Cloth diapers are a great eco-friendly and money saving option for parents, but they do require some extra effort when it comes to laundering and storage. When a cloth diaper is soiled, it needs to be stored properly until it can be washed to avoid smells and stains setting in. There are a few different methods parents can use to store dirty cloth diapers before they are ready to be laundered.
Wet Bag
One of the most common and convenient ways to store dirty cloth diapers is in a wet bag. Wet bags are waterproof bags designed specifically for storing used cloth diapers. They come in a variety of sizes, from small portable bags to large bags that hang in the nursery. Wet bags contain odors and prevent leaks, allowing you to simply toss the soiled diaper in the bag until laundry day. The waterproof material of the wet bag keeps moisture contained. Some parents have multiple wet bags – smaller ones for on-the-go and larger ones for at home. When it’s time to wash, you can toss the whole wet bag into the washing machine. This helps contain smells and stains. Wet bags are a cloth diapering essential and make storing dirties simple.
Pail Liner
Another option is to use a pail liner in a diaper pail. Pail liners are also waterproof and contain odors and moisture. Many parents set up a diaper pail with a pail liner in the nursery or diapering station for storing dirties. A pail liner works the same way as a wet bag, allowing you to toss diapers in to be contained until wash day. When it’s time to launder, you remove the liner and throw the whole thing in the wash. Pail liners are washable and reusable. Some parents combine using wet bags and pail liners. For example, using a portable wet bag for when out and about and then transferring the dirties to a pail liner at home.
Hamper
Some parents opt to simply store dirty diapers in a regular laundry hamper. A hamper allows for air flow so diapers can dry out a bit before washing. However, the downside is that a regular hamper will not contain odors or moisture. Many parents use a hamper with a wet bag or pail liner inside of it. The liner helps contain the diapers while the hamper allows for some air flow. If using a regular hamper, it’s best to wash cloth diapers frequently before smells set in. You may want to dedicate a specific hamper just for dirty diapers.
Hanging Wet Bag
Hanging wet bags are a hybrid option that provides both odor and moisture containment and air flow. Hanging wet bags are designed to conveniently hang on a hook or door. They are typically long, cylindrical bags made of waterproof material. Many hanging wet bags are divided into different compartments or have zippered sections. Diapers can be placed in the different sections to allow for some air flow and drying. Hanging wet bags still contain odors and leaks. They are a great option for nurseries or diaper changing stations.
Garbage Can
While not recommended, some parents do use a regular garbage can for storing cloth diapers until wash day. The downside to this method is a garbage can will not have any odor containment. However, if you plan to wash diapers frequently, a garbage can could work. Use a garbage can with a tight fitting lid and line it with a trash bag for easy removal. Taking out the trash bag full of dirties daily or every other day will help avoid odor issues. A garbage can is not the most hygienic or practical option, but can work if you stay on top of frequent washing.
Buckets or Pails
Simple buckets or pails can also be used to store cloth diapers. Some parents use diaper pails without a liner or just use any waterproof bucket or container with a tight lid. This contains odors and wetness, while still allowing some airflow when the lid is removed. If using buckets or pails, be sure they are thoroughly cleaned and dried between uses to avoid bacteria growth. Trash cans, buckets and pails are more versatile and affordable options compared to specialty diaper pails.
Washing Machine
For parents who are able to launder diapers very frequently, the washing machine can double as the storage container. Simply tossing the dirty diapers directly into the washing machine drum can work for those who wash every day or every other day. The smell and moisture is contained within the closed machine. However, this method won’t work for those who can’t wash diapers daily as odors will build up over time. Frequent washing is key to making this an effectivestorage method.
Dry Pail Method
The dry pail method involves letting cloth diapers air dry fully before storing. After a diaper is soiled, it is rinsed or washed and then hung or laid out to completely air dry. Once dry, the diaper can be placed into a dry pail or container until laundry day. This allows diapers to dry rather than sit wet, helping contain odors. However, drying each diaper individually creates extra work.
Drying Rack
Along the lines of the dry pail method, some parents use drying racks or hanging racks to let diapers air dry before storing. After rinsing a soiled diaper, it can be placed on a drying rack or hanging laundry rack to air dry completely. Once dry, diapers can go into a dry pail or you can leave them in the rack until laundry day if space allows.
