How To Strip Cloth Diapers

How to strip cloth diapers

Stripping is a deep-clean soak that removes mineral and detergent buildup from cloth diapers. Done right, it restores absorbency and kills the smells that regular washing can't fix. Done too often or for the wrong reason, it shortens diaper life. This guide covers when stripping actually helps, how to do it in five steps, and what solution to use.

The short version: if your diapers are repelling (leaks even though the absorbent is dry) or you have persistent ammonia or barnyard smells, strip them by soaking clean diapers in hot water with RLR or a DIY solution of washing soda, borax, and Calgon for 4–6 hours, then run a water-only rinse cycle. With a proper wash routine and a cloth diaper safe detergent, you may never need to strip at all.

Before you strip

When to strip cloth diapers

Stripping isn't a routine step. It's a reset for when buildup has reached the point that regular washing can't clear it. If you're stripping more than every few months, your wash routine or detergent needs adjusting — stripping over and over wears out elastics and PUL without solving the underlying problem.

Situation
Should you strip?
Diapers are repelling — leaks even though the absorbent feels dry
Yes. This is classic detergent or softener buildup.
Persistent ammonia smell that doesn't clear with more detergent
Yes. Mineral buildup is trapping ammonia in the fibers.
You've been washing in untreated hard water for months
Yes. Mineral deposits build up invisibly — strip once, then add a softener going forward.
You accidentally used fabric softener, dryer sheets, or the wrong detergent
Yes. Residue coats the fibers and won't wash out in a normal cycle.
You bought used cloth diapers
Sanitize first. If there are no issues after sanitizing and a few washes, you can skip stripping.
Diapers smell slightly off but perform fine
No. Try more detergent and a water softener first — stripping is a last resort.
Monthly or routine maintenance
No. A good wash routine doesn't need scheduled stripping.
Fix the cause before you strip

If buildup keeps coming back, stripping treats the symptom. The underlying fix is usually one of three things: more detergent, a water softener for hard water, or switching off a detergent with fabric softener or optical brighteners in it. See the detergent list for safe options.

The process

How to strip cloth diapers in 5 steps

Stripping is a long hot-water soak. You'll need a bathtub, a top-loading washing machine, or a large plastic container, plus your chosen stripping solution. Plan for 4–6 hours plus a rinse cycle.

1
Start with clean diapers
Run a normal wash cycle first. Stripping dirty diapers will set stains and push soil deeper into the fibers. Straight out of the washer is perfect.
2
Fill with hot water
Fill a bathtub, large container, or top-loading washing machine half full with hot water. The water needs to be hot enough to dissolve minerals — typically 130°F (54°C) from the tap.
3
Dissolve the stripping solution
Add RLR or the DIY mix (recipe below) to the hot water and stir until fully dissolved. Then add the clean diapers and push them down so they're fully submerged.
4
Soak 4–6 hours
Soak for at least 4 hours, and no more than 8. Stir every hour or so — the agitation helps the solution penetrate. You'll see the water turn brown or grey as buildup releases.
5
Drain and rinse
Drain the water, squeeze out the diapers, then run a water-only wash cycle (no detergent). Repeat rinse cycles until the water runs clear with no suds.
Important limits

Don't soak longer than 8 hours — extended soaking damages PUL and elastics. Don't use water hotter than 130°F (54°C). Don't skip the water-only rinse cycle; any stripping solution left in the fibers will irritate skin.

What to use

Stripping solutions: RLR vs DIY

Both options work. RLR is simpler and pre-measured. The DIY mix is cheaper and gives you three ingredients you can reuse as laundry boosters after. Most people pick based on whether they want convenience or value.

RLR Laundry Treatment DIY stripping mix
One pre-measured 1.35 oz packet per session 3 Tbsp washing soda + 3 Tbsp borax + 3 Tbsp Calgon
Designed specifically for fabric buildup General laundry ingredients that double as boosters
Available on Amazon and cloth diaper retailers All three available in the Walmart laundry aisle
Higher per-use cost Lower per-use cost; ingredients last many sessions
Manufacturer-approved by most cloth diaper brands Safe with all common fabric types used in cloth diapers

RLR Laundry Treatment

Use one full 1.35 oz packet per stripping session. Dissolve in the hot water before adding diapers. For major buildup, a second session may be needed — don't double up the RLR in a single soak.

