If you have trouble with stinky diapers, we are here to help...
Your diapers should never smell after they are washed. If they do (or if they smell really, really bad after baby pees), here are some solutions. Generally, the stink occurs for one of these reasons:
You are using a natural detergent, and it is just not getting your diapers clean enough. A natural detergent may work for a while until your baby starts growing and the diapers get messier.
Your diapers have detergent or soap residue.
You are using a rash cream containing cod liver oil (i.e. Desitin).
You have a toddler.
Natural detergents are great. We absolutely love them, but they may not be getting your diapers clean enough. Toddlers have more acidic urine than younger babies which sometimes leads to retained odors in the diapers. Too much detergent or soap residue can also hold onto smells. So if you have stinky diapers, try one of the following:
Switch to a detergent if you are using a natural soap based product.
Stop using vinegar in the rinse. Vinegar is acidic and so is a toddler's urine. Too much acid is a bad, stinky thing.
Try using a little more detergent in the wash, but if you see bubbles in your rinse water, rinse again.
Try using less detergent: this is for those who think more is better! You should only be using 1/4 to 1/2 of the recommended amount of detergent when washing diapers.
Wash more frequently (every 2-3 days), and don't use a rash cream containing cod liver or fish oil.
If you think you have been using too much detergent or the "wrong" detergent, here's how to get your diapers really clean:
Do a few washes with no detergent or additives at all. Keep washing until the water is clear and you see no bubbles.
Line dry in the sun if at all possible. The sun is a natural sanitizer and whitener.
If you still have smells, throw those stinky diapers out. WAIT, I'M KIDDING...just wanted to see if you were still awake! If you still have smells, we suggest a long soak with a cup of baking soda in the wash. Baking soda is a great odor neutralizer.
Then wash with a minimum amount of detergent and line dry in the sun.
