Cloth Diaper Pail: How to Store Dirty Cloth Diapers
A cloth diaper pail is a container used to store dirty cloth diapers between washes. A reliable storage system is one of the absolute must-have cloth diapering accessories!
Read on to understand the differences between various cloth diaper storage options. We’ve also got some suggestions to eliminate diaper odors, if you are worried about smelly diapers.
Cloth Diaper Storage Methods
There are 3 basic methods of cloth diaper storage:
- Dry Pail
- Wet Pail
- Storing Cloth Diapers After Rinsing
Dry Pail Method
- Dry pail storage is the most common method used today to store cloth diapers.
- Diapers are stored dry (without any pre-soaking) in a reusable waterproof (nylon or laminated/PUL) bag.
- The waterproof bag is usually used to line a lidded garbage can, pail, or another container.
- Wet Bags are sometimes hung on a hook or doorknob, eliminating the need for a pail.
- Dry pail storage works well for both front and top-load washers, since the storage bag can be easily dumped directly into the washing machine.
Important Information for Dry Pail Storage
- Be sure to remove any solid poop before putting it into the bag – don’t worry about it if your baby is only on breast milk, since this poop will wash out easily in the washing machine, with no pre-rinsing required.
- If you are planning to use a pail liner, ones with elastic around the top hold it more snugly on the can. This means your bag won’t slip down inside the cloth diaper pail like a garbage bag does in your regular trash can. Read more about pail liners here. If you’re the DIY type, you can also make your own pail liner by following our diaper pail liner tutorial.
- An inexpensive flip-top garbage can work well, since it allows air to circulate, but if you have nosy pets or kids, you may prefer one that opens with a step-on pedal and can’t be tipped!
- It is usually best to get 2 pail liners. The used one goes in the wash with the dirty diapers, and the clean one is ready to go right away so you can re-line your pail. You can see the best cloth diaper pail liners I recommend here.
- Follow the manufacturer’s washing and drying instructions for your pail liner, since care instructions can vary by material and construction.
- Do not line the pail with a woven material such as cotton, since it will absorb moisture and retain smells.
Wet Pail Method
A wet pail is an older cloth diaper storage method in which dirty diapers are soaked in a pail of water until wash day. While this method was once common, wet pails are generally not recommended for modern cloth diapers.
Soaking isn’t necessary to get cloth diapers clean and may damage some diaper materials. Thirsties recommends storing soiled cloth diapers in a dry pail and advises against soaking diapers in a wet pail. A pail filled with water also creates an unnecessary safety risk around young children.
If you’re using modern cloth diapers, a dry pail or wet bag is usually the better choice. Remove solid waste, rinse or spray diapers when necessary, squeeze out excess water, and store them damp rather than soaking wet until wash day.
Storing Cloth Diapers After Rinsing
Sometimes you may want to rinse or spray a particularly messy diaper before wash day. After removing solid waste and rinsing the diaper, squeeze out the excess water before placing it in your dry pail or wet bag.
The diaper may still be damp, but it doesn’t need to soak in water. Other wet diapers that don’t need rinsing can go directly into your pail or wet bag until wash day.
How to Eliminate Stinky Cloth Diaper Pail Smells
To eliminate cloth diaper pail odors, try the following:
- Wash your diapers every 2-3 days. The longer dirty diapers sit, the more opportunity odors have to develop. Washing every few days also helps prevent stains and odors from becoming more difficult to remove.
- Wash your pail liner regularly. If you have two liners, one can go into the wash with the dirty diapers while the clean one goes back into the pail. This makes it much easier to keep your cloth diaper storage system clean and ready to use.
- Add a deodorizer if needed. Some diaper pails are designed to hold deodorizing disks, which can help control odors between wash days. Avoid applying fragrances or essential oils directly to your diapers, since anything added to the diaper itself will eventually need to wash out. You can see the deodorizing options that work well for cloth diapers here.
- Rinse when necessary. When my little boy was teething, I found that rinsing his diapers helped keep the strong urine smells down. We used a diaper sprayer (also called a mini shower), but you can dunk and swish in the toilet if you’d rather not invest in a sprayer. If you’re comparing options, here are the best diaper sprayers for messy diapers.
- Don’t automatically assume a tightly sealed pail is better. If you’re using the dry pail method and don’t have curious pets or kids who can get into the pail, allowing some airflow can help keep odors from building up.
A note about essential oils: I would be especially cautious about using tea tree oil around pets. We didn’t realize it could be harmful to animals until our pet ferret became sick and our vet thought his symptoms looked like poisoning. Luckily, that wasn’t the cause, but after that experience we stopped buying products containing tea tree oil.
What To Use for a Diaper Pail
You don’t need a special diaper pail for cloth diapers. A sturdy garbage can or diaper pail lined with a washable waterproof pail liner works well for most families. You can also skip the pail altogether and use a large hanging wet bag.
If you’re repurposing something you already own, consider a swing-top or step garbage can, laundry hamper, or other sturdy container that will hold your waterproof liner. Choose something that’s easy to use, easy to clean, and large enough to hold your diapers between wash days.
Best Diaper Pails for Cloth Diapers
Best complete cloth diaper pail setup: The OsoCozy Diaper Pail Kit
This complete kit includes a 54-quart pail, two washable waterproof pail liners, and deodorizing disks. Having two liners is especially convenient because one can go into the wash with your diapers while the other is ready to use. See today’s price and availability.
Best purpose-built option: Dekor Eko Plus
The Dekor Eko Plus has a large opening that works well for bulky cloth diapers, a hands-free foot pedal, and washable cloth diaper liners are available for it. See current pricing and read parent reviews.
Best steel option: Ubbi Steel Diaper Pail
The Ubbi Steel Diaper Pail uses steel construction and rubber seals to help contain odors. It doesn’t require special disposable bags and can also be used with a reusable cloth liner. See the latest colors and compare prices here.
You don’t need a specialty diaper pail. A sturdy garbage can paired with a washable waterproof liner can also be an inexpensive and practical way to store dirty cloth diapers between washes. Browse the pail liners I recommend and compare sizes here.
Conclusion
A way to store dirty diapers is a must-have accessory for cloth diapering! For most families, a dry pail or sturdy garbage can with a washable waterproof liner is a simple solution. A hanging wet bag can also work well, especially when space is limited.
