There are always tons of questions when it comes to washing cloth diapers, removing stink, and how to use laundry additives. Like most of you, we were plagued by the dreaded stinky diapers even when supposedly clean. I had read about Bac-Out by Biokleen and gave it a shot.
At first I used Bac-Out in my experiemental wet pail. The wet pail didn’t last long so I switched to a pre-wash with Bac-Out. We have had tons of success with this method, the best of which is that I feel like Paisley’s diapers are really clean.
Bac-Out can be purchased at most health food stores or online.
Autumn is a wife, mother, homeschool teacher, friend and most important a follower of Christ.
Miki says
Do you use Bac Out every time you wash your diapers or just when you have issues with stink?
Jennifer Reinhardt says
I used to use it every time. But it’s expensive so now I only use it when I feel like then need a little something extra. Personally, I actually found that doing my prewash on hot as well helped a ton.
Megan says
dont know if this helps. but i noticed my diapers started smelling (and new to cloth diapering i didnt know what to do) i just tossed them in the wash on the longest cycle (this was a sunday, put my kids in disposables for this) and washed them–no laundry detergent at all– and washed them a couple times, then ran it a 3rd time with my laundry detergent (homemade) and the smell came right out. did it once a week, no problems what soever.
Mandy says
Have you heard that BioKleen has reformulated Bac-Out as of 2013 and that the new formulation is now toxic? I saw this info posted in a review on Amazon and then went to the company’s site and saw that the ingredients were the same as shown on the Amazon review. (Review by 4Namaste.) Didn’t know if you were aware of this or not. It’s certainly making me question my use of this product.
Autumn Beck says
I did not know this :(
Melody says
What makes it toxic?
Autumn Beck says
I haven’t found that info yet. My bottles I just bought don’t have any toxic ingredients
Ashley says
It’s true!!!! It’s different now. My once really absorbent diapers are leaking like crazy now. I have stripped and stripped using bac out which used to work amazing and to no avail. I went here and saw this post and read my ingredients. It’s not the same as my old bottle. I also noticed a milky color in my washer when rinsing. I never had that before. Now my dipes are all stiff. I use rockin green so I know it’s not that!!! Bummer, back to the drawing board… That was the “de-stink” mmethod I favored.
Samantha says
I came across your blog trying to find out more about doing a tub soak with my diapers. Im having some stink issues and I think it is buildup. Everything else I have tried has failed. I have a front loading HE washer.. Its an older model without the window making it much harder to keep an eye out for suds.. Ive tried adding the bac out to my “pre rinse” cycle and I am still having an issue so I thought soaking over night might work better..
My question is.. Would you have an idea of the water to bac out ratio I would use? Were obviously talking MORE water than my HE machine.. Figured Ide fill the tub halfway.. how much bac out should I use for roughly half a tub? (standard size tubs that come in prebuilt homes)
Autumn Beck says
I’d still use 1/3 cup.
Dusty says
I had to use Bac-Out to get my diaper stink gone too. I use Rumparooz, and they say to just use Tide. Our local diaper shop recommended Country Save, because it doesn’t “stick” to the diapers (that’s how I understood it). Some of my diapers had some mildew in them, even after sanitizing them, stripping them, EVERYTHING! I went and got a bottle of Bac Out, sprayed the stained diapers, sanitized them in the washer, and the really stained ones I soaked over night in a pot with the Bac Out. None of them are stained or mildewed now, and they don’t have any smell! I am going to start using the Bac Out when I notice stains, otherwise, I haven’t had any problems since. And I wash every other or two days. I started using the Country Save too and it is much better. We have hard water here. I am also going to read up on things to add for hard water, because the minerals will cause odors to linger too. Just thought I’d chime in, I usually just read comments!
Amanda says
I have EXTREMELY hard water also – I make my own laundry soap and add in Calgon water softening powder to my mix, and sometimes I add the liquid version to my final rinse. I’ve noticed a big difference in how clean the diapers and wipes seem to get. I’ve heard good things about the Rockin’ Green Detergent also, which has a formula specifically for hard water customers.
Amanda says
I use bac out between washes. I spray the diapers and toss them in the bucket. Never had a problem with stink.
