways to help if there is a strong urine smell:
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Be sure not to overfill your washer so the diapers can agitate properly.
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Try using 1/2 cup baking soda in the wash, followed by 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar in the final rinse.
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Or, just try adding 1/2 cup vinegar to the final rinse cycle.
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