Where To Keep Those Dirty Diapers
Storing dirty diapers is not nearly as exciting as displaying all of the clean ones, but it's a necessary part of using cloth since diapers aren't simply going into the trash. The most ideal storage has airflow to help limit smells and mold growth. Here are some ideas.
Wet Bags
One thing to note about wet bags is smell. When zipped closed, the smell stays in. That means no weird odors in your little one's room or bathroom.
On the other hand...keeping all of the smell locked in a waterproof bag means after a day or so, the smell kind of builds up so when you open it that pee stink is going to rush out. I used wet bags when I first started and when it was time to dump them into the wash I would literally be gagging. |
Hanging wet bags require no setup or fuss. Just hang them on a doorknob or hook, then when they're full throw them in the wash with your diapers.
I'm not saying they're all bad. When I spray poopy diapers in the bathroom, instead of letting them sit out and stink up the bathroom or trying to run dripping diapers back to my daughters room, a wet bag is the perfect option.
Wet bags are also great for traveling. I probably have a dozen that I stash between my purse, my diaper bag, the car, and the bathroom. And hey, maybe the stink won't scare you away. It is only long enough for you to put the diaper in and shut the bag again. |
Pail Liner
What I love about the pail liners is that they hold a ton of diapers and they're very adaptable. The same size pail liner will work with a small 5-13 gallon trash can, laundry hamper, wicker basket, etc.
|
A pail liner is kind of like a wet bag that you can stretch over something else. It's water proof and because it stays open, you don't see the same stink issues that come with a closed wet bag.
This is the method we use in the kids' rooms. I have my pail liner stretched over a laundry hamper. Then, since we use disposable wipes at least some of the time, I have a small trash can for them. When we go on vacation or stay with my in laws over Christmas, they're great for storing not only diapers, but dirty clothes as well.
|
Diaper Pail
Just because I said goodbye to my diaper genie, doesn't mean you have to say goodbye to yours. Many diaper pails are compatible with the washable liners and those that aren't can be rigged to work. Or you can just make your own using a trash can with a lid. Get one with a foot pedal for a real authentic feel. Learn more about the best diaper pails for cloth diapers here.
Open Laundry Basket
I mentioned how important breathability was for keeping smell and mold away, so some people choose to just toss their dirty diapers in a laundry basket or hamper. This means diapers get lots of airflow and usually dry out completely by wash day (making them a lot less gross to touch too :P).
The major downside here is that the laundry basket will have to be cleaned out at every wash which adds an extra step. When we used this method, I sprayed mine down with some 409 on wash day.
|