Cloth nappies usually smell because urine, poo, or detergent residue is not being removed properly during washing, or because used nappies are sitting too long before wash day. Waladi cloth nappies are simple pocket-style nappies, so the insert can be removed from the shell before washing, helping both parts clean and dry properly.
A used nappy will smell like a used nappy. But clean cloth nappies should not smell strong, sharp, musty, stale, or dirty after washing.
The most common reasons cloth nappies smell
- The nappies are not being washed soon enough.
- The pre-wash is being skipped or done too lightly.
- There is not enough detergent for the level of soiling.
- The main wash is too short or too gentle.
- The washing machine is overloaded.
- Used nappies are stored with poor airflow.
- Inserts are not drying fully before storage.
- Extra absorbency is needed for heavy wetters or overnight use.
Most smell issues are fixable. You usually do not need to give up on cloth nappies. You need to adjust the routine.
Why do cloth nappies smell like ammonia?
Ammonia smells sharp and strong. Some parents describe it as a stale toilet, dirty litter tray, or hair dye smell.
Ammonia can happen when urine is not washed out quickly or thoroughly enough. It is more common with night nappies because they hold more urine for longer.
If you notice ammonia, do not ignore it. It can irritate your baby’s skin and can shorten the life of absorbent fabrics.
A better pre-wash routine, enough detergent, and a stronger main wash can help stop ammonia from building up again.
Why do cloth nappies smell musty?
Musty smells usually come from moisture. This can happen when nappies or inserts are put away before they are fully dry.
It can also happen if used nappies are stored in a closed wet bag or sealed container for too long.
To fix it, dry nappies completely before storing and give used nappies more airflow before washing.
Why do cloth nappies smell after washing?
If cloth nappies smell straight after washing, they are not clean enough yet.
This can happen when:
- The wash cycle is too short.
- The detergent amount is too low.
- The machine is too full.
- The water temperature is too low for the level of soiling.
- The inserts are not getting enough movement in the wash.
Modern cloth nappy inserts are absorbent and layered, so they need a proper wash routine to remove urine and soiling from deep inside the fabric.
Why do cloth nappies smell after one wee?
If a clean nappy smells strong as soon as your baby wees, it often means old urine or build-up is still trapped in the insert.
The nappy may look clean, but the absorbent layers are not fully clean.
Start by improving your wash routine. Run a regular pre-wash, use enough detergent, and make sure the main wash has enough time and movement.
Why do overnight cloth nappies smell more?
Overnight nappies hold more urine for longer. That makes smell issues show up faster if the absorbency or wash routine is not keeping up.
If overnight nappies smell strong in the morning, you may need:
- More absorbency.
- A stronger first wash.
- More frequent washing.
- Better airflow before wash time.
Waladi Overnight Sets include 1 cloth nappy, 1 charcoal bamboo insert, and 1 hemp insert for extra absorbency compared with a simple daytime setup.
How to stop cloth nappies smelling
Use a simple routine and keep it consistent.
- Remove solids before washing.
- Store used nappies in a dry pail, airy basket, or wet bag.
- Avoid soaking nappies.
- Run a short pre-wash every 1 to 2 days.
- Run a longer main wash every 2 to 3 days.
- Use enough detergent for dirty laundry.
- Do not overload the washing machine.
- Dry inserts fully before storing.
For the full step-by-step routine, read How do you wash cloth nappies?
When is smell normal?
A dirty nappy may smell before washing, especially after poo. That is normal.
What is not normal is a strong smell after washing, a sharp ammonia smell, or a smell that appears as soon as your baby wees in a clean nappy.
If that happens, treat it as a wash routine issue, not a cloth nappy issue.
Why Waladi helps keep things simple
Waladi cloth nappies use a pocket-style design, so you can remove the insert from the shell before washing. This helps both pieces wash and dry more easily.
For a simple start, Waladi Everyday Sets include 1 cloth nappy and 1 charcoal bamboo insert for daytime use. If you need more absorbency, Overnight Sets include an added hemp insert.
Common questions about why cloth nappies smell
Why do cloth nappies smell?
Cloth nappies usually smell because urine or poo is not being washed out properly, nappies are sitting too long before washing, or inserts are not drying fully before storage.
Why do cloth nappies smell like ammonia?
Ammonia smell usually means urine is not being washed out quickly or thoroughly enough. It is more common with overnight nappies because they hold more urine for longer.
Why do cloth nappies smell after washing?
If cloth nappies smell after washing, they are not clean enough yet. The wash may need more detergent, a longer cycle, better machine loading, or warmer water.
Why do cloth nappies smell as soon as baby wees?
This often means old urine or build-up is still trapped in the insert. The nappy may look clean, but the absorbent layers need a better wash routine.
Why do overnight cloth nappies smell more?
Overnight nappies smell more easily because they hold more urine for a longer time. More absorbency and a stronger wash routine can help.