Squishy Lil' Campers

If you’ve noticed your cloth diapers smelling like ammonia even after a fresh wash, or if they’re leaking more than usual, it might be time to strip them. Stripping cloth diapers is a deep-cleaning process that removes mineral buildup, detergent residue, and stubborn odors that regular washing can’t tackle. But it’s not something you need to do often—over-stripping can damage your diapers. This guide will walk you through when and why to strip cloth diapers, plus the safest methods for different diaper types.

Whether you’re using pocket diapers, all-in-ones, or covers, knowing how to strip cloth diapers properly can extend their life and keep them performing at their best. Let’s dive into the signs that indicate your stash needs a reset, and the step-by-step process to get them fresh and absorbent again.

What Does Stripping Cloth Diapers Mean?

Stripping cloth diapers is a deep-cleaning process that removes buildup from the fibers. Over time, cloth diapers can accumulate residue from hard water minerals, detergent, fabric softeners, and even diaper creams. This buildup coats the fibers and prevents them from absorbing moisture properly, leading to leaks, repelling, and unpleasant odors. Stripping uses a combination of hot water, a stripping agent (like RLR or bleach), and multiple rinses to dissolve and flush out that residue.

It’s important to note that stripping is different from a regular wash or a sanitizing soak. Stripping targets physical buildup, while sanitizing kills bacteria or yeast. If your diapers are clean but still smell or leak, stripping is likely the solution. For most families, stripping once every few months is sufficient, but if you have hard water or use a lot of detergent, you may need to do it more often.

• Stripping removes mineral and detergent buildup, not bacteria or yeast.
• Signs you need to strip: ammonia smell, repelling (liquid beading up), or sudden leaks.
• Over-stripping can damage elastic and PUL, so only strip when necessary.

When Should You Strip Cloth Diapers?

The most common reason to strip cloth diapers is an ammonia smell that lingers even after washing. Ammonia is a sign of urine buildup in the fibers, often caused by insufficient detergent or hard water. Another telltale sign is repelling—when liquid beads up on the surface instead of being absorbed. This happens when fabric softeners or diaper creams coat the fibers. If you notice leaks around the legs or waist that aren’t due to fit issues, stripping might help restore absorbency.

You should also consider stripping if you’ve recently moved to a home with hard water, or if you’ve switched detergents and your diapers aren’t performing as well. For secondhand diapers, a strip is always a good idea to remove any unknown residues. However, avoid stripping as a routine maintenance step—only do it when you see clear signs of buildup. For everyday freshness, stick to a good wash routine with a cloth-diaper-safe detergent.

• Ammonia smell after washing = urine buildup.
• Repelling (liquid beading) = residue from creams or softeners.
• Leaks that aren’t fit-related = reduced absorbency.
• Secondhand diapers should always be stripped before use.

How to Strip Cloth Diapers: Step-by-Step Methods

There are several effective methods for stripping cloth diapers, and the best one depends on your diaper type and water hardness. The most popular method uses a commercial stripping agent like RLR (a laundry additive designed to remove mineral buildup). Start by washing your diapers in hot water with no detergent. Then, add RLR according to the package instructions and let the machine run a full hot cycle. Follow with multiple hot rinses until no suds appear. This method is safe for all diaper types, including pockets, AIOs, and covers.

Another common method uses bleach—but only for white or light-colored diapers. Add 1/4 cup of regular bleach to a hot wash cycle, then rinse thoroughly until the bleach smell is gone. Bleach can damage colored PUL or elastic if used too often, so reserve this for stubborn odors or sanitizing after illness. For hard water buildup, some parents use a vinegar soak (1 cup white vinegar in a tub of hot water), but vinegar can degrade elastic over time, so use it sparingly. Always test a small area first if you’re unsure about your diaper’s material.

• RLR method: Hot wash + RLR + multiple hot rinses until suds-free.
• Bleach method: 1/4 cup bleach in hot wash, then extra rinses (for white diapers only).
• Vinegar soak: 1 cup vinegar in hot water, soak 30 minutes, then rinse well (use sparingly).
• After stripping, do a full wash cycle with detergent to restore pH balance.

Stripping Different Types of Cloth Diapers

Not all cloth diapers are created equal, and the stripping method should be tailored to the material. For pocket diapers like the The Rockies-OS Pocket or Mouse Snacks-OS Pocket, remove the inserts before stripping the shells. The inserts (usually microfiber or bamboo) can be stripped with the shells, but check the care label—some inserts may shrink or degrade with very hot water. For all-in-ones (AIOs) like the Lemons-NB AIO, the entire diaper is one piece, so you’ll strip the whole thing. AIOs can take longer to rinse because the absorbent layers are sewn in.

For covers and trainers, such as the He Can Fly-Cover or Don’t Be A Karen-Cloth Trainer (old style), the material is often PUL (polyurethane laminate) which is sensitive to high heat and bleach. Stick to the RLR method for covers to avoid damaging the waterproof layer. For XL pocket diapers like the Adventure Awaits-XL Pocket or Little Stitious-XL, the larger size means more absorbency, so you may need extra rinses to fully remove buildup. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations, but these general guidelines will keep your entire stash in great shape.

• Pocket diapers: Remove inserts, strip shells separately.
• AIOs: Strip whole diaper, expect longer rinsing time.
• Covers and trainers: Use RLR method only to protect PUL.
• XL diapers: Extra rinses may be needed due to larger absorbent area.

After Stripping: Restoring Your Diaper Stash

Once you’ve finished stripping, it’s crucial to do a full wash cycle with a cloth-diaper-safe detergent to remove any residual stripping agent and restore the diaper’s natural pH. After that, do a quick absorbency test: pour a small amount of water onto the diaper’s inner fabric. If it absorbs immediately, you’re good to go. If it still beads up, you may need to repeat the stripping process or check your water hardness. For ongoing maintenance, consider using a water softener in your wash if you have hard water, and avoid fabric softeners or dryer sheets entirely.

Stripping can be tough on elastic and PUL, so after the process, inspect your diapers for any signs of wear—loose elastic, delamination, or holes. If your diapers are older, stripping might be the final step before replacing them. But for most well-cared-for diapers, stripping will breathe new life into them. Keep your wash routine consistent: a cold prewash, hot main wash with proper detergent, and extra rinses if needed. This will reduce the need for future stripping and keep your stash fresh.

• Always do a detergent wash after stripping to remove stripping agent residue.
• Test absorbency with a few drops of water after drying.
• Inspect elastic and PUL for damage after stripping.
• Prevent future buildup with a good wash routine and water softener if needed.

Stripping cloth diapers is a powerful tool to restore absorbency and eliminate odors, but it’s not a daily chore. By recognizing the signs of buildup and using the right method for your diaper type, you can keep your stash performing like new. If you’re looking to add a fresh, reliable diaper to your rotation, check out the Adventure Awaits-XL Pocket for a fun print and excellent absorbency that’s easy to maintain.