Storing Dirty Cloth Diapers until Laundry Day

It may seem like it would be a simple answer to a simple question, but there are actually a few different options for storing dirty cloth diapers until laundry day. Depending on which method you choose, could determine what type of cloth diapers are best for your stash!

Wet vs Dry Diaper Pail

Although wet pails aren't recommended much anymore, there are some cloth diaper users that swear by wet pails. A wet pail is simply a bucket/pail/bin filled with water where you leave cloth diapers until laundry day. The diapers soak in water, which some say helps keep away ammonia smells. In a dry pail, you simply put your dirty diapers into a container just as they are - no water is included in the pail.

You can put them straight into the container and just wash it out every so often, or use a pail liner {or pillowcase if you're on a budget!} - simply toss it in when you wash your cloth diapers. Most cloth manufacturers actually recommend dry pails because sitting in water for long periods of time can actually lead to breakdown and delamination of your PUL diapers. If you're using a stash made up of mainly prefolds and diapers that aren't made of PUL, then a wet pail might be an option for you. Each pail method has pros and cons and it's important to evaluate how often you'll wash and what type of diapers you use to determine which is best for you.

Hanging Wet Bag

A hanging wet bag is an excellent choice for cloth diaper users that are limited on space. A hanging wet bag can be hung on the wall, door knob, hook... anywhere! Most have a zipper closure that keeps smells and dampness inside the bag. When Laundry Day comes, you simply empty out your diapers in the washer and toss in the wet bag at the same time!

No matter what method you use to store your dirty cloth diapers until laundry day, you want them to be contained well so there's no escaping smells, but also still breathing... so mold and mildew can't grow. Don't shut them up in a pail and leave them for days without opening. You also want to make sure to have a laundry routine where you're washing, ideally, every 2-3 days.

What method do you use to Store Dirty Cloth Diapers until Laundry Day?

Lindsey is the author behind the So Easy Being Green blog. Once she decided to use cloth diapers on her children, she started making green-er choices in all areas of her life. SEBG is a resource for parents who want to make small changes that will make a big impact on their path to a green-er life.

Contributed by: Lindsey