Here is my method of getting yeast out of cloth diapers. (I also talk about yeast and cloth diapers in my book.) Yeast rashes have, without a doubt, been the biggest challenge I’ve faced while cloth diapering! In fact, I almost quit cloth diapering over yeast!
(Note: This is not the same routine as a normal cloth diaper strip, which you should do when trying to remove build-up, which can cause extra “stink” to your diapers. However, there is nothing wrong with doing this routine to remove build-up–even if your baby does not have a yeast rash. This occasional routine gets my diapers SUPER clean!)
One of the reason I switched to cloth diapers almost was because my second baby battled a terrible diaper rash from birth. I had no idea until some time after converting to cloth that the terrible rash was really a yeast infection.
After doing some online research, I had mentioned to her doctor that I thought it may be yeast, but I never took her to the doctor when the outbreak was at the point where it could be diagnosed. It kept coming and going–even after I started using cloth diapers.
When my doctor finally diagnosed yeast (when my daughter was 5 months old!), I then realized I had to do a special sanitizing wash on my diapers to get rid of all the yeast! Let me tell you, I almost quit using cloth diapers over yeast!
Some of my friends have successfully gotten rid of yeast in their diapers without ever having to switch to disposables in the meantime. Some people simply use pre-folds that they do not mind throwing away once infected.
I’ll be honest: I pulled out the disposables. (And not even the green ones…my frugal side came out, and I opted for Luvs or Target brand while we were battling the yeast monster!)
Before putting my baby back into cloth diapers, I made sure her yeast infection had been cleared for a full two weeks (I was extra cautious!), and I disinfected my diapers. I actually call this my “disinfecting strip” because it’s a combination of both stripping and disinfecting my diapers at the same time.
How To Disinfect Cloth Diapers After a Yeast Infection
Supplies needed: oxygen bleach, tea tree oil, blue Dawn dish detergent, the sun
1. Soak your clean cloth diapers on hot overnight with up to one half cup of pure oxygen bleach.
2. In the morning, add tea tree oil and a big squirt of blue original Dawn dish detergent to your wash. I would use no more than 2 drops of tea tree oil in a front loader and no more than 4 drops of tea tree oil in a top loader. You will need to add it to the detergent compartment for a front loader. If you use too much oil, your diapers may repel (believe me, I know!).
3. Wash on HOT. (I turn my hot water heater up as high as it goes!)
4. Run your diapers through about 3 rinse cycles after they have finished washing. Rinse until you see no more bubbles. (Just as your would with a regular strip.)
5. Lay your diapers out in the full sun. (No shade!)
Note: You will also need to do this special wash with your cloth wipes, so go ahead and throw everything in the machine together!
Dealing with yeast in cloth diapers can be a huge pain. But you will get through this! I really almost gave up cloth altogether.
But you know what? Now I’m glad I dealt with yeast. It helps me help other moms.
Has your child every had a yeast rash? How did you get the yeast out of your diapers?
My eBook, Confessions of a Cloth Diaper Convert, is a 200+-page handbook that will tell you all you need to know to have a successful cloth diapering journey!
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