How do you strip your diapers?

[Metasequoia]

I have a lot of hand me down dipes and one set smells like stinky conventional detergent. I figured I'd just strip all of them (how do I know if it's necessary??) And how do you do it?

[Stitches]

They need stripping if they aren't absorbing properly, leaking around the leg holes etc. I've done it with a vinegar wash and lots and lots of rinsing (and the hotter the water the better). I think it works a little better with cotton though, I tried it with microfiber and then had to do a lot of washing to get the vinegar residue off too, and it irritated DD's bum.

If it's just the detergent smell and they seem to be absorbent enough, then wash, wash, wash. I have the same problem with hand me down clothes, I hate the chemical smell of the detergent on them and I have to wash them several times to get most of the smell off, and even then I can still detect it.

[Metasequoia]

I have some prefolds with covers and a ton of Fuzzi Bunz that have prefolds for inserts. They've all been used, so I'm not sure how they absorb... Do you think I should just wash them a couple of times? Or should I do vinegar?

[Stitches]

I'd probably just start off by washing them a few times and then see how they work, and double rinsing. If it's still nice out you could hang them out in the sun too, it does wonders on cotton prefolds. There's lots of different ways to strip diapers too, plain rinsing, baking soda, etc. etc. Vinegars the only one I've tried but I don't know if it's the best one.

[rootzdawta]

Moved from I'm Pregnant to Diapering.

[MamaFern]

I do really hot washes with no soap (of course) and a vinegar rinse till there are no suds at all left.. i find soap makes a HUGE difference..anything with oils or fragrances, even natural, build up in the fabric.. kind of a pain, but it shouldnt have to be done too often if you use the right stuff