oh my, the smell of it all!

[chlobo]

So just recently I've noticed a very heavy ammonia smell when I take off DD's diaper. She is usually in her fluff for no more than 2 hours. Is it normal for it to smell this heavily after 2 hours or do I have some sort of build up problem I need to get rid of. I would expect it overnight but not after 2 hours.

[houseof3boys]

Maybe it's just time to strip the dipes! I notice that Ryan's also gave the stinky pee if he has had juice or milk versus just plain water.

I would definitely strip the dipes though if you haven't done it in a while. I assume it was a hemp liner?

[new_mommy25]

Yup, it is definetely time to strip!

[steph2003]

What is the best way to strip? I think we might have build up over here too...although I'm in partial denial because I admit I've just been too lazy to look up how to do it & actually do it! The holidays (sigh) too much craziness for me.

[Saartje]

1. Put clean diapers (doesn't matter if they're already wet) in the washing machine.

2. Add a capful of Calgon water softener. Do NOT add detergent.

3. Turn water level to one notch below the actual load size.

4. Run the diapers until they reach the middle of the cycle.

5. Turn the washing machine off. Let it sit for 10 minutes.

6. If, after the 10 minutes have passed, you see bubbles, there's soap in the water -- it's coming out of your diapers.

7. Turn the washing machine back on and let it finish the cycle.

8. Repeat this process until you don't see bubbles in step 6.

[steph2003]

Thanks!!! and my nose thanks you too :)


going out for some Calgon!

[toomanystrollers]

FYI - you can boil anything w/o snaps or PUL for about 10 -15 mins to strip - helps save on the numerous washings :)

[new_mommy25]

When I strip I just use hot water. I don't bother with Calgon because we have very soft water in my area.

[mudder17]

I thought about doing that, but I don't have a pot big enough for all my PFs and hemp inserts! What do you do?


Eileen

Mother of Beautiful Kaya, www.chemicalgraphics.com/kaya
http://www.babysfirstsite.org/newtickers/ticker/16994.birthday.png

http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_amber_9m.gif Breastfed 9 months and counting

[toomanystrollers]

I cook a couple dipes at a time - takes a while though!!

[steph2003]

I've been wondering about the soft versus hard water thing - how do you know? I admit I'm clueless as to what I have. Is there any easy way to tell? I know it has something to do with how the water suds up say when you are washing your hair or washing laundry but I've never know what is what. I think we probably have hard water if anything living out here in the suburbs. Not really hard but not soft either.

Growing up in CA I remember we had a water softener in the garage.

[new_mommy25]

Steph, Pam posted a link a while back. Here is the thread.

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=60&topic_id=19666&mesg_id=19666&listing_type=search

HTH!

[steph2003]

Cool! thanks for the link - that is really interesting. Come to find out I live where it is dark/blue soft water! I'm getting a front load washing machine too so I guess I'll have to re-evaluate my entire wash routine in light of all this! This diapering business is like a science somedays :)