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Q about Ammonia Buildup

VermillionsssVermillionsss
in Cloth Diapering

I'm about 99.9% positive we've got ammonia buildup. (bad rash and horrible smell after she pees). I have RLR and the Calgon water softener. I wanted to strip with Blue Dawn, but I have an HE machine. So, I though about doing it in the tub. Or, should I just soak with RLR in the tub? (I would just wash with RLR, but I think  a soak would do better- since just washing diapers burns my eyes) I thought about just boiling them, but I don't want to risk ruining the PUL/snaps on my diapers.

I've just had this problem before, and I apparently didn't correct it like I thought I did. Advice? 

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Re: Q about Ammonia Buildup

  • Hulahoop1234Hulahoop1234
    Honestly, RLR is meant for mineral build up and I don't understand why people use dawn to "strip" - it is mean to break down grease, and it just compounds the problem when your initial issue is detergent build up, because it is so hard to rinse completely out.  I really recommend the bummis residue page for info:https://www.bummis.com/ca/en/detergent-residue.php
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  • chuicafinachuicafina member
    I could be wrong, but to me Dawn is better for getting out rash creams that mistakenly made it on the diapers. I haven't had great luck with RLR, but I know a lot of people like it for residue build-up. The best stripping method for me has been just washing on hot a bunch of times. I have a FL'er and I have to add extra water to get a good enough wash/rinse. To avoid bringing water over from a bowl in the sink, I run a rinse cycle by set it to "no spin" and then run a hot wash. Repeat repeat repeat! :)

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  • MrsDinkMrsDink member

    Some people use Dawn to strip when you have repelling issues.  But it should only be used as a last resort! Like PP says it removes "oily-like" build up.

    For ammonia, you'll need to you a good amount of detergent to get the diapers REALLY clean, then use lots of water to rinse.  I have a TLer but find that instead of a ton of extra rinse, I just run a second long wash cycle after my initial wash cycle and second rinse is finished.  

    It will also help in the long run to rinse the diapers after LO pees (like you might do with poop diapers) so they don't sit and dry up in the pail between washes.  

    What happens is that the ammonia salts build up in the diapers, and when LO pees, it activates those salts, which causes the immediate smell.  If you can wash those salts out, you will be better off.

    We alternate detergents each week because sometimes they stop working when you use the same one each time.  This also helps eliminate build up. 

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