Ammonia

[StrongFeather]

I was wondering what causes ammonia smell in a wet diaper, and how to fix it. Are my prefolds not getting as clean as I think they are? (there are no stains, smell clean, etc)

[JTA Mom]

2 things cause ammonia: left over urine crystals and the ammonia eating bacteria (well, pee eating bacteria that give off ammonia, to be precise).

Urine crystals can easily be left over when using too big a load, or in a FL which tries to use the least amount of water. Also, allowing things like microfiber to dry out and then get washed makes it harder for all the urine to wash out, since it first needs to rehydrate.

The second thing is bacteria. This happens when not using enough detergent or skipping an occasional sanitizing routine. To keep the bacteria count down, every couple weeks I wash in bleach of a non-chlorine bleach. Something to kill the germies.

Ami

[StrongFeather]

Originally Posted by JTA Mom

2 things cause ammonia: left over urine crystals and the ammonia eating bacteria (well, pee eating bacteria that give off ammonia, to be precise).

Urine crystals can easily be left over when using too big a load, or in a FL which tries to use the least amount of water. Also, allowing things like microfiber to dry out and then get washed makes it harder for all the urine to wash out, since it first needs to rehydrate.

The second thing is bacteria. This happens when not using enough detergent or skipping an occasional sanitizing routine. To keep the bacteria count down, every couple weeks I wash in bleach of a non-chlorine bleach. Something to kill the germies.

Ami

ahh, thank you!! Must need to kill the germies...ran out of oxy..need to get more. that must be it!

[Galatea]

Rinse out all morning diapers to prevent the ammonia from crystallizing in the diaper.

Do a prewash with white vinegar to help dissolve the ammonia.

Oxygen bleach alone, though great for everyday use, isn't enough for us. I add 1 Tbs. chlorine bleach once a month to freshen everything up.