Melissa says
I just bought some bac out in hopes it will help with the diaper pail stink. Ive just started today so not sure how it will work. Is it okay to spray only pee dipes with it? When they get rinsed/washed (usually eod) will it continue to work.
Chelsea says
Which Bac-out product are you referring to? There are many products that Biokleen sells of the Bac-out line.
Thanks!
Autumn Beck says
Stain & Odor eliminator
eleonore says
How many loads do you get out of the bottle pictured in the video?
Autumn Beck says
each load is about 1/3 cup. maybe that would help.
Becky says
Autumn,
I started using Bac-out from this post, but then I find that putting “three squirts” causes lots of suds. Is this normal? I have to do an additional third rinse b/c of the extra soap suds now.
Thanks~! :0)
Autumn Beck says
Are you sure it’s from the Bac-out? When I had extremely soft water I used 3 squirts and only saw an increase in suds when I was using a soapy detergent. My suggestion would be to just cut back the Bac-out to 2 squirts. Are you putting the Bac-out in the prerinse phase? Do you have a TL or FL?
Becky says
Autumn,
I’m prety sure it’s from the Bac-out. It’s the only thing I put in my prewash (warm water) and I do three “squirts” (wish I had an exact measurement-I”m a math person). We have pretty average water, but use water softner salt. I”m finding I need to use LESS RnG soap b/c it takes several rinses to get it all out it seems. I use a FL machine and actually add extra water to the wash and rinse cycles through the detergent drawer. I”ll try using less Bac-out this next wash. I’m not sure why it creates so much suds unless it’s mixing w/ leftover soap from the previous wash that didn’t get all out….
I also have Tiny Bubbles Soap, but have the same problem with it. Do you recommend any other soap (Cruchy Clean, LuLu’s, etc)? I wanma try a new one to see if it rinses out better.
Dana says
Okay I have a couple of questions…now i know that bac-out is good for breaking down the poop and pee…but will it cause a break down of organic fibers like cotton, bamboo, or hemp? Second question..i noticed that some mothers who choose to spray on diapers make a 50/50 mixture of the solution with water.. is that okay, I read in an earlier post that water causes the enzymes to become active and its only active for 6 hrs?? My plan was to make a 50/50 mixture with water and spray on dirty diapers and wash every 2 days.. Thanks for the help!
Autumn Beck says
In my experience I believe that Bac-out can speed up the wear of organic fibers. It isn’t a fast process but my Elementals and Sbish fitteds did get holey where as others didn’t. I would skip the spray and just rinse well in the toilet, either by dunking or spraying. Save the Bac-out for prewash.
Jessica says
Still new to washing cloth diapers. Just to clarify–Bac-Out doesn’t sanitize diapers or does it? If I am wanting to sanitize, I would use bleach, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide or other natural agent, correct? Just trying to make sure I understand the purpose of the product. Thanks!
Autumn Beck says
Bac-out has enzymes in it to break down biological (poop) remnants.
Kirsten says
I use BumGenius AIOs with Bac-Out in a short, cold wash, then Country Save (recommended amount) in a med, long wash with 2 rinses. To that second wash, I also add vinegar within the bleach dispenser. I also wash my cloth wipes with the diapers. At one point, I read that vinegar would deteriorate my AIOs, so I stopped for a bit, but then wound up with mold issues on my cloth wipes (which are in a warmer) – even though I was using the Bac-Out in the first cycle. Through a process of elimination, I found that the vinegar is what kept the mold at bay. I also wipe the warmer with vinegar then rinse each time I make new wipes. We’ve only been using the AIOs for 3 months now, and hopefully they don’t get ruined, but mold was not an option for me! BTW – this is with breast-fed baby poop, and we use a shower sprayer on the poopy diapers as well. So, from my experience, for whatever reason, I needed the vinegar. I DO like the Bac-Out as that eliminated the stains.
Robin Brooks says
I have been using Rockin’ Green detergent for my cloth diapers, and it has worked great for seven months. No stink issues on any of my microfiber. However, I wanted to wash all my clothes in a green detergent and knew I could get Charlie’s in bulk for less. Since Charlie’s is not a disinfectant, I purchased some Bac Out as well. I’m wondering if I just made a mistake though. I put 1 TBSP of CHarlie’s in the cold wash as well as some Bac Out. Are they going to work against each other? Next time I will just do Bac Out in the cold wash.
