Attempt to recover? WWYD?

[bluebirdiemama]

Ok... this is a little embarrassing... but oh well. It's not the worst thing I've ever done.

So... our washer went out about 4 months ago and I thought we had washed all our diapers by hand. But, turns out our small pail got set in the laundry room under a bunch of junk and forgotten about

I discovered them a few days ago... and I don't know what to do. I'm sure with enough work I can get them clean again? They are ... rather moldy.
What do ya'll think? Are they recover-able?

[DevaMajka]

hmmm....my response would depend on what type they are, how expensive they were, and how many there are.
I'm not sure what dollar amount I'd put on it, but I wouldn't try to deal with it if it amounts to a loss of, say, $20. $50 though? I'd be much more willing to try.

Do you have your washing machine back? Oh- better idea- is there a laundry mat convenient for you? I think if it were me, and I decided it was worth it to try, I'd put them through a few loads in a washer, with loads of detergent in the first wash, and some bleach, and see what they look like at that point.
Then I'd reevaluate from there.

[lunita1]

Originally Posted by bluebirdiemama

Ok... this is a little embarrassing... but oh well. It's not the worst thing I've ever done.

So... our washer went out about 4 months ago and I thought we had washed all our diapers by hand. But, turns out our small pail got set in the laundry room under a bunch of junk and forgotten about

I discovered them a few days ago... and I don't know what to do. I'm sure with enough work I can get them clean again? They are ... rather moldy.
What do ya'll think? Are they recover-able?

Even if you get them clean, I think mildew stains are hopeless (I've never had luck removing them, anyway.) I think you can get them usable again, as long as you don't mind permanent staining.

[bluebirdiemama]

hmmm... I don't mind staining. I guess I'll have to try... we don't have the money to replace them right now, and they are the ones that fit my dd. So it's either try, replace them or buy more disposables...

[DevaMajka]

Then I'd totally try. Good luck!

[Pinoikoi]

It can't hurt to try.. I kicked myself severely once for leaving two wool soakers to soak for DAYS.. same deal- just forgot about them.. but one was super expensive- almost $70 and handknit with an eagle in the pattern that I had specifically custom ordered.. the knit just fell apart in my hands.

It is a tough lesson to learn.

[luv-my-boys]

I would try...but at least 1 load at a laundry mat first with HOT water, a tad of bleach (if not PUL to ruin) and lots of detergent and then see how they are. If they are actually getting somewhat clean (some staining at this point is permanent) then I would wash like heck at home and try to recover.

[bluebirdiemama]

Originally Posted by Pinoikoi

It can't hurt to try.. I kicked myself severely once for leaving two wool soakers to soak for DAYS.. same deal- just forgot about them.. but one was super expensive- almost $70 and handknit with an eagle in the pattern that I had specifically custom ordered.. the knit just fell apart in my hands.

It is a tough lesson to learn.

cough.... choke...! holy crap! bummer


Well, I tried to wash them and... nope. no luck. 3 washes at the mat with hot hot, and some bleach and they still reeked like mold.

BUT I was very happy to discover that the only things in there were prefolds, wipes, couple covers...

[jeminijad]

Hmmmm...

I would keep trying, even after hot water and bleach. I'd try vinegar, boiling, and a few other things.

You could even sell them very cheaply. I would buy something like that as a project. Maybe I'm nuts though.

[JMJ]

In combination with the other things, I'd try hanging them out in the sun all day to let them air out/get sun bleached.

[mumkimum]

In previous, similar threads - I've read of people having real good luck with sunning. If the smell isn't too bad anymore, you might try that for a week or so.

[jildez]

i haven't tried it, butive heard grapefruit seed oil can get rid of mold- you could try a few drops in the wash??? it might get rid of the mold if not the stains.