Cloth Diapering 101: Sunning your cloth diapers
March 12, 2012 11:14 am
It is a gorgeous, sunny day here in St. Louis, which is a great reminder that spring is on its way. That means, after the long dreary days of winter, it’s finally time to get those diapers out for some sun!
If you’ve never tried sunning your cloth diapers, now is a great time to start. Sunning your diapers can help to remove stains, brighten and even sanitize your diapers. You don’t have to have a clothesline to do this. You can use a drying rack outside, lay them on your patio furniture or even along the edge of your deck. If it is a breezy day, don’t forget to secure your diapers so they don’t wind up in your neighbor’s yard. Or maybe you do want them to visit next door so you can strike up a conversation about modern cloth diapers. *wink*
How do you sun your cloth diapers? I’m glad you asked, because it’s really easy. First, wash your diapers as normal. Then, while still wet, take them outside to a sunny area. Place them cotton or suede cloth side up (the inside part that is closest to your baby’s bottom when worn) and let them dry in the sun. That’s it, super simple!
For difficult, set in stains (blueberries, anyone?) you may want to repeat this process a few times, but there’s no need to do it during the same day. Let your little one wear them and just set them in the sun the next time you wash on a sunny day.
For those in warmer climates or as the heat of summer comes along, do not leave them in full sun during hot temperatures for too long. This could cause damage to some elements of the diaper, similar to drying on high heat in a dryer. Check your diapers regularly and when they are dry, bring them in.
No sun where you are? Don’t worry. Many customers report that they can sun their diapers indoors, near a window with success. It may not work quite as quickly as outdoors in full sun, but it often works in a pinch.
Have you tried sunning your diapers? Where do you put your diapers? Any tips you’d like to share with us?
About the Author
Heather is mom to four, born within 40 months (single, twins, single). She writes transparently about her chaotic household to encourage others through the twists and turns of parenting.
Comments
10 Comments
In cold winter days I laid them close to my patio door, the sun got all the stains out, however, I had to dry them more, stains are literally disappearing in front of your eyes. I see a possibility of overdrying of the waterproof layer with the weather getting hot ( similar to the chipped paint you notice on wood items left outside on the direct sun)
Its a very nice blog and gives new ideas about sunning the diapers and In my opinion diapers are the basic need of every baby and if they are not made of good quality then they can harm your baby in many ways.So my suggestion is that you should use only those diapers which are best in the opinion of experts.
I tried to sun diapers on the clothesline last summer and didn’t have any luck. Then this past weekend, I laid them flat and it was a miracle!! Stains disappear literally before my eyes. So cool.
Yet another reason I’m excited for this beautiful weather! I will be trying this next time I wash. 🙂
I put mine out the night before. Yes they will be damp in the morning, and I like this even BETTER during our rainy season. The acidic water softens the diapers (we’re not in the city) They are usually dry by noon. Works for line drying jeans as well. (Not so stiff) And the worst sun comes out later, works for me, lol!
I need to try this! I always thought I had to have a clothesline, but I have a drying rack I could put on my patio! Thanks!
I’m so excited for the warmer weather and the sunshine! Hope to get mine on the line tomorrow. I’ve missed it.
Diapers still benefit from hanging when it isn’t sunny, as UV rays still penetrate the clouds. We hang year-round, as long as it isn’t raining or snowing.
i put them in the window sill of my bay window if its really windy or i hang them on the garden fence.
michelle hernandez
Sunning my diapers gets the STINK out!