14/10/2026
One of the biggest myths I still hear is...
"I keep my dirty nappies sealed in a bucket because I don't want the smell getting out."
It makes total sense, doesn't it? You'd think sealing everything up would keep your laundry smelling fresher.
But it actually does the complete opposite.
When you trap dirty nappies in an airtight bucket, you're also trapping all of the moisture. Warm, damp, no airflow. It's basically the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. That's where that eye watering ammonia smell comes from when you finally lift the lid.
If you've ever opened your nappy bucket and nearly knocked yourself over, it's probably not because cloth nappies smell.
It's because they're not getting enough air.
After helping thousands of Cloth Bums families over the years, this is honestly one of the easiest wash routine fixes we recommend.
Instead of sealing everything away, dry pail your nappies.
That simply means popping your used nappies into a breathable mesh bag inside an open basket, or a laundry hamper with plenty of airflow. No soaking. No sealing them in a bucket. No fancy products.
Then every two or three days, throw them into your pre wash and main wash.
That's it.
Less smell.
Less ammonia.
Healthier nappies.
A much nicer wash day.
Sometimes the simplest changes make the biggest difference.
