A diaper pail should make changing a baby’s diaper easier, not turn the nursery into a stink hole. A pail used to store wet diapers, poop diapers, and used wipes all thrown together is bound to smell that can spread quickly.
That is why learning how to keep diaper pail from smelling is not about relying on one “magic” product. It is more about keeping the cleaning routine under control before the smell takes over.
The odor from the diaper pail typically emanates from the garbage, trapped air, bacteria beginning to accumulate, or the diaper pail being full or in need of a cleaning, so the best approach is actually to start combining a few different methods to help cut down that smell.
You can think of it like having layers of defense against the funky odor of the diaper pail.
Here is what you need to know about how to keep diaper pail from smelling without making diaper duty more complicated than it already is.
What Makes a Diaper Pail Stink?
To reduce diaper pail odor, you must first understand where the smell comes from. The odor resulting from a used diaper starts right within the diaper. However, it is absolutely not one dirty diaper that results in the nasty odor of the diaper pail. Here are some common causes of the odor buildup:
- Wet diapers
Urine can leave an ammonia-like odor. When wet diapers are inside the pail and sit for too long, the smell gets stronger.
- Diapers with poop
Most of the time, dirty diapers with stool are the biggest culprit of odor escaping from a diaper bin. The odor spreads more quickly if the diaper is not securely wrapped before being thrown away.
- Trapped air and wetness
A warm room can make the smell inside the pail stronger. Wetness also helps bacteria, leftover mess and bad smells stay longer.
- Leftover mess inside the pail
Even after you take out the bag, small leaks, wet wipes, or leftover mess can stick to the lid, rim, seal, walls or bottom.
Using The Right Pail Helps Control the Odor
A right diaper pail must be your first line of defense against dirty diapers. A regular trash bag might work for one diaper, but it usually does not have a good enough seal to handle a full day of dirty diaper odors.
A good diaper pail should help keep the smell under control when you put a diaper in it, while it is sitting there full, and when you empty the bag.
Sealing Method
A lid is usually helpful, but a better diaper pail usually has more than just a tight lid. Stay on the lookout for features such as a flap inside a gasket, a rotating lid, a clamp, or a system that seals the bag. The more things there are between the diaper and air in the room, then the better will be its ability to seal the smell off of it.
The Momcozy Triple-Seal Diaper Pail is a great option in the market if you are looking for a diaper pail that has all the above features. It includes a three-sensor system, rotational lid, and a clamp that seals the bag with one pull.
It is designed as a zero-contact disposal, meaning you can use it with never needing to touch, which helps greatly when you have one hand preoccupied with either carrying a child or dealing with diaper duty.
Also a plus is it takes regular 13-gallon trash bags, so there's no added expense of having to buy special bags for the diaper pail.
Odor Control Tech
Some diaper pails use filters, scented pads, or baking soda to help control the smell. While these can be effective, they also need to be replaced/cleaned. If you get one of these make sure to set a reminder on your phone to replace it when it is old. For example, Momcozy Triple-Seal Diaper Pail has a deodorizing fragrance pack to eliminate home stinky diaper smell for 30 days.
Material
The material of the diaper pail is important, too. It should be made out of a material that doesn’t keep smells and is easy to clean. That’s why many people use metal diaper pails.
Plastic models are often light and can be easily washed, but because of their nature, plastic tends to get smelly over time. Still, if it’s sealed well and you take care about cleaning, it can often work well.
How Proper Diaper Disposal Helps
A diaper pail works better if when you throw the diaper, you don’t let it wide open. Take a moment to really contain the mess before you drop the diaper in your diaper pail.
This little habit will decrease the amount of odor that wafts out every time you open the lid on your diaper pail. Here’s how you do it:
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Roll the diaper tightly.
Roll the diaper tightly and fold it inwards. Next, tuck the wipes inside the diapers and secure the diaper using the diaper tabs to turn it into a sealed package reducing the surface area of the diaper that is exposed to air.
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Remove waste from the diaper.
Before discarding the diaper into the diaper pail, make sure to shake off as much solid waste from the diaper into the toilet. This will prove to be very useful, notably when your baby begins to eat solid food because less waste on the diaper pail implies less odor.
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Use a separate disposal bag for extra-smelly diapers.
For diapers with a strong smell, put the wrapped diaper in a separate small trash bag. Just be sure to tie it off tightly before you toss it into the diaper pail!
