How to Strip Cloth Diapers So They Look Brand New (& Keep Them That Way)

There are a lot of great laundry products out there that work for stripping cloth diapers, but we believe in keeping things simple when it comes to the products we use. 

These methods are recommended by parents, and they only require basic household cleaning ingredients. 

Stripping Cloth Diapers with Vinegar

Vinegar is a popular, eco-friendly way to strip and clean cloth diapers. It helps break down residues and neutralize odors.

To use vinegar in your diaper cleaning routine:

• Pre-wash the diapers: Start by washing your cloth diapers with detergent to remove surface grime.

• Soak in vinegar: Fill a bathtub or large bucket with hot water and add 1 cup of distilled white vinegar. Submerge the diapers and let them soak for 3-4 hours.

• Rinse: After soaking, run the diapers through several rinse cycles in your washing machine until the water runs clear.

Important Note: You might see some recommendations to use baking soda and vinegar to strip cloth diapers, but stripping cloth diapers with vinegar and baking soda together isn't recommended. Although both are great cleaners separately, combining them neutralizes the acid in vinegar, making the mixture ineffective for stripping.

Stripping with a Laundry Booster (For Hard Water)

If you have hard water, minerals like calcium and magnesium can accumulate in your cloth diapers, reducing their effectiveness. A laundry booster such as sodium borate (also known as Borax) can help break down these minerals.

Here’s how to use Borax to strip hard water reside from cloth diapers:

• Pre-wash the diapers: Run a pre-wash cycle with your regular detergent.

• Add a booster: In the main wash, add a laundry booster like Borax or a water softener to help dissolve the mineral build-up.

• Rinse well: Follow with a couple of rinse cycles to ensure all traces of the booster are removed.

Sanitizing Cloth Diapers After Stripping

Once you've stripped your diapers, it's a good idea to sanitize them. Sanitizing removes any lingering bacteria, mold, or yeast that might cause rashes or odors.

These three methods sanitize your cloth diapers naturally:

• Vinegar: Add ½ cup of distilled white vinegar to your rinse cycle for a natural, non-toxic way to sanitize.

• Hydrogen Peroxide: Another option is adding ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide during the rinse cycle to disinfect and freshen the diapers.

• Sunlight: Line drying your diapers in direct sunlight is a simple, effective way to sanitize. The UV rays act as a natural disinfectant and can help bleach out any remaining stains.

Cloth Diaper Cleaning Process for Everyday Use

To reduce the need for frequent stripping, it’s important to follow a regular cleaning routine. 

Here’s a simple, effective cloth diaper cleaning process to keep your diapers fresh:

1. Rinse after use: Rinse soiled diapers with cold water to remove solids.

2. Pre-wash: Run a short pre-wash cycle with a small amount of detergent.

3. Main wash: Use a heavy-duty wash cycle with warm water and a cloth diaper-friendly detergent.

4. Extra rinse: Follow with an extra rinse cycle to remove any remaining detergent.

If you have hard water, using a water softener with each wash can prevent mineral build-up, reducing the need for frequent stripping.

Tips for Keeping Cloth Diapers Looking Great

Make the work you put in stripping your baby’s diapers count by practicing good cloth diaper maintenance. 

Here are some tips to keep them looking brand new:

Avoid Diaper Creams with Ingredients that Aren’t Cloth Friendly

Many commercial diaper creams contain ingredients like zinc oxide, petroleum, or lanolin, which can leave residues that cake or stain your cloth diapers. To avoid this, choose a cloth diaper-safe product like NOLEO 3-in-1 Diaper Cleanser and Moisturizer. Its gentle, non-toxic formula won’t leave stains or residue, protecting both your baby’s skin and your cloth diapers.

Use the Right Detergent

Some detergents contain fragrances, dyes, and fabric softeners that can build up on cloth diapers, leading to staining and reduced absorbency. Opt for a detergent free of these additives, specifically designed for cloth diapers.

Rinse Thoroughly

Always ensure that your diapers are thoroughly rinsed after each wash. Detergent residue can lead to build-up over time, requiring more frequent stripping. An extra rinse cycle can help prevent this.

Sun-Dry Your Diapers

Whenever possible, line dry your diapers outside in the sun. Sunlight is a natural disinfectant, and UV rays can help bleach out stains without harsh chemicals. Plus, air drying helps preserve the integrity of the fabric, extending the life of your diapers.

The Best Way to Clean Reusable Diapers

While stripping cloth diapers is an excellent way to deep clean and restore them, maintaining a solid washing routine and using non-toxic products will reduce the need for frequent deep cleaning. Stick to gentle detergents, avoid creams that can cause build-up, and rinse thoroughly to keep your diapers looking and performing like new.

Do you have any tips for stripping or cleaning cloth diapers? We’d love to hear them in the comments!