How would you strip these?

[mrsfrenchy]

I desperately need to strip DDs diapers. We have a mix of BGs with microfiber and hemp inserts along with several Tiny Tush fitteds (these are 100% cotton). They reek when peed on (as in, I swear she's done a really nasty poo, but its just pee) and we also occassionally get the ammonia smell, especially in overnight diapers.

Right now we're using Nellie's Laundry Soda, but we just switched recently. Before that we were using Tide for a few months--I know this is part of the issue.

So with all this in mind, how would you start to go about stripping the diapers? I've never found a really good stripping routine, so I'm trying to figure out what I should/shouldn't use. (and before anyone suggests RLR, I can't find it in my area. )

[Galatea]

IMO, stripping is given too much importance, and the real issue is that bacteria builds up in the layers of the diapers, and the only thing that will kill bacteria is regular old chlorine bleach. In fact, bumGenius tells you to use bleach once a month.

Once a month, I add just 1 Tablespoon bleach to my hot wash with all my diapers in it and everything is clean and fresh and fine.

[chattyprincess]

Huh...this intrests me. I am going to start cloth diapering my new baby in july and I literally do not own bleach in my house. Is there anything else you can use in place of this???

[Galatea]

No, not really. That is why you read people boiling, using Dawn dish soap, boiling some more, etc. The fact is that there is bacteria in several layers of fabric and bleach will kill it. Then you just rinse an extra time and it is fine. Boiling destroys waterproofing and elastic, and Dawn will mess with your machine and doesn't do anything different than detergent.

[PinkinPA]

The Lowes store has this powdered cleaner in a small box called "TSP-phosphate free" We use 1 2sp per load of diapes, give extra rinse. This is THE holy grail diaper cleaner.

[mrsfrenchy]

Originally Posted by Galatea

No, not really. That is why you read people boiling, using Dawn dish soap, boiling some more, etc. The fact is that there is bacteria in several layers of fabric and bleach will kill it. Then you just rinse an extra time and it is fine. Boiling destroys waterproofing and elastic, and Dawn will mess with your machine and doesn't do anything different than detergent.

Doesn't bleach mess with your elastic too? (not that I'm completely opposed to using it) I ended up doing dawn and oxygen bleach with a vinegar rinse (vinegar to help with the pH problems that come with ammonia). I intended to do regular bleach, but apparently, we're out. Hopefully next weekend, I can put some bleach in the wash.

They were suds free after 3 washes (the second and third were just water, no detergent or anything). So either i got rid of the detergent build up or it really is a bacterial issue. Hopefully I'll see a difference when I put them on DD tomorrow, but I'm still going to put a little bleach in the wash next weekend.

Originally Posted by PinkinPA

The Lowes store has this powdered cleaner in a small box called "TSP-phosphate free" We use 1 2sp per load of diapes, give extra rinse. This is THE holy grail diaper cleaner.

Do you use it every cycle or just when you feel you need to strip? Is it in place of a diaper detergent or in addition to it? Is this just on the aisle with all the other cleaning supplies?

[Galatea]

Originally Posted by PinkinPA

The Lowes store has this powdered cleaner in a small box called "TSP-phosphate free" We use 1 2sp per load of diapes, give extra rinse. This is THE holy grail diaper cleaner.

How is it called that? TSP is phosphates (tri-sodium phosphate.) Generally it is sold for paint. It is what used to be in detergents to make them clean better but got banned b/c of what it does to waterways. It is actually helpful for septic tank performance but not good for waterways.

[Galatea]

Originally Posted by mrsfrenchy

Doesn't bleach mess with your elastic too? (not that I'm completely opposed to using it) I ended up doing dawn and oxygen bleach with a vinegar rinse (vinegar to help with the pH problems that come with ammonia). I intended to do regular bleach, but apparently, we're out. Hopefully next weekend, I can put some bleach in the wash.

Not in small quantities. I use 1 Tablespoon, diluted in 1 pint water, added to the hot wash once the washer is completely filled. BumGenius actually tells you to use 1/4 cup which is 3 times that amount.

[Cameron's Mommy]

what about using an oxygen bleach? i don't use chlorine bleaches either... interesting though I always thought you weren't supposed to use bleach on diapers. does the bleach help with repelling issues on fleece as well? or just kill bacteri.. also can you just use some tea tree or lavender essential oil to kill the bacteria??

[Galatea]

Originally Posted by Cameron's Mommy

what about using an oxygen bleach? i don't use chlorine bleaches either... interesting though I always thought you weren't supposed to use bleach on diapers. does the bleach help with repelling issues on fleece as well? or just kill bacteri.. also can you just use some tea tree or lavender essential oil to kill the bacteria??

I use oxygen bleach in every hot wash, but it doesn't remove the need for the chlorine bleach. I don't know if it does anything for repelling.

TTO needs to be at a 5% concentration to kill anything, and all TTO available to buy are only 2%, and then you are putting a few drops in all that water, so it does nothing but impart a clean smell.