Ammonia/rash with Thirsties! Please help me troubleshoot.

[rosie29]

DD is 22 months. We started using Thirsties fitteds oh, about a year ago, maybe a bit more. They seemed great at first, but after a while we began to have a problem with ammonia and the accompanying rash. I've tried a number of things...stripping many times with Dawn, changing laundry detergent, using RLR to strip, and even *gasp* a small amount of bleach with each load. Nothing has gotten rid of this problem. We were using Arm and Hammer Essentials detergent, that is one of the brands that was recommended with Thirsties. We just switched to another brand; I can't recall what it is ATM.

I'll try anything, please give me your suggestions! I've considered switching diaper brands altogether, but with the investment that that is, plus the fact that there are no guarantees, I'm hesitant. Still, spam me with your thoughts!!

[Michigan Mama]

What's your normal wash routine like? What kind of machine? Maybe we can help you tweak your routine.

Some kids can be allergic to polyester. You could try something like a prefold, or even a t-shirt at first to see if it's any better with natural fibers against the skin.

[rosie29]

I have a regular top-loading machine. First I do a cold soak with a small amount (IDK, maybe 2 T.?) detergent. Then I do a warm or hot wash, sometimes with 5-6 drops of EO. I dry on low.

I do have some PFs I could try.

[Galatea]

Try a vinegar pre-soak.

[rosie29]

How much vinegar? And then do I do the rest of my regular routine...in other words, two soaks and then a warm/hot wash?

[Galatea]

Originally Posted by rosie29

How much vinegar? And then do I do the rest of my regular routine...in other words, two soaks and then a warm/hot wash?

How about a regular cold prewash, then soak with vinegar - amount depends on how many diapers. For a dozen diapers, I'd try 1/2 cup. Then hot wash. See if that does anything.

I put vinegar in every prewash and we NEVER get ammonia. We used to get ammonia all the time before doing this.