Bacteria issues- I think I give up!

[CoBabyMaker]

We have been CDing for almost 4 years now and I feel like I have spent most of the time with some sort of stink issue.  It never seemed to be an issue for DD1 but DD2 is more sensitive.  I keep having issues and have tried different detergents, bac-out in the wash, bac-out soaks, bleach, vinegar, extra washes, extra long washes, extra rinses, more and less detergent.  I am at my wits end!  I really don't want to pay for disposables but DD now has rashes that turn into horrible open sores for the 3rd time. 

Any other ideas to really get the cloth clean????  I do have a front loader which I know some people don't like but I had issues back when i had a top loader also.

[BlessedOne]

Have you tried using a baking soda? I don't know how well it would work with dipes, but it seems to work well with other stuff. I ASSUME that is would be safe for baby.....but honestly, you may want to research it a bit. =)

[fruitfulmomma]

Have you ruled out food or other allergies for the dd with the rash?

[CoBabyMaker]

I can't remember if I've tried baking soda or not.  Maybe worth a shot.

DD has multiple food sensitivities and is off ALL of them.  I do think her system is sensitive but there is a definite issue with the diapers.  They stink when I wash them. They smell a little when they are dry.  The wreak of ammonia when they are wet.

[fruitfulmomma]

The ammonia when wet would indicate that the core is not getting clean...sounds like you have done pretty much anything I can think of though. hHshhhfjrjfjfj

[chel]

I agree you have tried it all.  What kind of diapers?  I would think flats would be best, prefolds at least.

For a last ditch effort I would bleach them heavily.  To the max line on the bleach dispenser.

[mambera]

I'm a big fan of boiling myself.  Nontoxic, kills bacteria and clears out detergent residue.

What kind of dipes do you have?  Would you consider just chucking them and buying a new stash of clean, natural-fiber diapers?  Depending on your DD's age it could still be cheaper than disposables.  (Does she react to those btw?)

[orange_mommy]

Just curious... can you boil any kind of diaper?  How long do you do it for?  And do you just put them all in a pan on the stove?

[CoBabyMaker]

I have pocket diapers(smartipants).  So would i boil just the insert?  She doesn't react to disposables but they are so expensive.  I suppose getting some new prefolds would be cheaper but to be honest, I hate prefolds.  It might be worth a shot though.

Can someone recommend a prefold? 

[fruitfulmomma]

agh...wasn't done with my thoght...did not realize it posted...silly tablet

so,yeah boil inserts and prefolds, not pul. give them a good sunning too.

try adding towels to wash and see if that would raise your water levels. use hot water . you can throw boiling water into the machine but not sure how in a front loader.

be careful with sposies, most natural diapers use wheat as the soaker.

[BubbleMa]

What about adding Grapefruit Seed Extract to your wash?  I've never used it on diapers, but I know it has anti-bacterial properties.  I would wash normally first, then do another wash (or maybe a soak/rinse?) with the GSE.  I would also concoct a spray with GSE to put on your LO's bum.  It can be very strong if not diluted enough, and could burn so be careful.  I think 10 drops for 6 oz. of water is the recommended solution for putting on skin, but it should say on the bottle.

I've also heard of people using Tea Tree Oil the same way. 

[CoBabyMaker]

OK, I just cranked up the water heater and I am going to try another wash with adding boiling water, tea tree and baking soda in a little while.  Thankfully, DD's sores are looking a little better this morning (she's in sposies right now).  Thank you so much for your suggestions. I  think I will try a bleach wash after this and then boil them.

We are having a really hard time swallowing the idea of switching to sposies full time.  I think we may do a combo of the two, CDing most of the time but keeping sposies on hand for night time and in case of rash.

[Mulvah]

It sounds like you've tried a lot, but does that include powder detergents?  I have found they work much better than liquid where cloth is concerned.  I would try a generic Tide (or similar) and just do an extra rinse at the end. 

[mambera]

Mm yeah, can't boil a pocket.  (This is a big reason I hate pockets.)  Unfortunately even if you clear up the inserts, the part that touches her skin may still be dirty.  Also it's possible your LO may be reacting to the bleach, Bac-Out, TTO, GSE, etc if you haven't rinsed thoroughly.  I haven't bleached my dipes but I notice when I bleach my kitchen towels, once they get wet again they smell like bleach unless I've rinsed at least 4-5x.

I know you said you hate prefolds but in this situation I would still try using them until you figure out the problem.  Just get 2 dozen new prefolds (mine are GMD and I like them, sorry I don't have experience with other brands) and use your pockets as the covers.  (Don't stuff the pockets with the prefolds, make sure she has nothing but clean cotton next to her skin.)  I'd get a bag of Rockin Green detergent also.  Don't use bleach, Bac-out, or anything else on them.

If she gets rashy again you'll know cloth is not for this LO.  If she stays clear you can decide whether it's worth it to you to keep CDing or not.

[Mulvah]

Have you tried using a disposable diaper at night and just using cloth the rest of the day?  Does it help at all? 
 

Originally Posted by mambera 

Mm yeah, can't boil a pocket.  (This is a big reason I hate pockets.)  Unfortunately even if you clear up the inserts, the part that touches her skin may still be dirty.  Also it's possible your LO may be reacting to the bleach, Bac-Out, TTO, GSE, etc if you haven't rinsed thoroughly.  I haven't bleached my dipes but I notice when I bleach my kitchen towels, once they get wet again they smell like bleach unless I've rinsed at least 4-5x.

I know you said you hate prefolds but in this situation I would still try using them until you figure out the problem.  Just get 2 dozen new prefolds (mine are GMD, sorry I don't have experience with other brands) and use your pockets as the covers.  I'd get a bag of Rockin Green detergent also.  Don't use bleach, Bac-out, or anything else on them.

If she gets rashy again you'll know cloth is not for this LO.  If she stays clear you can decide whether it's worth it to you to keep CDing or not.

Since we're all sharing experiences, I tried this and it was absolute crap for my front loader.

[mambera]

Ok never mind about the Rockin Green then. :)   (It's been good for us but I have a top loader.)  I stand by the rest of my post though.

[Mulvah]

Originally Posted by mambera 

Ok never mind about the Rockin Green then. :)   (It's been good for us but I have a top loader.)  I stand by the rest of my post though.

Oh, I wasn't saying that, just that I, personally, had a horrible experience with it. I'm sure it works for many! 

[CoBabyMaker]

Ugh, I washed them 2x with SUPER hot water, detergent, bac out and baking soda.  2x SUPER hot with nothing and boiled them in batches (15 minutes each)  with fresh water each time.  Stuck the inserts in the dryer for 60 min on HIGH...They still stink !  Argh!  I am going to buy bleach tomorrow and bleach them to death.  grrrr.  I don't get it.  The "diaper gods" must hate me.

[Brambleberry]

I've heard of kids being sensitive to polyester.  You could get just enough prefolds to do a trial with the pockets as covers to see if cotton is easier on her bottom.  Do you use diaper cream regularly (at least every night) as a wetness barrier?  We found that absolutely necessary for prevention of rashes with DD for the first year at least.  

[CoBabyMaker]

I soaked them in bleach over night.  They don't smell!  We'll see how long it lasts.