FAQs
To strip cloth diapers, wash them in hot water using Mighty Bubbles buildup-removal laundry treatment , then run an extra rinse to remove lifted residue.
Stripping removes detergent buildup, minerals, and trapped oils that can cause leaks, odors, or reduced absorbency.
Severe buildup may take up to three treatments.
Cloth diaper buildup is usually caused by detergent residue, hard-water minerals, fabric softeners, diaper creams, or waste and body oils that accumulate inside the fibers over time from weak detergents and poor wash routines.
This buildup can lead to repelling, strong odors, leaks, poor absorbency performance and rashes.
A deep-cleaning treatment specifically designed for buildup removal, such as Mighty Bubbles, is one of the most effective products for stripping cloth diapers.
These treatments target mineral deposits, detergent residue, and set in odor and grime that regular detergents have not fully remove.
Similar stripping routines can be replicated using Blue Dawn dish soap if Mighty Bubbles is unavailable.
Place one Mighty Bubbles pod into a hot wash cycle with clean cloth diapers, then follow with an extra rinse. No other detergent is needed.
This process removes lifted buildup and restores diaper absorbency and freshness. Severe buildup may take up to three treatments.
Most cloth diapers should only be stripped when performance problems appear, such as persistent odors, repelling, or unexpected leaking.
Routine maintenance washes can help prevent the need for frequent stripping. Some households choose periodic deep-clean treatments every 6-8 weeks depending on water hardness and usage.
Following a thorough wash routine, and using an approved cloth diaper detergent, is the best preventative measure to avoid situations where stripping is necessary. Well cared for cloth diapers rarely, if ever, need stripping.