Disposable Diaper in The Washer, How to Clean The Mess!

I can’t believe that after being a mom for six years I had my first disposable diaper in the washer accident just a few weeks ago, and ironically once the boys were both OUT of diapers!  Yes, friends, I accidentally washed a disposable pull-up with my laundry and it was the messiest thing I’ve had to deal with in a while. Don’t even ask me how it got there because I have NO idea!

So parents, from now on, a big word of advice from me, make sure you triple check when loading your washer, so you NEVER end up washing a disposable diaper or pull-up in your washing machine. Now, if you end up somehow accidentally doing just that like I did, then keep reading. Below I am going to share what I did to clean the crazy messy gel beads that went everywhere.

Disposable Diaper in The Washer, How to Clean The Mess!

Disposable Diaper in The Washer, How to Clean The Mess!

RELAX: Take a deep, deep breath and know that you are not alone, this has happened to other people before and will happen to more people in the future, it’s actually quite common. Also, I know that you are probably freaking out, wondering if your clothes and machine are ruined, but I promise, your machine and your clothes will be fine, the gel beads will be gone, and your machine will survive! So just breath for now and keep reading.

  • Step 1: Pull the diaper out of your machine and throw it in the garbage
  • Step 2: Pull the clothes out of the washer one by one and shake each piece to remove as many gel beads as you can, I know there are so many, but just keep shaking! You’ll floor will be a mess but this step is necessary.
  • Step 3: Put the clothes in your dryer and dry as usual. Don’t worry your dryer will be fine, the beads will mostly end up in the lint filter.
  • Step 4: Go back to your washer and use a paper towel to remove as many beads as you can. You won’t be able to get them all but try to get as many as you can.
  • Step 5: Run a Speed Wash cycle with cold water/no detergent
  • Step 6: Run a second Speed Wash cycle with a half a cup of white vinegar.
  • Step 7: After your clothes are done drying they should come out free of beads. I noticed most of my clothes were totally fine, but a couple of sweaters had some dry beads still attached. For those, I used a lint roller, and they were fine after that.
  • Step 8: Clean your dryer’s lint filter.

You are DONE! See? You survived! Your clothes are fine, and your washer and dryer are o.k. Now, make sure you check your laundry loads carefully to avoid it happening again.

Have you ever had a disposable diaper in the washer accident?

Disposable Diaper in The Washer, How to Clean The Mess!