How To Store Dirty Cloth Diapers + 6 Storage Ideas

This post is about everything you need to know/comprehensive guide on how to store dirty cloth diapers and additional soiled cloth diapers storage ideas.

Three months pregnant and binge reading cloth diaper facebook group posts.

I vividly remember one post about a mom saying that they need help and advice on how to store dirty cloth diapers between washes because their guests were able to smell the ammonia from their child’s cloth diapers.

It is safe to say that I was scarred.

As an expecting first-time mom, I wondered, “That’s how BAD they can get!? How does everyone prevent this?“

Now, as a mom to a cloth diapered two-year old toddler, I can confidently say that that situation I read on the cloth diaper facebook group, was not a common occurrence in any and every cloth diapering household. Phew!

With that being said, if you’re an expecting mom or aspiring to cloth diaper your kid and you’re reading this, please do not be discouraged. I know it all seems so overwhelming.

what to do with dirty cloth diapers between washes

In this article, you will learn what to do with dirty cloth diapers until wash day, what to look for when choosing a dirty cloth diaper storage, and 6 dirty cloth diaper storage ideas.

What To Do With Dirty Cloth Diapers Until Wash Day

Okay so you’ve prepped your cloth diapers and are oh so excited to put your little one in their very first cloth diaper.

2 hours later and you change their diaper and no what? You ask yourself how do you store poopy diapers? So now, what to do with diapers until wash day?

First step, if you don’t have an exclusively breastfed baby, rinse off any poop in the diaper with a toilet spray. If you have an exclusively breastfed baby, then you do not need to rinse off the poop in the diaper.

From here, you need to decide what avenue you’ll take to storing dirty cloth diapers.

Dirty/soiled cloth diapers are okay to be left alone in the designated dirty cloth diaper storage for about 4 days. Anything more than that may result in mold.

Use the list below to figure out with which way you want to store your dirty cloth diapers.

What to Look for When Choosing a Dirty Cloth Diaper Storage

When choosing a dirty cloth diaper storage for your soiled diapers, there are various components to keep in mind.

You want to use a storage container that is easy to clean. This means using hard plastic that is easy to wipe with a wet cloth and/or storage bags that can be easily washed.

Avoid: fabric laundry baskets and any other container that can’t be easily washed and susceptible to mold.

6 Ways to Store Dirty Cloth Diapers Between Washes

1. Wet Bag (Opened)

Wet bags are the perfect container to store dirty cloth diapers. An opened wet bag is best (imo) because it allows for ventilation so the moisture is not fully contained and allow for mold to grow.

2. Wet Bag (Closed)

A closed wet bag is good for when laundry is done 1-2 day. I personally don’t trust a closed wet bag due to mold growing when I used to do that.

3. Diaper Pail

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A diaper pail with a wet bag inside instead of a trash bag is another way to keep the smell of cloth diapers contained. They are also more visually pleasing as opposed to just a hanging wet bag.

4. DIY Diaper Pail/Trash Can

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Using a trash can with a wet bag inside, like a diaper pail, can stay in the room/nursery next to the changing table. As opposed to a regular diaper pail, a DIY diaper pail allows for more ventilation.

Should you wash your cloth diapers often enough, the smell should not be overbearing.

5. Laundry Basket

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Using a PLASTIC laundry basket, with or without a wet bag, is a great way to use what you already own to store your dirty cloth diapers.

Make sure not to use a fabric laundry basket because they will retain both moisture and smell, and are hard to clean/wash.

6. Mesh Bag

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A mesh bag is very similar to a wet bag. Just be cautious to not put any dripping cloth diapers inside that will soak the floor. You can also put the mesh bag inside a trash can to easily clean it when needed.

How to Make a DIY Cloth Diaper Pail

A DIY cloth diaper pail can be made specific for your needs and/or if you want to use what you already have at home.

This avenue is also cost effective and can be as cheap as $10 or even free depending on what you already own!

To make your DIY cloth diaper pail you will need:

Simply line the cloth diaper wet bag inside the trash can and close it. This way, the cloth diaper smells should be contained and still be easily accessible to add more soiled cloth diapers throughout the day.

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