I have had a few requests on how to strip diapers that have become leaky, stinky or stained due to detergent residue. There is a fairly simple way to go about this, and in the long run it could save you from replacing 2 dozen diapers.

Stripping Your Diapers
1.> Begin with clean diapers (wash them all). Switch detergents to avoid having to do this again, we recommend Charlie’s Soap.
2.> Fill washer with plain very hot water for smallest wash size, Oxiclean (not a single scoop – more like 5 scoops).
3.> Allow it to agitate for a few minutes, and then turn off washer to soak for a few hours (I do this over night, but Oxiclean is really only “active” for about 6 hours once it hits water).
4.> In the morning, finish wash cycle, rinse and then run a hot wash with nothing but water. If there are any suds during the wash, repeat the plain-water wash until there are no suds. Sometimes it has taken me 3 or 4 times to get all the suds out.
5.> Dry as usual.

If you have a HE washer, we suggest soaking in a sink or bucket. Make sure to keep it completely out of reach from toddlers.

Another way to strip your diapers is to use a sink or bucket filled with hot water and dish detergent, where you can scrub each individually with a nail brush to speed the removal of residues. That may not be practical, however, if you have two dozen diapers! I always suggest the machine way first, then if the issues is not resolved, then try the next way.

“Stripping” is a term that entered the cloth diapering lingo, oddly, around the same time as the increase in pocket diapers and increased use of additives in detergents (it wasn’t always a part of our world!). These residues can cause waterproofing to wick, or persistent odor problems, or rashes. Pocket diapers (and their waterproof outers) are washed after every use rather than just occasionally like covers. So the effect of those residues was really pronounced, making it seem like a pocket diaper issue. But the same thing can happen to your covers, all-in-ones, or anything with waterproofing or fleece/suedecloth. This is why we strongly urge you to use Charlie’s Soap for your diapers and regular laundry. Charlie’s Soap drastically decreases the need to strip diapers, by rinsing clean with every wash, and leaving you with clean leak proof diapers.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions, or need further help.

Let us know what other topics you need discussed. We will be happy to research and post them here.

Happy Diapering!

Here is our post depicting our youngest wearing diapers from Sunshine Diapers for Halloween. Kel is modeling a wool cover from ABFA over a Kissaluvs Size 0 fitted. This picture was 2 years ago! My how time flies! Can’t wait to see your little ones…

Halloween is one of our favorite times of the year at Sunshine Diapers. We love it when we are able to incorporate cloth diapers into a costume. Send us pictures of your little ones dressed for Halloween, and wearing cloth diapers from Sunshine Diapers and receive an extra special treat!

Email pictures to: rhea@sunshinediapers.com and put “Sweet Treats” in the subject line.

Since we are in such a good mood this week at Sunshine Diapers, we want to pass along the festive spirit to our customers.
5% off all orders over $30 now through 11/1/09

Just type in sweet treats in the discount box at check out.

Enjoy this nifty little animated video about Gro Baby diapers!

In honor of the FL Gators Homecoming this weekend, we are offering 5% all purchases.

Use code: gogators at check out.

Whoopee!