Do I need to use even more RNG?

mrsmikey

I wash diapers every other day, and they still have a poopy smell afterwards.  I know that means use more detergent, but I feel like I'm already using so much!  I started out using 2 T per load, and then started using 3 T.  Still stinky.  And there are usually only a couple of poopy diapers in there to start with, so really not that much poop.  Should I use even more?  I have a regular TL washer.

Our water is a little hard, so I have Hard Rock, but it's not that bad.  I just got more diapers too so I can wash every 3 days.  I guess I'll start with 4 T and see if that helps.  With that much should I run another extra rinse?  I already do 2 rinses after a hot wash.

Or should I just try another detergent?  I never really found "the one" when DS was in cloth, I was really hoping RNG would be it. 

susangilchrist

I had the same issue.  In fact, we also had ammonia burns and an ammonia smell that would knock you over when you walked into E's room in the morning when we were using RNG.  I DON'T have hard water though.  I had been using 2 Tbs and then increased to 3.  I emailed back and forth with the owner o RNG and she thought the issue was too much detergent, so I tried cutting back. I even used the Funk Rock that she recommended, and STILL had issues.  I would strip the diapers and then they'd be ok for a week or 2 and then back to the same.  I ended up stripping and using 2 Tbs. of Tide.  Been using it for about 6 months with no issues - stinky, ammonia, or otherwise.

mrsmikey

susangilchrist:

I had the same issue.  In fact, we also had ammonia burns and an ammonia smell that would knock you over when you walked into E's room in the morning when we were using RNG.  I DON'T have hard water though.  I had been using 2 Tbs and then increased to 3.  I emailed back and forth with the owner o RNG and she thought the issue was too much detergent, so I tried cutting back. I even used the Funk Rock that she recommended, and STILL had issues.  I would strip the diapers and then they'd be ok for a week or 2 and then back to the same.  I ended up stripping and using 2 Tbs. of Tide.  Been using it for about 6 months with no issues - stinky, ammonia, or otherwise.

I tried Tide with DS and it didn't work well, but I'd be willing to try it again if I can't figure out the RNG.  The problem I had with Tide is that I could never get it to rinse completely out.  I used as little as possible to get the dipes clean, and then I'd waste so much water and time rinsing and rinsing.  But maybe we'd have different results with a different baby?  IDK, it was weird.

susangilchrist

I tried Tide about a year ago and my older DD had what looked like an allergic reaction to Tide.  Not sure what the deal was, but I tried it again after our RNG issues and both girls are fine with it.  Might be worth trying again.  Maybe strip them or do a good soak in the RNG?

tokenhoser

I'd try something other than RNG.

Adding calgon could also help, if you've got hard water.

junebride060306

We did fine the first 4 months CDing using RNG. then the formulation changed and I also switched from NB dipes to OS dipes (not sure that matters). all of a sudden we were getting rashes and the diapers just smelled poopy no matter what I did! I kept using more and more RNG and soaking, etc. then my local CD store said my dipes smelled like they had detergent buildup. which made sense! so far I have tried ecosprout, which was OK initially but then I had some rash issues. I have been exclusively using crunchy clean now with GREAT results! I accidentally bought the hard water version - but don't have hard water. I spoke with CC and they said just to use less of it. I have a regular old top loader and use 1 tablespoon. My local CD store sells it and recommended it. The ecosprout might also be a good option for you b/c it is supposed to have water softeners in it. I did do a million hot washes once I stopped using RNG to strip and get rid of residue, I think that helped too. ecosprout has you do a soak/stripping process when you start it as well. good luck!!  

GHBEA

Hard water RNG user here.  I soaked my diapers in the 1 or 2 tbs over night when they get a really bad smell.  It works every time.  If there is a little stink I soak them for a few hours.

 I always rinse them first before I soak them.  Then rinse again, wash as usual.

Also make sure you are using enough water, if you have to go up one line do it, the  more water you rinse with the better (in this issue).  I always use the next line up. 

LottaLattes

I honestly never had success with just using detergent to get the stink out.  Increasing the detergent definitely won't help, that's part of what keeps the smells in.  I only had success (this is after a total of 5 years of CDing two kids) with a soak/rinse with baking soda, a wash, a rinse with vinegar.  I found that TLs worked a little better, as they tend to get more water in them, though I know some FLs now have add water features.

Good luck!