Why Do Cloth Diapers Smell? All Causes and Precautions!

Photo by @antonia_natascha

 

Cloth diapers are an eco-friendly alternative to disposable diapers, which not only give parents a good feeling but also save time and money. However, improper care can lead to unpleasant odors in cloth diapers, which have several different causes. If cloth diapers smell like ammonia, this indicates too much time between washes and accumulations of urine. On the other hand, if they smell like rotten eggs, this may indicate the growth of bacteria and fungi.

My cloth diapers stink, what can I do? If your cloth diapers stink, wash them at a minimum of 60 °C with a mild, enzyme-free detergent and do an extra rinse to remove all residues. Make sure they dry completely, ideally in fresh air or at a low temperature in the dryer. Occasional deep cleaning with vinegar or baking soda can also help eliminate stubborn odors.

With Judes cloth diapers, such problems can be avoided as they are easy to handle and care for. The thoughtful design, high-quality materials, and innovative diaper bag for storing used diapers ensure that odors do not develop in the first place. Furthermore, our diaper coaching supports you with all questions about our diapers – so nothing goes wrong.

In this article, we explain the different causes of smelly cloth diapers and how you can avoid them. We show you how to prevent emerging odors with proper care and storage and give you tips on washing and drying cloth diapers.

What are the main causes of unpleasant odors in cloth diapers?

The reason for unpleasant odors in cloth diapers is mainly chemical and biological processes. A common problem is ammonia, which is produced when urea in urine breaks down. If the diapers are not washed regularly or stored properly, this process can be accelerated, leading to a pungent ammonia smell.

Likewise, bacteria and fungi can lead to foul odors. These microorganisms thrive particularly well in moist and warm environments. If diapers are not sufficiently dried or ventilated after washing, these germs multiply and produce musty odors.

The material composition of cloth diapers also plays a role in the formation of odors. Synthetic materials tend to retain odors more than natural materials. Judes cloth diapers are made of high-quality organic cotton, which is not only breathable but also less prone to odors.

Common mistakes in the care of cloth diapers that lead to increased odors

Proper care of cloth diapers is crucial to avoid odors. Here are some common mistakes that can lead to unpleasant odors:

• Irregular washing: If used diapers are stored for too long, this can lead to bacterial growth and odor formation.
• Improper storage: Used cloth diapers should be stored in a way that allows air to circulate. Airtight containers promote odor formation because they prevent air circulation.
• Amount of detergent: Too little or unsuitable detergent can lead to residues that cause odors. Too much detergent, on the other hand, can accumulate in the fibers and amplify odors.
• Washing temperatures: Temperatures below 60 °C may not reliably kill bacteria, which can lead to odor formation.
• Mistakes in drying: Moist diapers are a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi.

 

How can you prevent odors in cloth diapers?

To prevent unpleasant odors in cloth diapers, you should consider the following preventive measures:

• Regular cleaning: Wash the diapers regularly, at least every four days. This prevents the accumulation of bacteria and ammonia. Use a suitable diaper detergent, like Judes Family Care, and avoid fabric softeners.
• Storage: Store used diapers in a breathable diaper bag. This prevents moisture accumulation and bacterial growth. Also, the formation of ammonia is slows down when there is sufficient oxygen.
• Good ventilation and drying: Allow the diapers to dry completely before storing or reusing them. You can simply put Judes in the dryer after washing, so they dry quickly and are ready for use again.
• Regular inspection: Check your diapers regularly for odors or stains. If needed, you can opt for a deep clean to remove stubborn residues.
• Material choice: Opt for cloth diapers made of natural and breathable materials, such as organic cotton. These are less prone to odors and also protect your baby's sensitive skin.
• Additional tips: Use natural odor neutralizers like vinegar or baking soda to minimize odors.

Thanks to the breathable organic cotton and easy storage in the diaper bag, Judes ensure that odors do not develop in the first place. This is how our Judes users see it:

"It's so easy that it's actually fun! And unlike all the other disposable diapers I tried out, these diapers simply remain leak-proof! Washing is also not an issue thanks to the super practical laundry bag, which actually makes everything very odorless. Overall, I would definitely recommend them!"
(Eva Schichl)

"Judes are simple, straightforward, adapt perfectly to every child's body with the velcro fastener, and the most important thing for us is that they are free from toxins, etc.! Another valuable tip for parents who are still deciding: disposable diapers quickly develop a very unpleasant, pungent smell in the diaper pail (even with hygiene bags included). This is almost entirely avoided with cloth diapers, even when just stored in the laundry bag with an opening!"
(Nicole Köb)

"Good system with the zipper and the elastic at the top. Nothing smells, everything gets clean, and nothing leaks. I'm curious to see how long it lasts. We have two, so one is always in use while the other dries from the last wash."
(Anonymous, regarding the large diaper bag)

How to properly wash my cloth diapers?

To prevent odor formation, store used cloth diapers in a well-ventilated space. The best option is a breathable diaper bag or pail. This promotes air circulation and prevents moisture from being trapped. This prevents the growth of bacteria and mold. Using our Poo Papers also helps to dispose of the bowel movements hygienically before you put the diapers in the bag.

For optimal cleaning of cloth diapers, it is important to wash them at least every four days. Use a suitable cloth diaper detergent and avoid fabric softeners.

1. Main wash: Wash the diapers at 60 °C with a mild, enzyme-free detergent.
2. Spin: Use 800 to 1,000 RPM for cloth diaper wash. This way the fabric is not unnecessarily worn out and the drying time is minimized.

You can find a detailed guide in our article “Wash cloth diapers gently and hygienically”.

Can the storage and drying of cloth diapers minimize unpleasant odors?

