Smelly Naps
Printed From: OHbaby!
Category: Product Reviews
Forum Name: Cloth Nappy Discussion
Forum Description: Are you new to cloth nappies? Looking for washing tips? Want to rave about a great new nappy you've tried? By popular request a board especially for all our cloth Mums!
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=34697
Printed Date: 25 July 2025 at 11:56pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Smelly Naps
Posted By: Dani01
Subject: Smelly Naps
Date Posted: 14 July 2010 at 4:43pm
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Hi ladies,
I'm trying to save a bit of money by using cloth on weekend and at night. Though I've noticed both the liners and nappys are smelling like urine, I've stripped them, but it improved it only a little. Any suggestions? Thanks so much.  ------------- http://tickers.cafemom.com"> 
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Replies:
Posted By: Chickoin
Date Posted: 14 July 2010 at 5:09pm
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What are you washing them with? -------------   
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Posted By: Dani01
Date Posted: 14 July 2010 at 6:43pm
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Just washing powder. Sometimes a bit of fabric softner. ------------- http://tickers.cafemom.com">
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Posted By: kiwikid
Date Posted: 15 July 2010 at 9:29am
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As far as I've always been aware, tho I'm definitely no expert, its best not to use fabric softener as will cause build up and get smelly and be less absorbent I think too. I think powder as opposed to liquid can cause build up too.
I dont know if this is okay for all cloth nappies but I have Tots Bots bamboozles (shaped bamboo nappies that have a separate PUL wrap) and recently a friend told me to put half a cup of distiled white vinegar in the wash, no powder or liquid of any kind, wash on 60 and then a cold wash. And I was amazed at how soft and fresh smelling the nappies came out, blimmen brilliant, wish I'd done it much sooner!!!! I'm going to do this once every month or two now and hopefully no wiffy nappies again! Well apart from DS's contributions I guess LOL ------------- 
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Posted By: Jaune
Date Posted: 15 July 2010 at 10:49am
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I had read that too - that fabric softener causes build up and affects absorbency...might be contributing to retaining the smells?
Something I haven't tried before but someone else mentioned to me is three drops of tea tree oil in the wash - works as a natural antibacterial etc and is supposed to improve smells... ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 15 July 2010 at 10:56am
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yep dont use the fabric softener... baking soda is a good odour eliminator also. ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"> 
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Posted By: mammaE
Date Posted: 15 July 2010 at 11:13am
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I soak mine in a couple of drops of tea tree and lavender oil then wash in half scoop of ecostore washing powder. And every so often I give them a wash in baking soda and white vineger.
I have heard though that the baking soda - vineger mix is not good for PUL so I try to leave my covers and pocket naps out when I do that. Also, if you wash your nappies in hot water it's good to give them a cold rinse before as hot water can lock in bad smell. |
Posted By: Chickoin
Date Posted: 15 July 2010 at 2:10pm
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Some washing powders build up and cause a stink, I started off using normal old Surf (sensitive) and had the same problem.
I switched to Am-o-lin and haven't had to strip them since. -------------
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Posted By: Dani01
Date Posted: 15 July 2010 at 8:02pm
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Thanks ladies, will give some of those a go, stop with the fabric softner definately.
Can I just ask, what is PUL??? Thanks!!!!  ------------- http://tickers.cafemom.com">
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Posted By: Emmecat
Date Posted: 16 July 2010 at 3:40pm
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We just add a dash of white vinegar to our wash and try to make sure the naps are hung up outside for at least a couple of hours. Seems to work -------------   http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: Chickoin
Date Posted: 16 July 2010 at 6:40pm
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PUL is the waterproof bit -------------
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Posted By: tiptoes
Date Posted: 17 July 2010 at 9:41am
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I put that canestean stuff in each wash, but might try the vinegar trick as probably cheaper
Good idea to get the nappies out even for a short while - I quickly raced mine out now while there's so sun! ------------- http://alterna-tickers.com">  
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Posted By: SpecialK
Date Posted: 19 July 2010 at 3:03pm
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I use nappy san and hot water and a few drops of tea tree oil in the fabric softner dispenser. Works pretty well. Oh, and hanging them out in the sun. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Emmecat
Date Posted: 21 July 2010 at 6:44pm
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lol I'll say it's cheaper Chelle! I'm a frugal Mama though and make most of my own cleaning gear...if I can be bothered! ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">
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chelle wrote:
Posted By: Tweedle
Date Posted: 21 July 2010 at 8:02pm
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Hi
Fabric softner is a no no 
Check with the manufacturer on the brand of nappy you use as some don't recommend using baking soda/vinegar. I have found doing an extra rinse at the end of the wash with canesten added has eliminated our smell issues. ------------- Mum to Ellie, Dylan & Lauren |
Posted By: mammaE
Date Posted: 22 July 2010 at 2:08pm
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Canesten is probably ok to use for most people but be carefull using it if your baby has sensitive skin or a history of allergy. I washed DD's nappies in it and she had a bad reaction. Came up with big blisters all over her lower tummy where the nappy goes. A couple of days later it turned in to really bad looking eczema, now almost 2 weeks later it's finnaly staring to look better.
Sorry for the long story but I don't want the same thing happening to anyone else. |