How to Get Rid of Stinky Cloth Nappy Bucket Smells
By: Karen Jackman
On: 25 October 2016
How to Get Rid of Stinky Cloth Nappy Smells (Naturally & Effectively)
A smelly nappy bucket is something every cloth-nappy parent deals with at some point. The good news? You can dramatically reduce (or eliminate) those strong ammonia odours using simple, natural methods that are cheap, safe, and cloth-friendly.
Here’s how to keep your nappy pail fresh between wash days.
1. Wash Every 2–3 Days (No Longer)
This is the golden rule of cloth nappy care.
Why?
When urine breaks down, it becomes uric acid, which:
- creates strong ammonia smells
- can damage elastic
- weakens fibres over time
- makes stains set in permanently
Tip: Avoid oversized nappy buckets — they make it too easy to delay washing.
2. Disinfect the Nappy Bucket Regularly
After each wash cycle, give the bucket a quick clean.
If you use pocket liners, buy two:
- Tip the dirty nappies into the machine by turning the liner inside out.
- Throw the liner into the wash with the nappies.
- Line the bucket immediately with the second clean one.
This keeps everything hygienic and prevents lingering smells.
3. Add a Natural Deodoriser
Natural odour absorbers work extremely well and cost almost nothing. Choose any of these:
✔ Baking Soda (Bicarb Soda)
A classic, cheap and very effective deodoriser.
Sprinkle over nappies inside the bucket or directly into the bottom.
✔ Bamboo Charcoal Bags
Made from matured moso bamboo.
They:
- absorb moisture
- capture odours
- remove chemicals (ammonia, formaldehyde, benzene)
Last up to a year and can be composted afterwards.
✔ Kindy Ecobaby Odour Remover Spray
Spray onto each used nappy before placing it in the pail.
Perfect for strong urine (teething) nappies.
✔ Essential Oils (on a cloth)
Lavender, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil (use tea tree with caution around pets).
Add a few drops to a cloth and place it in the bucket.
4. Rinse Nappies Before Storing
Not essential — but very helpful during teething.
A quick rinse or dunk:
- minimises bacteria
- reduces the ammonia smell
- makes wash day easier
You can:
- rinse inserts only
- swish in the toilet
- use a toilet sprayer (your plumber can install one easily)
5. Let Air Circulate (If Safe in Your Home)
If you use the dry-pail method and don’t have curious pets or toddlers, try using a bucket that isn't fully airtight.
Why it works:
Odours worsen in sealed, humid environments.
Airflow slows bacterial growth and reduces the "stinky build-up."
Fresh Nappy Bucket, Happy Laundry Day
A smelly cloth nappy bucket is fixable — often with the simplest natural solutions.
By washing regularly, deodorising naturally, and storing nappies correctly, you can keep your cloth system fresh and long-lasting.
For best results, pair these tips with a gentle, zero-residue detergent like Kindy Ecobaby Cloth Nappy Washing Powder to prevent odour-causing build-up.