Why Your Baby Burp Cloths Smell Musty and How to Fix It

Quick answer

Musty burp cloths are usually caused by trapped moisture and bacteria from milk residue. The fix is a hot water wash with a vinegar or baking soda soak, followed by thorough drying.

Diagnosis and fix for musty burp cloths

• Symptom: Burp cloths smell sour, damp, or musty right after washing or within a few hours of drying.
• Likely cause: Milk residue and bacteria trapped in the fabric, often made worse by slow drying or fabric softener buildup. Check if your washer is fully draining and if the cloths feel damp after a full cycle.
• Corrective action: Wash on the hottest setting the fabric allows (check care label). Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle or soak for 30 minutes in a baking soda solution (1/4 cup in warm water) before washing. Skip fabric softener. Dry on high heat or in direct sunlight until completely bone-dry. Sunlight is a natural deodorizer and can help remove stubborn smells.
• When to stop or choose another option: If the musty smell persists after three deep-cleaning washes, the cloths may have mildew deep in the fibers. At that point, replace them with new burp cloths to avoid exposing your baby to lingering bacteria.

Product that helps

• Muslin Burp Cloths in Kelp: 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 extra absorbency means these cloths hold more moisture, so proper drying is key to preventing musty smells.