Dealing with one dirty diaper is not fun but dealing with the smell of a week's worth of dirty diapers is downright awful. Each time you pop the lid open, soiled diaper smells come out.

The purpose of a diaper pail is to minimize stink in your home. No matter how diligent you are at emptying the bin, both the inside and outside need to be cleaned and deodorized often for the sake of whoever is tossing diapers in there.

To make matters worse, the combination of moisture from wet diapers and lack of airflow in a diaper pail can promote mold and mildew growth. Mold can cause respiratory issues, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and allergic reactions. Because of this, it's important to clean your diaper pail regularly and keep it in a well-ventilated area.

Many diaper pail manufacturers suggest cleaning about every three months, but any parent who's dealt with a stinky diaper pail will tell you it would be better to clean about once a week.

Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner doesn't contain the harmful chemicals* sometimes found in other cleaning products. In addition to thoroughly cleaning, the formula also deodorizes, so it leaves your diaper pail clean and smelling fresh at the same time.

You can also do any or all of the following to clean diaper pail odor between cleanings:

• Dispose of solid waste in the toilet. Parents who use cloth diapers are already familiar with this method. It not only minimizes odor, but it reduces bacteria growth, and it's better for the environment.
• After dumping solids, rinse the dirty diaper before rolling it into a ball and tossing it.
• Use scented trash bags to line the pail instead of expensive refill bags.
• Drop a few drops of essential oil into a newly lined diaper pail.

Directions for Cleaning Diaper Pails:

Gloves aren't necessary when working with Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner, but we recommend wearing them when cleaning your diaper pail to avoid cross-contamination of other surfaces.

1. Prepare the pail. Remove and dispose of the dirty diapers and take your diaper pail outside or to the bathtub.
2. Rinse. Using either a garden hose or a showerhead, rinse the interior and exterior of the diaper pail.
3. Apply Simple Green. Spray full-strength Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner all over the exterior and interior of your diaper pail.
4. Let it sit for about 5 minutes.
5. Use a clean rag or sponge to scrub. Use your rag or a sponge, dedicated to this task alone, to make sure the product reaches every inch, especially the bottom of the pail, for maximum cleaning and deodorizing.
6. Rinse. Use your hose or showerhead one more time to rinse the inside and outside of the pail.
7. Let the interior air dry for as long as possible. Leave the pail to dry upside down either outside or in your bathtub.

*Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner is an EPA Safer Choice product. You can learn more about how each ingredient has been reviewed by EPA toxicologists for health, safety, and environmental compliance here.