Why Do Baby Burp Cloths Smell After Washing? Causes and Fixes

Quick answer

Burp cloths smell after washing because milk proteins, fabric softener buildup, or trapped moisture create a breeding ground for bacteria. A hot-water wash with baking soda or vinegar usually fixes it.

How to diagnose and fix the smell

• Symptom: Burp cloths smell sour or musty right after the wash cycle ends.
• Likely cause: Milk protein residue or fabric softener buildup is trapping bacteria in the fibers.
• Corrective action: Run a hot wash cycle (140°F / 60°C) with 1/2 cup of baking soda added to your regular detergent. If the smell persists, replace the baking soda with 1 cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle. Skip fabric softener and dryer sheets. Check the cloth after drying. If the smell is gone, you are done. If it lingers, repeat the vinegar rinse once more.
• When to stop or choose another option: If the odor remains after two hot washes with vinegar, the cloth may have deep-set bacteria or mildew. Replace the cloth rather than using stronger chemicals that could irritate baby's skin.

Products that help

• Cotton Burp Cloths in Fern: PURE COTTON BURP CLOTHS – an ideal size to pop into a handbag or changing bag and can be used all around the home. Pure cotton resists buildup better than blended fabrics, so odors are less likely to cling after a proper wash.

  

• Muslin Burp Cloths in Cream: Super-soft, extra absorbent muslin burp cloths an absolute essential for new parents, this muslin cloths will come in handy for feeding, changing or cleaning baby. The open weave of muslin allows water and detergent to flow through more freely, which helps rinse out milk proteins that cause odor.