Not only are cloth diapers an environmentally friendly choice for your baby, but they can also be useful in your home beyond diaper changing. If your cloth diapers are a bit worn out after several years or generations of use, or your child no longer needs them, there are many creative ways to reuse them and thus benefit from their material for even longer.

Tip 1. Cleaning and preparation

Tip 2. Practical ideas for the household

Tip 3. For parents and babies

Tip 4. Creative upcycling ideas

Tip 5. For the garden and nature

Tip 6. Donate or pass on

TIP 1

1. Cleaning and preparation

• Proper washing and preparation: Before you repurpose your old cloth diapers, it is important to clean them thoroughly to remove any odors and residues. This includes not only washing with the right detergent at 60 degrees but also removing the residues by stripping
• Fill a bucket, sink or bathtub with water and mix about 6-9 tablespoons of baking soda or citric acid into it
• Place all cloth diapers in it and stir
• leave it in there for about 20 minutes
• then rinse thoroughly and wash again in the machine at 40 degrees
• Pay attention to materials: Different materials, such as cotton, bamboo, hemp or microfiber, are suitable to varying degrees for certain upcycling ideas

TIP 2

2. Practical ideas for the household

• Cleaning rags: Thanks to their high absorbency, old cloth diapers are perfect as cleaning rags for the kitchen and bathroom. Whether as a duster, polishing cloth or for cleaning windows - they are a great alternative to rags
• Dishcloths and tea towels: Thicker materials such as bamboo or cotton are ideal as dishcloths or sturdy tea towels
• Furniture and car upholstery cleaning: Old and soft diapers are particularly ideal for cleaning sensitive surfaces without leaving scratches - e.g. bamboo and microfiber

TIP 3

3. For parents and babies

• Washcloths for bath time: Old cloth diapers can be cut into smaller pieces and used as soft washcloths for babies and children. High-pile materials such as bamboo terry cloth or cotton terry cloth are best suited for this
• Comfort blanket or cuddly blanket: Many children love to use their old diapers as a cuddly blanket. The familiar softness and smell can have a calming effect.
• Changing mats: Larger diapers/muslin diapers or overpants can easily be converted into washable changing mats, ideal for on the go or at home. The PUL can be sewn onto the muslin diaper. You don't need to worry about special needles or threads here, because nothing has to be sealed at the edge.

TIP 4

4. Creative upcycling ideas

• DIY projects: Creative parents can also transform their old cloth diapers into something completely new, such as children's books with texture to feel and discover, bags for toys or even cuddly toys. There are no limits to your creativity here.
• Sewing projects: If you can sew, you could also make accessories such as cosmetic pads, small bags or washcloths. These are great as small, sustainable gifts or, of course, for use at home or on the go.

If your child is older, do something together, do some crafts or make a stuffed animal together.

TIP 5

5. For the garden and nature

• Garden and plant care: Natural materials such as cotton or hemp are biodegradable and are ideal as mulch or moisture storage for plants.
• Composting: If the material is biodegradable, it can also be put in the compost. However, be aware that synthetic fibers such as microfiber are not suitable for this.

Also make sure that your insoles come from organic farming and have not been contaminated with harmful substances.

TIP 6

6. Donate or pass on

• Second-hand shops and non-profit organizations: If the diapers are still intact but reselling them is not profitable or you would like to support families in need, then donate the cloth diapers to organizations or second-hand shops.
• Online groups and platforms: There are countless parent communities and platforms where you can give away or sell used cloth diapers.

Cloth diapers that are still in perfect condition deserve another life. This way you not only help families but also the environment.