If anyone is looking for another good place to ask about washing cloth, Green Mountain Diapers site has a great section called “Washing Cloth Diapers”. When I ordered some prefolds from them, I got a “book” of information on detergents, etc. From what I am seeing, Rockin’ Green and Charlie’s are the best for microfiber and sensitive skin. Amy from Rockin’ Green developed her detergent because her son had super sensitive skin. My only issue with it is that you can’t yet buy it in bulk.
Autumn Beck says
They won’t work against each other, just together. Very important to do an extra rinse to remove enzymes. Be on the watch out for a reaction to the Charlies. Almost my most frequent comment is a complaint about Charlies.
Kim is the sweet Rockin’ Green mama ;)
Anonymous says
Used charlie’s soap to was new diaps and severe red chemical burm by end of day…beware and be careful!
Susan Marsh says
Hi Autumn, thank you for all the great cloth diaper info! I have another question. Do you know of anyone having issues with Bac-out causing the diapers to leak? I got some new BG elemental organics and I only washed them twice and rinsed once prior to using. I have had almost every diaper leak since I used the Bac-out. The instructions say to wash the organics 3-5 times prior to use. I decided not to do that but now I don’t know if that’s the reason they are leaking/repelling or could it be the Bac-out that I started using. I love the Bac- out. It is getting most of my stains completely out. Just wondering if there’s any possibility of Bac-out being the culprit of the leaking diapers. Thanks for any info.
Autumn Beck says
First, I would wash them a few more times. I personally use BG elementals and Bac-out with no leaks. But that doesn’t mean something isn’t going on. Once you fully prep them see if the problem persists.
Heather P says
Thanks for the bac-out video, bac-out is so wonderful. It has solved my stink issues too, and my son has not had a rash since we started using it.
Susan says
Hi Autumn, my baby is 7 weeks and I have been learning about cloth diapering as I’m going along but I have a few questions. We originally had BG 3.0s which my daughter got a diaper rash which wouldn’t go away so we returned them and switched to their organic BG elementals all in one. I love those but they stain every time she poops and they wash would not take out the stains. I had to put every one out in the sun and then the stain came out but I think that took all the softness out of the organic cotton so I researched stain removers for cloth diapers and found Bac-out. I didn’t really understand the prewash process – we don’t have a prewash cycle – how do I do it? Is it safe enough for my baby’s skin to just spray bac-out on the diapers and then put them in the dry pail until we wash them? Will the 2 wash cycles (first cold then hot) and then 1 rinse cycle take the extra bac- out out of the diapers so it won’t cause my baby to have another rash? Which do you suggest is a better way to do it? Thank you.
Autumn Beck says
I use Bac-out and still have stains. I’ve found that BG organics vacillate b/w stiffer and softer regardless of sunning. It’s a natural process with the organic cotton. My softest ones are my oldest ones, they’re almost like your softest, buttery smooth old t-shirt. The middle aged ones are a bit rougher. If you want to soften them up a bit buy some dryer balls. Once they’ve laid in the sun toss the balls and diapers in the dryer for a tumble.
If you don’t have a prewash you can just run a “short cycle” with the Bac-out. Then wash normally with an extra rinse.
Heather says
I have also had similar issues. I use Allens natural detergent, and recently started using vinegar in the rinse cycle of both washes (1st a cold wash then another long long hot wash) My son had problems when we first started and that we found out was because of the detergent’s enzymes. But then we switched detergent- ( arm and hammer free essentials ) and the problem went away. But then I read not to use detergents with fragrance and our local store didnt sell the A@H without scent. so I switched to allens. Has anyone used this and had probs? I was told that it was one of the best. Now my son has blisters on the head of his penis! After putting him back in disposables and using abx he is getting better. My husband is so sick of the “Cloth diaper issues” ! But I am determined to get this fixed.
Megan Richardson says
So I read you have not had any issues with using Bac Out on Pocket diapers. No leaking issues due to waterproofing (ingredients in BO)? What detergent do you use?