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Throw away outside diapers that are way too strong.
If you find the odor to be too much already, just skip using the diaper pail, and throw it directly in your outdoor garbage as you normally would.
Use Odor Absorbers Inside the Pail
Odor absorbers are not a replacement for emptying and cleaning, but rather, they can help slow down the odor buildup in your diaper pail. Here’s how to keep diaper pail from smelling using readily available absorbents:
- Baking Soda Powder
You may sprinkle a small amount of baking soda at the bottom of a fresh liner, or place an open box of baking soda near the pail. Baking Soda should be replaced monthly, or sooner if a funky smell is already present.
- Bamboo Charcoal Bags
Bamboo charcoal bags have no fragrance added in the process hence, suitable if there are family members who are allergic to fragrant smells.
You can tape one inside the lid or place it somewhere where it will not fall into the bag. Many bamboo charcoal bags can be reused for up to 2 years by placing them in the sun monthly.
- Kitty Litter
If you have a diaper pail that smells like ammonia, kitty litter may be the answer to your problem. It is suggested to fill a cardboard tray with about ½ cup of kitty litter or put it in a paper towel or old sock, and place it at the bottom of the pail instead of just sprinkling everywhere.
- Other Natural Options
Dried-up coffee grounds, salt, citrus peels, or a cotton sphere soaked in a necessary oil is also a natural absorbent alternative. Strong scent, however, can be disturbing to some babies and adults; so keep these subtle and out of reach.
Keep the Diaper Pail Clean and in Good Condition
Even the best diaper pail can still smell if the diapers sit for too long. That’s why your daily routine really matters here. Here’s how you can manage better your routine to keep the smell from coming back:
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Empty the pail before it gets too full.
A good rule is to empty it every one to two days, or sooner if there are soiled diapers inside. If you’re leaving for a weekend or going on a holiday, be sure to empty the pail before you leave.
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Clean the diaper pail each time you change the bag.
When cleaning, take the pail outside or place it in the bathroom. Scrub it with hot soapy water or a baby-safe cleaner, then rinse it. Let it dry completely before adding a liner because trapped moisture can bring the smell back.
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Replace odor filters on time.
If your diaper pail uses a carbon filter or deodorizing cartridge, do not forget to replace it as recommended. A filter that is already full or worn out will not control odor well, even if the pail is still sealing properly.
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Place the diaper pail in a well-ventilated spot.
Keep it away from heaters, warm vents, and direct sunlight because heat can make odors stronger. If possible, place it in an area with airflow.
Troubleshooting Guide for When Something Goes Wrong
The diaper pail can still smell bad even when you have a regular cleaning routine. When this happens, you need to find out where the smell is coming from and fix that problem.
- If the smell is really bad every time you open the lid:
You’ll want to empty it frequently and be sure to tightly roll up the diapers before throwing them away, because the longer a diaper sits in a pail, the worse it will smell
- If the pail smells bad when it is empty:
This is because the odor may be adhering to the pail itself. Therefore, spray a vinegar for cleaning up in between or try sprinkling a bit of baking soda into the pail, leaving it open to air out, and drying it.
- If the smell gets out when the pail is closed:
You need to assess if the lid is sealed enough. Also check the actual trash bag inside the pail, sometimes they are too thin and have holes or don’t fit properly cause they are cheap.
- If the smell got worse when your baby started eating solid food:
If this happens, you must practice to flush out the extra mess in the toilet before throwing the diapers, put them in a separate small bag, and dump the pail more frequently.
- If cleaning and odor absorbents do not work:
The diaper pail itself may have absorbed the odor over time. Give it another good cleaning and then let it dry out in the sun completely. If the smell still doesn't go away, you might need to replace your diaper pail.
Conclusion
In truth, preventing diaper pail odor is rather simple, and just involves some basic practices and routine. The most effective layers of control begin with having the right diaper pail, then follow that up with effective disposal habits, odor absorbers, emptying it regularly, and efficiency in cleaning it.
Parents who desire to have effective control over a smelly diaper pail can count on the Momcozy Triple-Seal Diaper Pail that locks in odors from the toss, all the way to the bottom, thanks to its unique design. Diaper changes may feel much cleaner with the correct arrangement and a few habits adopted, thus keeping your nursery fresher for longer.
