How to Clean Your Diaper Pail: Get Rid of the Stink

Let’s face it, diaper pails are a nursery essential, but they can quickly turn into a source of nose-wrinkling dread. Even after you toss the bag, that distinct stench of dirty diapers often lingers in the plastic.

Worse than the smell is what causes it. A warm, dark, moist environment is the perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria. If left unchecked, this doesn’t just stink; it can impact the air quality in your baby’s room.

We made it our mission to find the most effective methods to banish the funk for good.

In this guide, you will learn why deep cleaning is non-negotiable, a simple DIY recipe to neutralize odors, and a step-by-step routine to keep your nursery smelling fresh.

The Hidden Grime In Your Diaper Pail

Diaper pails are designed to trap smells, but that design flaw means they also trap moisture. This closed system creates a humidity dome perfect for fungi.

Beyond the smell, mold spores can trigger respiratory issues or allergies ⁽¹⁾. Since your baby’s immune system is still developing, keeping their environment clean is vital.

If you already smell that tell-tale musty scent, you need a cleaner that penetrates and disinfects.

We tested various methods and found that a specific combination of borax, white vinegar, and tea tree oil works wonders. Here is how to make it:

1. Grab a spray bottle and add 2 tablespoons of borax.
2. Pour in 2 cups of hot water.
3. Shake or swish the bottle until the borax powder dissolves completely.
4. Add 1/4 cup of white vinegar (do not use bleach if using vinegar).
5. Add 20, 40 drops of tea tree oil for its antifungal properties.
6. Shake well before every use.

Hacks To Minimize Odors

You don’t want to deep clean every week, so maintenance is key. The single best thing you can do is dump the poop in the toilet before binning the diaper. This reduces the bacteria load in the pail significantly ⁽²⁾.

Here are a few other pro-tips to keep the stink at bay:

• Use dog waste bags: Double-bagging a particularly messy diaper in a cheap dog poop bag locks in the smell before it hits the main pail liner. Keep a roll in your diaper bag for outings, too.
• Switch trash bags: If your system allows it, use high-quality scented kitchen trash bags rather than proprietary refills. They are often thicker and cheaper.
• Add an absorber: Tape a packet of activated charcoal or a deodorizing puck to the underside of the lid. Charcoal absorbs moisture and odors rather than just masking them.
• Sprinkle baking soda: Keep a shaker of baking soda nearby. Sprinkle a little bit into the bottom of the bag every time you toss a new diaper in.

Don’t forget the power of fresh air. If you have a balcony or a backyard, let the pail sit outside with the lid open on dry days.

How To Deep Clean A Diaper Pail

We recommend doing a deep clean every three months, or immediately after your child recovers from a stomach bug. This process resets the plastic and kills lingering germs.

Follow this step-by-step routine to get your pail sparkling clean:

1. Protect your hands: Put on rubber gloves. This is a messy job.
2. Empty it out: Remove the bag and dispose of the dirty diapers. If you have a Diaper Genie, remove the refill cartridge at the top.
3. Disassemble: Take apart any removable pieces (lids, springs, or traps) to reach the crevices where grime hides.
4. Initial rinse: Take the pail outside and hose it down. If you live in an apartment, use the bathtub or shower head.
5. Scrub the grime: Squirt castile soap or dish soap inside and outside. Use a sponge or scrub brush to physically remove any residue. Don’t forget the bottom of the pail.
6. The baking soda sit: While wet, sprinkle baking soda generously inside. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes to lift stains and odors.
7. Rinse again: Wash away the soap and baking soda thoroughly.
8. Disinfect: Spray the entire pail (inside and out) with the borax/vinegar/tea tree oil solution you made earlier. Rub it in and let it sit for another 10 minutes.
9. The sun cure: Rinse the pail one last time. Leave the pail open in direct sunlight to dry. UV rays are natural bacteria killers and help bleach out stains.

Cleaning A Cloth Diaper Pail

If you use cloth diapers, you likely use a reusable liner. The cleaning process is slightly easier since you are washing the liner constantly.

1. Toss the cloth liner in the washing machine with your diapers. wash on hot with a heavy-duty detergent.
2. Take the empty pail (or basket) to the shower or backyard.
3. Spray it down with a diaper sprayer or hose.
4. Wipe it out with a disinfectant wipe or the vinegar spray mentioned above.
5. Allow it to dry completely before putting a fresh liner in. Moisture trapped between the liner and the pail causes mildew.

FAQs

How Often Should I Clean My Diaper Pail?

We recommend a quick wipe-down with a disinfectant wipe every time you change the bag. You should perform a deep clean with soap and water every 1 to 3 months, or sooner if you notice a lingering smell that doesn’t go away when the bag is empty.

Can I Use Bleach To Clean My Diaper Pail?

Yes, you can use diluted bleach to disinfect the pail. However, ensure you rinse it thoroughly and let it dry completely. Warning: Never mix bleach with vinegar or ammonia, as this creates toxic fumes. If you use the DIY recipe in this article (which contains vinegar), do not use bleach.

Why Does My Diaper Pail Smell Even After Cleaning?

If the pail still smells after a deep clean, the plastic has likely absorbed the odors. Try leaving the pail outside in direct sunlight for a few days; UV rays help break down odor-causing bacteria. Alternatively, you can try stuffing the pail with crumpled newspaper and charcoal briquettes for 24 hours to absorb the scent.

Keep Things Fresh

A smelly nursery is a rite of passage for many parents, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. With a little elbow grease every few months, you can keep mold and bacteria out of your home.

Remember to flush the solids, leverage the power of sunshine, and use natural deodorizers like baking soda or charcoal to extend the time between deep cleans.

When was the last time you gave your diaper pail a scrub?