I’m buying Fuzzi Bunz One Size Diapers.
Thanks =)
Autumn Beck says
I use Clean B detergent.
Angie says
How do you recommend putting bac-out in a front load?
Autumn Beck says
Angie, if your FLer has a section for prewash add it there.
Greenie momma says
Hey thanks for your site it is so helpful to have a place to go to ask theses kinds of questions. I will try the bleach and go from there. Fleece strips? Just regular fleece from the craft store?
Greenie momma says
Ok I have gro baby diapers. I have tried baking soda, vinegar in the rinse. Vinegar soaks. Stripping with dawn. Oxy Clean. RLR Laundry treatment. Pretty much everything. I have rinsed up to twenty times in a day. I do a cold pre-soak and rinse with bac-out. Then wash in hot with a 1/2 scoop country save detergent and add 1/2 cup vinegar in the rinse and do a second rinse. The smell will not go away and leaves blisters on my 3 year olds and 10 mo olds bums. I did not seem to have and issue when I could dry in the sun. I live in Montana and we do not see a lot of sunshine and it is cold right now. I first noticed the smell and burns when my hubby was helping do wash and used oxyclean. I feel like I should just use bleach but I don’t want any more burns and don’t want to ruin the diapers.
Autumn Beck says
Greenie momma, after all you’ve tried I’d go with bleach. Do a few extra rinses afterwards. You may also want to cut some fleece strips to lay on the soaker. It’s possible that they are sensitive to the detergent or that all the Bac-out isn’t being rinsed out.
Jennifer says
I wasn’t able to watch the video at first, but I just saw it and it answered my questions. Thanks!
Autumn Beck says
Jennifer, glad you found the answer! Let me know if you have any more questions.
Jennifer says
Question about using Bac Out in the pre-wash: How much do you use, and do you put it in the detergent, bleach, or fabric softener dispenser (or does it matter)? I’ve got bad stink in my BG’s even with using bleach or Dawn frequently.
I have a front-loader that does not have a soak cycle. I usually run a cold water only cycle on delicate or regular, then a cycle with detergent (Country Save) on the whitest whites setting, which includes an extra rinse at the end.
GreenGo says
Very nice video. My company DMS Carpet & Upholstery Cleaners Fairfield ,Ct. uses biokleen products and we love “bac-out” this product truly works wonders on odors as we use it exclusively for organic stains/odor issues. We sell bac-out to our local customers as well and they are always asking for more!
Tasha says
Where do you buy/order bac out from? Locally or online?
Thanks!
Autumn Beck says
i buy bac-out locally: health food stores and some grocery stores carry it.
Tasha says
Do you use bac out on all types of diapers? I have cotton prefolds with covers and pocket diapers with microfiber inserts. Will it ruin the covers and pockets? Do you ever use vinegar in the rinse cycle?
Autumn Beck says
tasha, i do use bac-out on all my diapers including pockets and covers. never had any issues after more than a year using it. i use vinegar in the rinse if i need a really good rinse.
Sarah Davis says
Hello again. I still have the stinkies. I tried vinegar, but unfortunately I did not have 4 cups. I need to get some more. I am sooo tempted to just try a whole different diaper. I was so excited that my baby woke up dry with the Dry Bees cover, hemp and microfiber inserts that I have tried to deal with the smell. I even thought maybe she had a UTI-negative. This was purchased new. Do you have any other diapers you recommend for a dry night? Also, I am wondering if anyone else has this prob with Charlie’s. I love the soap, I use it for everything. I just wonder if it is the problem. I even run an extra rinse. What to do….AHHH!
Autumn Beck says
I had to abandon my GAD windpro fleece with a hemp and a microfiber insert because I could not get rid of the stink. If you have the funds I would invest in a Sustainablebabyish magic diaper (click on the ad at the top right of my blog for the store). I have heard nothing but amazing stories about this diaper. I have one ready for the baby. I also bought a Patooshie Pants nighttime diaper that is similar to the SBish and it is a OS.
