What To Do With Poop and Cloth Diapers: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide
If you are new to cloth diapering, one of the first questions you probably asked yourself is what to do with poop and cloth diapers. It is one of the top concerns for beginners and one of the biggest myths stopping families from trying cloth. The good news is that dealing with poop in cloth diapers is far easier than most people think. Once you learn what to do at each stage of your baby’s development, handling poop becomes simple, quick, and part of your normal routine.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about poop. If you have ever felt overwhelmed wondering what to do, you are not alone. You will learn what to do with newborn poop, formula-fed poop, solid food poop, toddler poop, and everything in between. We will talk about diaper sprayers, liners, wash routines, bacteria safety, and the easiest removal methods for both beginners and experienced cloth diaper families.
Our goal is to help you feel confident, clean, and stress-free with every diaper change so you always know how to handle the poo, no matter your baby’s age or feeding stage.
Understanding Poop and Cloth Diapers by Age
Poop changes dramatically as your baby grows. The way you handle poop in cloth diapers depends on what stage your baby is in. Here is the breakdown.
1. What To Do With Newborn Poop
If your baby is exclusively breastfed, you are in luck. Breastfed poop is water-soluble. That means you do not have to remove it before washing. Simply place the dirty diaper directly into the pail or wet bag and wash as usual. The enzymes in breast milk create a soft, liquid-like poop that dissolves completely in the washing machine.
If your newborn is formula-fed, the poop will be thicker. While many families still wash formula poop directly, you may want to rinse or shake off the excess. Formula poop behaves differently and is not always fully water-soluble, so giving the diaper a quick rinse in the toilet or using a liner can help.
2. What To Do With Poop Once Baby Starts Solids
This is where things change. Once your baby starts eating solid food, the poop becomes more formed and must be removed before placing the diaper in the wash. You never want solid poop going into the machine. This is the point when parents start asking questions like:
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How do I remove poop from a cloth diaper?
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Should I use a sprayer?
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How clean do the diapers need to be?
When babies begin eating solid foods, the poop becomes more adult-like. This is actually good news because it becomes easier to shake or spray off.
How To Remove The Poop
There are several easy and effective ways to remove poop from cloth diapers. Choose the one that works best for your home, budget, and routine. The Lighthouse Kids AIO can keep baby dry for nights or wet for potty training, poop also wipes well from the diaper.
1. The Shake or Plop Method
Once your baby begins solids, many poops fall right off the diaper on their own. Simply hold the diaper over the toilet and shake or plop the poop in. This is the simplest and fastest option.
2. The Dunk and Swish Method
This is an old-school cloth diaper method, but it still works well. Hold the diaper by the clean end, dip the dirty part into the toilet water, and gently swish until the poop loosens. Flush as needed. This requires no extra tools and is a good travel-friendly option.
3. Diaper Sprayer Method
A diaper sprayer attaches to your toilet and works like a mini handheld bidet. You hold the diaper over the toilet and spray the poop directly off. This is one of the cleanest and most efficient methods. It takes seconds and removes even sticky messes.
4. Use Reusable or Disposable Liners
Liners are placed between your baby’s skin and the diaper. They catch the poop and make cleanup simple.
There are two types:
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Disposable liners that can be flushed or thrown away
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Reusable AWJ liners that allow poop to slide off easily
Lift the liner, drop the poop into the toilet, and place the liner in the wash (reusable) or trash (disposable). Liners are especially helpful for babysitters, daycare, and quick cleanups.
5. SprayPal or Splatter Shield
If you use a sprayer, you can use a spray shield to prevent splatter. This keeps your bathroom tidy and directs water downward into the toilet.
How Clean Does a Cloth Diaper Need To Be Before Washing
A diaper does not need to be spotless before washing. It simply needs to have all solid waste removed. Light smudges or staining are normal because the washing machine will handle any remaining residue. The goal is to remove anything chunky or solid so it does not affect the wash cycle.
Remember the rule:
If it would not go down the sink or toilet drain, it should not go into your washing machine.
How To Store Dirty Diapers After Removing Poop
Once you remove the poop, place the diaper into a wet bag or pail liner. Do not soak cloth diapers in water. Modern cloth diapers are designed to be stored dry.
Good storage options include:
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Hanging wet bags
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Pail liners
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Waterproof diaper pails
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Travel wet bags for on the go
A clean storage system keeps odors down and helps avoid ammonia buildup.
Washing Cloth Diapers After Poop
A strong wash routine ensures your diapers stay clean, fresh, and bacteria-free. Here is the basic wash routine followed by most cloth diaper families.
1. Pre-Wash Cycle
Place all dirty diapers in the washing machine and run a small load with detergent. This removes surface soil and prepares diapers for a deeper clean.
2. Main Wash Cycle
Run a long, hot wash with the appropriate amount of detergent for your load size and water hardness. This is where diapers receive their deep clean.
Common detergents that work well include:
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Tide
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Gain
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Persil
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Rockin Green
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Seventh Generation (may not work for all types of water hardness)
Avoid DIY detergent. It is not strong enough to clean fecal matter from fabrics.
3. Drying Cloth Diapers
You can either:
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Hang dry diapers
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Machine dry on low to medium
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Sun-dry inserts to remove stains naturally
Most inserts can go in the dryer. Most covers should be hung to dry to extend their life.
Safety Tips for Handling Poop in Cloth Diapers
Dealing with poop safely protects both you and your baby. Here are the most important safety guidelines.
1. Wash Your Hands Thoroughly
Wash your hands after every diaper change, even if you use a liner.
2. Clean Poop Properly To Prevent Infection
If poop remains inside fabric fibers and your baby has a cut or rash, bacteria can enter the skin. This is why cleaning diapers well is essential.
3. Use Enough Detergent
Underwashing is more dangerous than using detergent. Strong detergent helps eliminate bacteria, ammonia, and fecal residue.
4. Watch For Warning Signs
If you smell:
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Strong ammonia
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Fishy odor
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Barnyard or manure smell
This indicates buildup, bacteria, or incomplete cleaning. Adjust your wash routine or revisit your detergent choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Poop and Cloth Diapers
Do I need to touch the poop?
No. With the right tools, your hands never need to touch poop.
Is dealing with poop in cloth diapers worse than disposables?
No. Disposable diapers still require you to handle poop properly. The difference is that cloth diapers give you tools like liners and sprayers to make cleanup easier.
Do I need a diaper sprayer?
No. It is helpful but optional. The shake or plop method works well for many families.
Do I need liners?
No, but they make cleanup much easier and protect your diapers from rash creams.
Can I use flushable liners?
Check your plumbing. Even “flushable” liners may clog older pipes. Many families prefer to toss used liners into the trash.
Final Thoughts: Poop and Cloth Diapers Are Easier Than You Think
Dealing with poop is a normal part of parenting, no matter what diapering system you choose. With cloth diapers, you are simply adding one extra step. Once you learn what to do at each stage of your baby’s development, handling poop becomes quick and routine. Cloth diapers are safe, sanitary, eco-friendly, and effective when used with a proper wash routine.
By using the right poop removal method, storing diapers correctly, and washing them thoroughly, you can create a clean, healthy, and cost-effective diapering system that supports your baby and the planet.
