How to Strip Cloth Diapers with Mighty Bubbles vs RLR
Complete Expert Guide to Stripping Cloth Diapers with Mighty Bubbles
If your cloth diapers suddenly start leaking, holding odors, or repelling moisture, buildup inside the fibers is often the culprit. A proper deep clean using Mighty Bubbles Laundry Treatment can restore performance and extend the life of your diapers.
This expert guide walks you step by step through when stripping is needed, exactly how to use Mighty Bubbles correctly, what to avoid/why (including RLR), and how to prevent buildup from returning.
What Is Mighty Bubbles?
Mighty Bubbles is a deep-cleaning laundry treatment formulated specifically for modern cloth diapers. It penetrates fibers more effectively than regular detergent to remove embedded residue, bacteria, and mineral buildup that can cause performance issues.
Important: Mighty Bubbles is not part of your regular wash routine. It is used occasionally when diapers need a deep reset. To prevent reoccurring issues that lead to frequent stripping, make sure you are following a proper wash routine.
When Do Cloth Diapers Need Stripping?
Most properly maintained cloth diapers rarely need stripping. However, buildup can occur over time due to detergent residue, hard water minerals, improper wash routines, heavy diaper cream use, or secondhand diapers.
These residues can reduce absorbency, cause leaks, trap odors, contribute to rashes, and make fabrics feel stiff, coated or waxy.
🔍 Signs Your Diapers Need Mighty Bubbles
- Persistent barnyard or ammonia smell
- Clean diapers stink after baby pees
- Sudden leaking despite good fit
- Repelling (liquid beads on fabric)
- Stiff or crunchy inserts
- Pre-loved diapers with unknown history
If none of these are happening, stripping is usually not necessary.
If you are seeing one or more of these warning signs, a Mighty Bubbles treatment can help reset your diapers.
Step-by-Step: How to Strip Cloth Diapers with Mighty Bubbles
Step 1: Start With Clean Diapers
Always begin with freshly washed diapers. Remove all solid waste and run your normal wash routine first. Do not add detergent during the Mighty Bubbles cycle.
Step 2: Load the Washing Machine
Place clean, wet diapers into the washer. Aim for a medium size load that allows strong agitation.
Step 3: Add Mighty Bubbles
Use 1 Mighty Bubbles pac for a standard load. Place the pac directly into the drum. Do not add detergent.
Step 4: Run a HOT Wash
- Hot water
- Heavy duty or normal cycle (if your machine does not have heavy duty)
- One extra rinse recommended
Step 5: Repeat if Needed
For severe buildup, run up to 3 consecutive treatments without drying between cycles.
Step 6: Resume Normal Wash Routine
Return to your regular two-wash routine using a strong recommended detergent to prevent buildup from returning.
⚠️ What NOT to Do When Using Mighty Bubbles
- ❌ Do not soak diapers overnight
- ❌ Do not mix with detergent
- ❌ Do not use as routine maintenance
- ❌ Do not overuse unnecessarily
- ❌ Do not add fabric softener
Over-soaking or overuse can stress elastics and waterproof layers.
Mighty Bubbles vs RLR Laundry Treatment
Many parents searching how to strip cloth diapers discover RLR Laundry Treatment. While both products are used for deep cleaning laundry, they are not designed the same way for modern cloth diaper systems.
Below is a quick comparison chart, for more information check out this article: RLR Laundry Treatment vs Mighty Bubbles: Which Works Better for Cloth Diapers?
Bottom line: For modern cloth diapers, Mighty Bubbles provides a more targeted deep clean.
If You Do Not Have Mighty Bubbles
If Mighty Bubbles is unavailable, the Original Blue Dawn method is the only approved alternative for Kanga Care diapers.
- ⚠️ Never put Dawn directly into your washing machine
- ⚠️ Always rinse thoroughly by hand first
- ⚠️ Only use Original Blue Dawn
We do not recommend RLR for stripping cloth diapers.
Final Takeaway
Mighty Bubbles is one of the most effective tools for restoring cloth diaper performance when buildup occurs. Used correctly and paired with a strong wash routine, it can eliminate odor, improve absorbency, and extend the life of your diaper stash.
The best stripping routine is the one you rarely need.
Have more questions? Visit our Cloth Diaper FAQ page!