Sarah Davis says
OK. I am having smell issues. I have a super-soaker and was just using prefolds, until she was waking up totally wet. I bought a DryBees diaper and Thirties hemp insert and microfiber insert. I was in awe of the absorbtion. It has been about a month since I have started this. When she would wake up in the morning, I would have this nasty ammonia smell that I haven’t noticed before. This has been about 2 wks now. I have done baking soda, vinegar and I even found Bac-Out. It smells wonderful out of dryer, but in the morning it stinks again. I wash it every day….what am I doing wrong????? BTW good luck on your delivery. I wish you all the best. I am a Labor and Delivery Nurse :)
Autumn Beck says
Thank you for the well wishes <3 Did you buy the Drybees and inserts new or used? I am assuming used if you are having issues after just a month. Regardless, ammonia smell can be combated with a vinegar soak. Add 4 cups of vinegar to your washer and set to soak. The vinegar will neutralize the ammonia salts. This can be done regularly with inserts and prefolds, but sparingly with elastic diapers. Vinegar can break down the elastic if used in large amounts.
Courtney says
I was thinking about spraying the diapers (like with a squirt bottle) with the bac-out as I take them off my daughter, as they go into the dry pail. We are new to Cloth diapering and only have about 13 diapers, we are using the Bum Genius one sizes and love them. I do diapers almost nightly (which I dont mind). Do you think spraying the diapers will be as effective and using the bac-out in the prewash? Thanks for all of your help.
Autumn Beck says
I know that some moms choose to spray each diaper but I don’t think it will make much difference if you are washing nightly. If you are going to have poopy diapers sit for a few days then I could see an advantage. I would go the easiest route and do a prewash.
Kim says
I think this product has amazing abilities! I have used it on other stains/odors.
It was my understanding that natural live enzymes die off within 6 hours of being activated vs synthetic that keep on going each time they are activated. Do is Bac-out natural or synthetic enzyme? How does the enzyme stay alive in the liquid state if natural? I have used another brand of live enzyme cleaner that is powder form and when activated by water is only good for 6 hours and then cannot be activated again. This is important to me since I would not want the enzyme in my diapers still being able to be activated again by my babies urine/feces.
Autumn Beck says
Kim, that is why when using Bac-out or a detergent that contains enzymes (many natural one) it is so important to rinse very thoroughly.
Bac-Out:
INGREDIENTS: Natural Enzyme-producing Cultures, Food-grade Lime Extracts and Stabilizers, Vegetable-based Surfactants, and Filtered Water
Autumn Beck says
Joann, I use Bac-out every load in the pre-wash. I then do a regular wash with my detergent. I always finish up with a 2nd rinse.
Joann says
I just bought some of the Bac-out and put it in my pre-wash cycle. Do I also need to put in laundry detergent?? I usually run my diapers twice. This time I am omitting the detergent and will add it to the next wash cycle with a second rinse. Does that sound right?
Also, how often do you use Bac-out? I have heard not to strip diapers more than once a month. Do you use Bac-out everytime you wash or just occasionally?
Thank you for your blog. It is nice to have a source that I can go for these questions.
Rochelle says
Recently I’ve heard of something called soap nuts. The seller I found them from says they are good for stinky diapers. Have you used them or know someone who has? I’d love to try Bac-Out, but living here in India, it might not be worth paying shipping to get it here.
The only detergent I’ve found here that doesn’t seem to have enzymes is Sun with Oxygen Bleach (or regular Sun). I used to use that when hand-washing just fine, but since we bought a front-loader, I’ve had to discontinue using it due to the suds. The whole drum gets fully sudsy even with just a little bit of Sun detergent. I can’t find another good detergent here, so we’ve bought a local-made one that’s specifically for front loaders called Surf Excel-Matic. I’ve noticed the diapers getting a little stinky since then.
An added problem with the front loader is that, without any houses having central water heating, this machine is designed to heat the water through the drum, which makes a regular load set take 2 hours and 15 minutes (not including a pre-wash and additional rinse cycle). I think that contributes to excess suds.
That’s why I considered trying soap nuts. I think they can be used a few times before having to toss them.
Nicole says
Love the video and the new look of your webpage! Now I know what Bac-Out looks like next time I go to the store! Thanks!!!