We have identified several easy tactics that fight against diaper pail odor.
Your first line of defense against odor is pre-treating your cloth diaper with an easy-to-install sprayer and/or utilizing a deodorizing stain-remover which you can purchase or make it yourself.
We have also named two different pails (here and here) that are designed to protect your home against odor and we will explain how your liner system can defend against odor as well. Finally, we will discuss several natural options for odor neutralizers, and deodorizers to combat odor. We will even show you how to make your own, so you can smell fresh on a budget!
If you’d like to learn more about my favorite diaper pail, start with our Dékor Diaper Pail Review article.
The odor is a problem, and in the famous words of Vanilla Ice, “If there’s a problem, yo I’ll solve it!”. Relax, mama (or daddy), because things will start smelling a lot fresher for you. Let’s jump right in.
Pre-treating
First things first- what do you do with that dirty diaper right when you get it? The old Dunk and swish? Maybe not, Mildred. This is 2021, and we have enough problems without adding that one. We can all agree that leaving solids sitting in the diaper and placing it in the pail is no way to behave if you don’t want your house smelling like a zoo.
One solution may be purchasing a cloth diaper sprayer, like this one. It’s inexpensive, and it includes everything necessary to install it. It will even help you clean out the toilet afterward! There are also other options for sprayers, and I have dedicated an entire post to find the right one. You can find it here.
Stain Remover
Now you may be thinking, “Let’s say I do get my husband or hot neighbor guy to install this cloth diaper sprayer-thingy, but it still stinks because it hasn’t been washed yet, and that’s going to leave a stain.”
You may consider using a pre-wash spray, like Babyganics Stain & Odor Remover Spray, which is fragrance-free, and formulated without ammonia, bleach, phosphates. You can find it here.
Make your own stain remover
You can also make your own pre-treating stain-remover spray using the following ingredients:
• 1/4 of a Buncha Farmers Stain Remover Stick (find it here on Amazon)
• 16 oz Spray Bottle (Get a cheap one at your dollar store)
• 16 oz of hot water
• Grater
• Paper Plate, coffee filter, or paper towel
1. Grate about ¼ of the stick over a paper plate/coffee filter/paper towel.
2. Measure 16 oz hot water (Not boiling) into a measuring cup.
3. Fold the plate/coffee filter/paper towel with the shavings and pour them to the measuring cup.
4. Stir gently
4. Add this mixture to your spray bottle and close.
5. Shake the bottle, until mixed thoroughly.
The active ingredient in this solution is Buncha Farmers Stain Remover Stick, which is made from 100% natural ingredients. You can use this solution to pre-treat used diapers before adding them to your pail and remove stains from cloth diapers that have already been washed.
The Best Cloth Diaper Pails and Liners to Reduce Odor
Now that you have pre-treated your cloth diaper, where are you putting it to ensure that its essence remains locked away until laundry day? We have done our research, so you don’t have to. We have identified 2 choices that we think offer the best odor protection.
Dekor Classic Hands-Free Diaper Pail
First, we have the beautiful, sleek Dekor Classic Hands-Free Diaper Pail.
This baby offers 3-way odor protection.
1. Closed Cell ABS plastic that works like metal by keeping odors locked in.
2. Rubber seals around the opening beneath the lid offer an extra layer of protection.
3. Their patented refill design allows you to take the bag to the laundry more frequently without wasting bags.
This model boasts about having the most economical refill system, and except for washable liners, we have to agree.
Many parents discover that one of the best ways to eliminate odor is to remove the diapers from home frequently, but this means you are wasting plastic, money, trips to Wal-Mart with children, your sanity, and so on if you use disposable bags. If you use washable bags, this obviously means more laundry and more bags to keep up with the frequent liner changing.
The New End of Liner Markings system
With The New End of Liner Markings system, the bags are not divided, so it is just one long continuous bag that you cut wherever you want and tie it off to form the bottom of the next bag.
Here is how it works:
1. Open the door, which has a childproof lock on it for obvious reasons.
2. Use the child-safe cutter inside the door to cut the bag, leaving enough room to tie the bag off.
3. Tie a knot at the bottom of the refill to form a new bag’s bottom and close the door.
The Odorless Cloth Diaper Pail by Busch Systems
Next up, we have the only pail on the market specifically designed for cloth diapers and odor protection.
The Odorless Cloth Diaper Pail by Busch Systems
The carbon filter, which is contained in a Teddy Bear shaped cage (so cute), screws together through a hole in the lid, preventing odors from escaping.
The strong clamp enclosure, which is made of recycled plastic, also keeps smells inside!
This pail is 100% recyclable and works with the washable Planet Wise Large Pail Liner which features a leak-free design that resists odors and keeps smells in.
Deodorizers Designed to Keep your Cloth Diaper Pail Smelling Fresh
Purifyou
100% All-Natural Activated Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifying Bag Diaper Pail Deodorizer Bags – available here on Amazon.
• This option is eco-friendly. It uses non-toxic natural bamboo for odor elimination.
• Get a set of 12 for only $11.87.
• Bamboo eliminates moisture as well as odor.
• Comes in a reusable earth-friendly burlap bag.
Munchkin
Arm and Hammer Nursery Fresheners – available here on Amazon.
• These disks are filled with Arm and Hammer Baking Soda and either lavender or citrus scents.
• They are $5.99 for 5 of them, and they should last up to 90 days.
• These can be utilized throughout the nursery for odor elimination.
Grab Green
Natural Baby Diaper Pail Odor Removal Spray, Plant-Based & Biodegradable, Refreshing Wildflowers Fragrance—with Essential Oils, 5 fl oz (3-Pack) – available here on Amazon
• This formula is specifically designed for eliminating diaper pail smell with the safety of your family in mind.
• It neutralizes the diaper smell without using chemicals to mask the odor but utilizes essential oils instead.
• The formula is responsibly sourced and cruelty-free.
Make your own!
Madisonmom.com offers a simple solution using on 3 ingredients. You can find the original post here.
You will need:
• Baking Soda
• Small Mason Jar
• Scrapbooking Paper
• Essential Oil
1. Trace the lid of the mason jar onto your scrapbooking paper and cut it out.
2. Add ½ cup baking soda and a few drops of essential oil to the cup.
3. Put the paper lid on the jar in place of the metal lid that came with the jar assemble with the ring.
4. Poke a few small holes in the paper using a safety pin.
5. Shake it up and place it inside your pail.
I hope you found everything you were looking for here today. If you have any questions, please contact Tammy at yourclothdiaper.com.
I did my homework, and I also got some great ideas from these amazing bloggers. Please check them out if you are still looking for great information on this subject!
Reference:
Make a DIY Diaper Pail Deodorizer – Madison Mom. https://madisonmom.com/make-a-diy-diaper-pail-deodorizer/
