Posted by KarenC on August 21, 19103 at 19:38:42:
In Reply to: Wet Diaper Pail posted by Mina687 on August 21, 19103 at 12:54:25:
Hi Samantha,
Never heard of 'Diaper Pure' so I can't comment on it except to say that I don't think it's necessary. I've never added a single thing to my diaper pail and I've never had problems with excessive odors. You could add baking soda but I've never bothered. So long as the lid is closed you won't smell a single thing! I often use my washer as a wet pail and even though it doesn't seal I still don't have a real odor 'problem'. Odors do escape more than with a sealed pail but no big deal, especially since by the time the odors start getting bad it's time to wash the diapers anyway!
Yes, you do cover the diapers with the water. Just enough so that the diapers are kept wet at all times. Some add water as they go along (as they need it), others just fill it up at the beginning, it's up to you. I've heard the recomendation of changing the water every day (I think that's what ME officially recomends) but I've never done it and I've never heard of anyone actually doing it. I don't think it's necessary if you wash every 2-3 days (I wouldn't go over 4 days personally). Just tip a little water into the toilet first (to make it easier to carry mostly) and them dump the rest right in the washer. Then you spin out the excess water and do a cold pre-rinse (not everyone does this but I highly recomend it).
Both wet and dry pails have their advantages. Basically it comes down to convenience vs odor and stain control. Dry pails are more convenient because they're much easier to carry around and it's much easier to get the diapers into the washer without getting yucky smelly water everywhere. It's also easier because you can line your pail with a PUL bag (or even a garbage bag) and then you wouldn't have to wash the pail. Wet pails tend to have less odors (by far in my experience but then I've heard others say different so....) and result in slightly less stains (the water keeps the diaper wet which helps prevent the stains from setting. You can also stretch your wash time by maybe a day or so with a wet pail because the diapers won't have a chance to dry with a wet pail (don't go too long though because bacteria is still building...).
Some also mention the safety hazard of a wet pail which is true but you can solve that fairly easily by just putting the pail behind closed doors.
My personal method is a combination of both and the best of both worlds in my opinion. I use my washer as a wet pail. This way I don't have the hassle of a wet pail (or any pail for that matter!) but at the same time I still have it's benefits... On wash day(s) I just use my pail with the liner in it.
Karen.