New to CDing. how to get out the smell?

Hannahsmom25

Ive started my 6 month old on CDs. I use the free and clear detergent and only 1/2 of the small load amount for my diapers. We do a cold wash and then a hot wash for diapers both with detergent. Am I missing something? They all smell like pee!

LizBGood

How many rinses are you doing? I do two extra rinses. Experiment and see what works to remove the problem. I'd try increasing detergent a little and doing two warm rinses. You could also add 1/4 cup of white vinegar to the first rinse - it takes out pee/ammonia like nobodies business!

dairygirl19

You probably need more soap.

I know personally I have to use the suggested amount for the smallest load on the soap package..not what the diaper manufacturer suggests...my diapers don't get clean otherwise. I know less soap is better for the life of the diapers but it's more important to me I have clean diapers!

Also, what size load are you running. More water and an extra rinse could help too.

GibsonGirl620

I wouldn't do two full washes with detergent. I'd do one full (hot) wash with more detergent. I would turn that first wash into just a pre-rinse, if anything. Then two rinses after. 

FWIW, many people advise against using free n clear detergents, especially liquids, because they supposedly leave residue.  

babyzep

I had the same problem with Free and Clear. My CDs got very smelly and I couldn't fix it no matter how many times I washed them. I finally switched to Tide Powder and it fixed my problem.