RLR Laundry Treatment packet

Note on soaking

Most cloth diaper manufacturers approve RLR but don't recommend long soaks. Stick to 4–6 hours. You don't need RLR as part of a regular wash routine — use it once a month at most, or only when buildup appears.

DIY stripping mix

Per stripping session:

  • 3 tablespoons washing soda
  • 3 tablespoons borax
  • 3 tablespoons Calgon

All three ingredients are sold in the Walmart laundry aisle. If you can only get two of the three, use 1/4 cup of each of the two you have. If you can only get one, use 1/2 cup. All three together gives the best results.

Calgon, borax, and washing soda

After stripping, the leftover washing soda, borax, and Calgon can all be used as laundry boosters in future washes. Washing soda and borax help break down buildup; Calgon softens hard water.

Follow-up

What to do after stripping

Stripping removes buildup but doesn't kill bacteria. If you stripped to deal with ammonia or you bought the diapers used, sanitize after stripping using our no-bleach sanitizing method or a diluted bleach soak.

Then, before your next regular wash, adjust whatever caused the buildup in the first place:

  • Hard water? Add a water softener (Calgon) to every main wash from now on.
  • Weak detergent? Switch to a stronger formula or increase the dose by 50%.
  • Accidental fabric softener? Make sure nothing with softener goes in the diaper wash — check dryer sheets, too.
  • Not enough agitation? Review the wash routine guide for cycle and drum-loading adjustments.
FAQ

Common questions

How often should I strip cloth diapers?
Only when there's a reason to — repelling, persistent smells, known buildup. A good wash routine and cloth-diaper-safe detergent usually means you never need to strip. If you're stripping more than every few months, the underlying issue needs fixing.
Can I strip in a front-loading HE washing machine?
No. Front-loading HE machines don't hold enough water to submerge diapers for a long soak. Use a bathtub, a top-loading washing machine, or a large plastic tote. Do the final rinse in your HE machine.
Can I strip brand-new cloth diapers?
No need. New diapers need prepping (a few wash cycles to build absorbency), not stripping. Stripping damages fibers slightly each time — save it for when there's actual buildup.
Will stripping damage my diapers?
Occasional stripping is safe. Repeated stripping — especially with long soaks, hot water, or both — wears out elastics and delaminates PUL over time. Keep soaks to 4–6 hours and don't strip more than a few times a year.
What's the difference between stripping and sanitizing?
Stripping removes mineral and detergent buildup from the fabric. Sanitizing kills bacteria, yeast, or fungi. They're separate problems with separate solutions — and you often want to do both in sequence (strip first, then sanitize).
Can I use Dawn dish soap or vinegar to strip?
No. Dawn leaves an oily residue that's hard to rinse out of absorbent fibers. Vinegar deteriorates elastic and PUL with repeated use. Stick to RLR or the washing soda + borax + Calgon DIY mix.
The water turned brown during my soak — is that normal?
Yes, and it means it's working. Brown or grey water is the buildup releasing from the fabric. Drain, rinse, and if the diapers still feel greasy or smell off, do a second stripping session.
Do I need to strip if I just got used diapers from a friend?
Sanitize first. If the diapers wash normally and perform well afterward, you can skip stripping. Only strip if you notice repelling, smells, or visible residue once they're in use.
Next steps

Prevent the need to strip again

Detergent
Cloth diaper safe detergents
A tested list of detergents that clean thoroughly without buildup. Synthetic and plant-based options, plus what to avoid.
View the list →
Wash routine
How to wash cloth diapers
The 4-step wash routine for HE and standard machines — cycle settings, water temperature, and drum loading.
Read the guide →
Sanitizing
Sanitize without bleach
Gentle sanitizing methods for after stripping, or for used diapers and yeast issues.
Read the guide →

The stripping guidelines on this page are for informational purposes only. EcoAble disclaims all liability for any damage to diapers or property resulting from the use of this information. Always check manufacturer care instructions for your specific diapers, test on a single item first when trying a new method, and never exceed 130°F (54°C) water temperature or 8 hours of soaking.