Compost Pail
For eco-friendly cloth diapering families, using a compost pail is an option. This allows solid waste and some human waste to decompose naturally rather than be washed into the water system. A compost pail is lined with compostable bio-bags to collect waste to later be composted. Urine and any soiled portion of the diaper still needs rinsed into the toilet before putting the diaper into the compost pail.
Location
When deciding where to store your dirty cloth diapers, consider choosing a convenient location in your home. Many parents keep diaper storage in the baby’s nursery or a main diaper changing station. Having it right where you do diaper changes makes it easy to toss dirties directly into the wet bag or pail liner. Some parents keep storage in their laundry room if that is convenient. Think about your daily routine and what locations make the most sense for you. Any room that you frequently change diapers in is a logical place to store dirty diapers until washing.
Storage Tips
– Whatever system you use, be sure to wash cloth diapers frequently, at least every 2-3 days. This helps avoid odor issues.
– Allowing some airflow can help diapers dry out between changes. Options like hampers, hanging wet bags and drying racks allow for air circulation.
– Getting a wet bag or pail liner specifically designed for cloth diapers will make storage simple and mess-free.
– Use different wet bags or pail liners for each child if you have multiple kids in cloth diapers.
– Wash and disinfect pails, buckets and wet bags regularly to avoid bacteria growth.
– Portable wet bags are great for on-the-go diaper storage when out running errands or traveling.
– Look for bags and pails with zippered closures and silicone seals to really contain odors.
– Hanging a used diaper to air dry for a bit before storage can help cut down on issues like stains and repelling.
– Always have spare changes of wet bags and pail liners so you have backups when others are in the wash.
– If using a hamper, dedicate one just for diapers rather than combining with household laundry.
Wet Bag and Pail Liner Options
There are tons of options when it comes to choosing wet bags and pail liners for cloth diaper storage. Here are some top picks:
| Product | Details |
|---|---|
| Planet Wise Wet/Dry Bag | Holds up to 15 diapers, double zipper seal, durable, air flow vents |
| Kanga Care Wet Bag | Roomy, waterproof, reusable, hanging hook available |
| Ubbi Steel Diaper Pail | Stainless steel, rubber seal to contain odors, use with reusable pail liner |
| AngelBaby Diaper Pail Liner | Double layered liner fits standard pails, eco-friendly bamboo material |
| Munchkin Arm and Hammer Diaper Pail | Self-sealing system, baking soda dispenser, durable snap tab liners |
| Bumkins Drawstring Pail Liner | Extra large, waterproof, adjustable drawcord closure |
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you wash dirty cloth diapers?
It is recommended to wash every 2-3 days. Washing regularly helps avoid odor issues and stains setting in. Allowing bacteria to grow can lead to potential repelling and decreased absorbency as well.
Do cloth diapers require extra rinse cycles?
Yes, it is generally recommended to do at least 2-3 rinse cycles when washing cloth diapers to get optimal cleanliness. The extra rinses help ensure no residual waste, odors, detergents or chemicals remain in the fibers.
Should you use separate diaper pail liners for each child?
If you have multiple children in cloth diapers, using separate pail liners or wet bags for each child can be more hygienic. However, it is not absolutely necessary if you are washing frequently enough. Some parents find it simpler to just have one diaper pail for all kids.
Can you compost cloth diaper solid waste?
Yes, human waste and solid diaper contents can be composted rather than washed into the water system. Feces contains nutrients that can fertilize soil. Most municipal composting facilities do not accept human waste compost though.
What are the pros and cons of hanging wet bags?
Pros are they allow for airflow to help diapers dry. Different compartments can separate diapers for multiple changes. They are great for visual monitoring of when the bag is full. Cons are they take up space hanging and are open at the top so odors can escape a bit when putting in new diapers.
How do you clean and disinfect cloth diaper pails and wet bags?
It is important to regularly wash and disinfect your storage containers to prevent bacteria growth. For plastic buckets, pails, and wet bags, wash with hot water and scent-free detergent then let air dry fully. You can also do an occasional disinfecting soak with bleach water.
Conclusion
Cloth diapers provide huge benefits for babies, parents, and the environment. With so many convenient storage options like wet bags, pail liners, and hanging bags, storing dirties is easy and mess-free. Finding the right system for your family’s routine is key. Be sure to wash diapers regularly and clean storage containers often for optimal results. With a little routine, cloth diapering is simple and rewarding. The right storage methods will make the process a breeze.
