Stripping nappies is a hot topic in the modern cloth nappy world. It is a term commonly used to refer to the treatment of your nappies for the purpose of removing a build-up of smells, a deep clean or to sterilise. 

Why or when do I need to strip my nappies?

You may never need to strip your nappies, which is ideal! You would usually only need to strip your nappies for the following reasons:

1. You have a build-up of urine in your nappies due to an inadequate wash routine. This can cause bad smells and burns on the skin.
2. You have purchased preloved nappies and you would like to disinfect them thoroughly.
3. Your baby had a yeast infection/thrush and you need to remove any fungal spores that may be on the nappies to prevent re-infection.

If your nappies need to be stripped for reason one, you will need to adjust your laundry routine to prevent future problems. You can read more about a good laundry routine here, or if you need additional advice, get in touch with our friendly Mini Matters team.

 Is it safe to strip my nappies?

In short, yes. But it also depends on which methods and products you choose to use, and the types of nappies you are needing to strip.

How do I strip my nappies?

Up until recently, the most widely known method of stripping nappies was to use a diluted chlorine bleach solution. This method is very effective and affordable, and bleach is widely available at grocery stores. For more information on bleach stripping, please refer to the SACNU website.

We advise against the use of bleach on Mini Matters nappies because it can give unpredictable results when used on natural dyed fabrics, even when used according to dilution instructions. This can include nappies and inserts such as WAHM handmade nappies, flats, fitteds, prefolds, inserts and boosters that are dyed. It may damage colours, and when used frequently, it can also harm the waterproof PUL lining and elastics. The use of bleach may also void the warranty on your nappies. Always check with the supplier first.

If you are concerned about using bleach, there are good alternatives. The alternatives we suggest depend on your reason for stripping.

Reason 1: Removing urine/ammonia build-up

We recommend using the Mini Matters Oxy Bubbles or alternative Oxygen Bleach products (make sure they are pure oxygen bleach without any extra ingredients). Oxy Bubbles will break down build-up, smells and dirt on your nappies. 

How to use:

1. Wash your nappies as per your usual washing routine. 
2. Run a bathtub about half full with hot tap water (aim for about 40degC), do not make it hotter than this.
3. Sprinkle 100-200g of Oxy Bubbles into the water and let it dissolve.
4. Put your nappies in the water and allow to soak for 30-40 minutes, making sure all the nappies get covered and soaked thoroughly.
5. Transfer the nappies to your washing machine and do a quick wash without detergent to rinse out the strip liquid.
6. Follow with a regular detergent wash and dry as usual. You may also add another 30g of Oxy Bubbles to this wash cycle for an extra boost (optional).

*You do not have to include PUL covers in this mix as they do not hold smells

*Do not exceed 40 minutes soak time

Reason 2 &3: Sterilising nappies to remove bacteria, viruses and fungal spores

Oxygen bleach creates Hydrogen Peroxide which has sterilising properties, but it is not proven to disinfect in the same way that chlorine bleach or other dedicated sterilising products do.

Here we recommend two options:

• Mini Matters Probiotic Laundry Liquid is the easiest and most affordable way to eliminate and continuously control mould and pathogens on your nappies. When you use this detergent as part of your regular nappy laundry routine, there is no need to do additional sterilizing or stripping for fungal spores or bacteria. This detergent eliminates and controls pathogens with powerful  probiotics through continuous use. If your baby has a yeast infection, it is safe to continue using your nappies while your baby is being treated, provided every nappy load is washed with the Probiotic Liquid. You can find out more about how it works here.

Directions:

1. Do not exceed 40degC washing temperatures

2. Use up to 110ml per load for hard water environments and large machines.

• We recommend the Mini Matters Nappy Sterilising Liquid for an alternative to chlorine bleach. For a once-off, heavy duty clean to start your nappies on a clean slate. This is a good option if you have a handful of pre-loved nappies to treat before using them on your own baby. This solution effectively removes 99.9% of all viruses, bacteria, and fungi. It is safety tested to EN1276 Standards and has Eco-Choice Type 1 eco accreditation so you can be sure that your nappies are not exposed to any harsh chemicals that may damage fibres and colours. A 500ml bottle makes a 5L sterilising solution, so if you have a lot of nappies you may want to get two bottles.

How to use:

1. Wash your nappies as per your usual washing routine. 
2. Dilute liquid at a ratio of 1:10 in a bucket of water.
3. Soak nappies for 5 minutes. You can re-use the liquid and do it in batches until all your nappies have been submerged for 5 minutes.
4. Rinse your nappies well (in your machine or by hand), making sure all the sterilising liquid is washed out and line dry.
5. Re-wash your nappies with your regular detergent before using them. Using the Mini Matters Probiotic Laundry Liquid is beneficial to restore the balance of healthy bacteria on your nappies. 

* You do not have to include wipeable PUL covers in this mix 

* Do not exceed the recommended 5-minute soak time