Long time storage
Cloth diapers can often be used for many babies before they are done for. Sometimes they might need to get their elastics changed or a snap fixed, but if washed properly and well cared for they can often last well for multiple babies without needing much mending.
Having a larger stash of diapers can help, as each diaper may be used and washed fewer times over all. Having a minimal or a small stash of diapers can also be beneficial, and if one breaks you just replace it with a new one.
These simple steps can help keep the diapers in their best condition when stored for an extended time.
Make sure diapers are fully clean and dry, to prevent mold.
Place in a breathable container, no vacuum bags.
Store in a cool dry location, no attic or basement.
When ready to use, just wash and dry as normal. Voila!
Cloth diapers can be stored between babies. If you would like to store your diapers for a period of time, we would recommend keeping them in something breathable. A pillow case, cotton bag, breathable packing cubes or even a lightly packed airy cardboard box could give the diapers the airflow they need. Plastic totes or vacuum bags are not breathable and can ruin the diapers, especially diapers with PUL and/or elastics. Elastics and PUL might crack if they are vacuum packed for a long time. Elastics can fail during longtime storage, even when kept at the perfect conditions and proper temperature. Luckily elastics are changeable in most diapers, to give them a longer lifespan.
Diapers that don’t have elastics, like flats, prefolds or inserts can be stored in vacuum sealed bags to save space.
It is recommended to keep them in a climate controlled area, avoiding areas where temperature fluctuates or where they could get exposed to moisture, sunlight or pests that could ruin them. It is therefore not recommended to store them in a cold basement, attic or an outside shed. Rather store them within your living area, for an example in a bedroom closet or under a bed.
Always make sure the diapers are clean and fully dry when they are put away, to prevent mold.
