Storing Cloth Diapers Long-Term

Is there a right way to store cloth diapers long-term? I’ve asked a few professionals, and the consensus is that there are a few easy steps you can take to ensure that when you bring the diapers out again…they still work.

The most seasoned professional I could find was my dry cleaner. He has been in the laundry business for over 40 years. They also preserve wedding dresses and have for almost that long. If so many people trusted them for decades to preserve such a treasured (and expensive) item, I feel confident that their advice on storing diapers is sound. Here is what they told me:

1. Make sure the cloth diapers are thoroughly cleaned. {Note from Jenn: You might want to deep clean with something like GroVia Mighty Bubbles. It’s an excellent way to get any buildup out.}
2. Try to remove as much staining as possible as any stains that are left behind may darken as they sit in storage and become impossible to remove down the road. {Note from Jenn: Sunning is excellent for this!}
3. Make sure clean diapers are thoroughly dry. Running them through an extra drying cycle isn’t a bad idea as any moisture will turn to mold in storage.
4. Once dry, place in a breathable container. Pillow cases, canvas bags or cardboard boxes are all fine. Stay away from plastic totes or vacuum seal bags for long-term storage.
5. Place in a cool, dry location. This could be in a bedroom closet or under a bed (this tends to be a dustier location, just something to keep in mind). Stay away from attics (extreme heat) or basements (moisture).
6. When you are ready to use cloth diapers again, go ahead and wash them as usual and use.

A few things to know: They are recommending a breathable container because all fabrics do better when they are exposed to air. Removing the air could cause yellow staining and also destroy elastics…which are sort of important for diapers. Extreme heat can also have the same effect.

To corroborate my instructions, I also asked a few leading industry experts. They’ve also added a few extra tips to ensure that your diapers come out as pretty as they went in.

Here’s what they had to say:

David Merrill from Thirsties

Before storing diapers make sure they are clean and dry.  If the diapers are not dry, they may form mildew which will most likely ruin your diapers.  To preserve the components in your diapers, store them in a container that will keep them dry in a temperature controlled environment. If you live in a humid area, layering tissue paper in the box is also a great way to prevent mildew.

Annie Cote from AMP Diapers

Storing diapers properly is so important. I’ve seen diapers stored for a year and be shot and diapers be used non stop for years that are still going strong. There are many variables but here are my suggestions for storing diapers long-term. Make sure the diapers are well washed and rinsed to ensure that no residues are left in the fibers, these residues will breakdown the fabrics and elastics. Make sure the diapers are well dried, putting damp diapers away could lead to mold, mildew and rotten elastics. I would also keep them in a closet or in an under the bed storage bin over storing them in a basement because of the potential for excess humidity.

Clean and dry is your safest bet. :)