Dirty Diaper Storage

An exclusively breastfed (EBF) baby’s stool is water-soluble. This means that it breaks down in water and will rinse off in the washer, not causing any problems. A formula fed baby’s stool should be rinsed to avoid problems. When any child starts solids, get the poop off the diaper by spraying, dunking, scraping, or using a liner. While urine typically doesn’t need to be rinsed off before you start your wash routine, overnight diapers can benefit from a rinse if they smell strongly. Removing the insert(s) from pocket diapers now can save hassle later.

Wet bags or pail liners are the most popular storage devices. Wet bags come in many different sizes and hanging options. Pail liners are used like a trash bag in a trashcan (or similar sized container.), or you can use it without a pail. You can find wetbags from most cloth diaper manufacturers, or online store such as Amazon, Zulily or Wish. You can also sew your own.

That’s okay, because there are many other options. Plastic laundry baskets with decorative holes in them allow for excellent airflow, but are still easily cleaned. Grocery or garbage bags can also work, but need to be monitored so they don’t cause mold or mildew because they lack good air flow.

Airflow! Leaving a pail open is a great option, but when you can’t (dogs, flies, nosy kids) you can still find ways to promote good airflow with a closed lid. Consider a wicker hamper or plastic hamper with holes in it, or using a hanging wet bag instead of a pail at all.

The best place to store your dirty diapers is going to be where you get the most airflow, along with the driest room. Humidity and closed-off space can contain or worsen smells and possibly cause mold. You also want to make sure you keep it out of reach of small children and pets.

Wet pails are a huge safety hazard to children and pets. They also allow for bacteria to seep out and move around the water, mixing with other bacteria and feeding, creating an unsafe environment. Diapers aren’t meant to soak so often, because it causes unnecessary wear on the fabrics and elastics. We NEVER recommend wet pails

If you use a wet bag or a pail liner you should be washing it with every diaper wash load. If you use a laundry basket, you should wipe it clean every wash as well. Disinfecting wipes make a great tool for this step.