Yes, proper storage and drying of cloth diapers is crucial to avoid smelly cloth diapers. Moisture in diapers provides ideal growing conditions for bacteria and fungi, which is why cloth diapers should be completely dry before storing or reusing them.

There are different methods for drying cloth diapers:

• Air drying: One method is to hang the diapers in the fresh air. This is gentle on the materials and requires no additional energy. However, depending on the weather, drying can take longer.
• Dryer: A dryer speeds up the drying of cloth diapers, making them quickly ready for use again. This drying process also makes the diapers soft and fluffy. However, using too high temperatures can shorten the lifespan of the diapers.
• Indoor drying: A drying rack in a well-ventilated room or near a heater can also be effective. A fan further improves air circulation and can shorten drying time.

Judes make it particularly easy for you, as they can be put in the dryer after washing. The high-quality materials withstand this method, making the diapers immediately ready for use again. Air or indoor drying, on the other hand, can take 24 hours or more.

You can find more tips on correctly drying, caring for, and storing cloth diapers on our blog.

Photo by @isabelplett

Persistent odors in cloth diapers? Here's what you can do!

Despite all efforts, cloth diapers can develop persistent odors. Here are some immediate actions you can take to tackle odor problems:

1. Deep cleaning: Perform a deep clean by soaking the diapers in hot water with a special cloth diaper cleaner. Alternatively, a mixture of vinegar and baking soda can also help.
2. Sunlight: To combat stubborn stains and odors, it is often enough to lay the diapers out in the sun. UV rays bleach stains, act as a disinfectant, and can neutralize odors.
3. Lemon juice: A few drops of lemon juice in the final rinse can help remove odors.

Boiling cloth diapers – what you should consider:

Boiling cloth diapers can be an effective method for killing bacteria and fungi and eliminating persistent odors. However, be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations, as not all materials can withstand high temperatures.

• When to boil cloth diapers? If regular cleaning methods are not effective and the diapers still smell strong.
• How to boil cloth diapers? Bring a large pot of water to a boil and soak the diapers for 10 to 15 minutes. Then allow the diapers to cool well and rinse them to remove all residues.

What to do about ammonia smell in cloth diapers?

Ammonia smell is caused by the breakdown of urea. If your cloth diapers smell like ammonia, you can do the following:

• Extra rinse cycle: Perform an additional rinse cycle to remove all residues of urine and detergents.
• Enzyme cleaner: Use an enzyme-based cleaner to break down the proteins in urine.
• Adjust washing routine: Ensure you wash the cloth diapers at least every four days at 60 °C and use a suitable detergent.

What to do about rotten egg smell in cloth diapers?

If your cloth diapers smell like rotten eggs, bacteria and fungi may be the cause. The following methods can help:

• Vinegar bath: Soak the diapers in a water-vinegar mixture (4:1) to kill bacteria.
• Hot wash: Wash the diapers at 60 °C or higher to kill germs. However, ensure the diapers can withstand these high temperatures and follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
• UV light: Dry the diapers in direct sunlight to take advantage of the disinfecting effect of UV rays.

With these tips, keep your cloth diapers extra fresh!

• Adjust diaper routine: Change your baby's cloth diapers regularly and use Poo Paper for hygienic disposal of bowel movements.
• Combine absorbent inserts: Use booster inserts to increase the absorbency of the diapers. This way, moisture can be better absorbed and odors minimized.
• Washing routine: Use a mild detergent, such as Judes Family Care Laundry Detergent for Cloth Diapers. Wash the diapers at least every four days at 60 °C.

Get through diapering phase with ease – with Judes

At Judes, we have made it our mission to develop the simplest cloth diaper in the world. Therefore, our diapers are not only sustainable but above all user-friendly.

Why choose Judes?

• Easy to use: Judes consist of only two parts – an inner diaper and an outer cover. Both parts can be put on just as easily as a disposable diaper.
• Sustainable: A single Judes cloth diaper can replace hundreds of disposable diapers. This way, you avoid the enormous plastic waste created by disposable diapers and save about one ton of waste per child. The waste piles are not the only issue, as disposable diapers are incinerated as hazardous waste, leaving behind a toxic mass. Since this cannot be broken down, it is stored in former mines and harms our earth for hundreds of years.
• Healthy: Our diapers are made of organic cotton and are free of chemicals. They promote your baby's natural skin regulation and prevent irritations.
• Diaper-free earlier: Thanks to the wetness feedback, children learn faster to understand and control their bladder and bowel functions.
• Cost savings: In the long run, Judes are significantly cheaper than disposable diapers. They can be reused repeatedly and even passed on to other children. This way, you save up to €3,000 per child.
• No leakage: Thanks to our innovative weave, Judes are extremely absorbent. Flexible cuffs on the legs and back provide optimal leak protection, both day and night.
• Hygiene: The breathable organic cotton prevents unpleasant odors and ensures a comfortable diaper climate. With our Poo Paper, you dispose of bowel movements hygienically, and thanks to the innovative diaper bag, you don't have to touch used diapers individually when washing.

Photo by @cafema.illustration

FAQs

1. Can a baby's diet affect odor formation in cloth diapers?

Yes, a baby's diet can affect odor formation. Breastfed babies often have less strongly smelling diapers, while solid foods can cause stronger smells. Therefore, changes in diet can also influence the odor intensity of cloth diapers.

2. How often should cloth diapers be washed to avoid odors?

To avoid odors, cloth diapers should be washed at least every four days. Regular washing prevents the accumulation of bacteria and ammonia, which can lead to unpleasant odors.

3. Are there natural methods to remove odors from cloth diapers?

Yes, natural methods such as soaking the diapers in a vinegar-water mixture or drying in direct sunlight can help remove odors. Both methods have disinfectant properties and naturally neutralize unpleasant odors.