Even the cleanest cloth diaper routine can’t fully escape the dreaded stain. You wash, rinse, dry—and still, that yellowish blotch stares back at you. Bleach? Tempting. But also harsh, smelly, and not great for your baby’s bum or the planet.
Luckily, there’s a gentle, free, and shockingly effective method that every cloth diaper parent should try at least once: sunning.
Why Choose Sunlight Over Bleach?
Let’s be real—bleach works. But at what cost?
Harsh on fabrics – Weakens diaper fibers, making them less absorbent and more prone to holes.
Health hazard – Can cause skin irritation, breathing issues, or worse if mixed with other cleaners.
Eco-unfriendly – Manufacturing bleach isn’t great for the environment.
The sun, on the other hand?
100% natural
Totally free
Surprisingly powerful
UV rays from sunlight actually break down stain molecules, especially on damp fabrics. Many parents are skeptical at first… until they try it.
Step-by-Step: How to Sun Your Diapers
You don’t need special tools—just sunlight and clean, damp diapers.
1. Start With Clean Diapers
Wash and rinse your diapers as usual. The sun works on stains, not dirt. If the diaper is already dry, simply dampen the stained area again with water.
2. Lay or Hang in Direct Sun
Outdoors is best—on a clothesline, drying rack, or clean surface.
Indoors works too, if you have a sunny window.
Make sure the stained side faces up toward the sun.
Cassie Tip: Laying flat works better for inserts and prefolds. Hanging is great for covers and pockets.
3. Let It Soak Up the Rays
Leave diapers in the sun for 2–4 hours depending on sunlight intensity. For stubborn stains, you can:
Spray the spot with a little lemon juice
Re-wet the area halfway through to extend exposure
4. Check & Rinse If Needed
If the diapers feel stiff or crunchy afterward, do a quick rinse or tumble dry for a few minutes to soften them up.
Does This Really Work?
Yes—and it’s surprisingly effective. One mom shared that after leaving her diaper in the sun, the stain disappeared completely. Tougher stains might need more than one sunning session, but overall, the results are impressive.
Side-by-side comparison of a pink cloth diaper before and after stain removal—top image shows brown stains, while the bottom image shows a clean, stain-free result after washing.
What If It's Winter or Cloudy?
Even indirect or cold sunlight contains UV rays. You may need longer exposure, but it still works. If you’re sunning indoors, place the diapers near a bright window—just be patient.
What Not To Do
Don’t sun PUL or elastic components for too long—they can wear out faster.
Don’t use this method as a substitute for washing—it’s not a cleaner, just a brightener.
Avoid leaving diapers out too long if they’re colored—they may fade.
Final Thoughts
Sunning diapers is one of those “old-school” tricks that feels like magic once you try it. It’s eco-friendly, budget-friendly, and baby-friendly. Whether it’s summer or the dead of winter, if you’ve got sun, you’ve got a solution.
So next time a stain stares you down—take it outside.
