The Cloth Diaper Geek Explains it all! Does sunning really kill bacteria?

I know this topic was covered briefly in another recent Cloth Diaper Geek post, but just last week another question was asked and it really brought to light some interesting info on sunning that you might not have known.

Question: I live in the Catskills of NY state and now that the weather is getting chilly, it takes hours & hours or days for my diapers to dry outside. The sun just isn't hot enough to do it in a short time like in the summer months. So, my question is, if I still want to use the sun for killing bacteria and icky stuff, how long should I leave them outside?

The Geek's Answer: Thanks for such a great question. The truth is, the Geek had to do a little digging this time, to be sure to provide as accurate an answer as possible. The information found on this topic was quite interesting and really eye opening.

According to numerous sources on Google, direct exposure to UV (ultra violet) light is necessary for the destruction of bacteria and microorganisms in the air or on exposed surfaces. The rays must directly strike the organism, either at a high intensity for a short amount of time or a low intensity for an extended amount of time.

If bacteria or mold spores are hidden beneath the surface of a material and not in the direct path of the rays then they will not be destroyed, UV light does not penetrate most substances, including fabrics. According to the National Weather Service, different types of clouds can either enhance or block UV rays. A good rule of thumb is that if you can see areas of blue sky, then you are being exposed to either direct or reflected UV rays.

So how does this information affect the practice of sunning cloth diapers in order to rid them of unwanted bacteria? Well, the answer so far as I can tell, is that you cannot rely 100% on the UV rays to kill ALL of the bacteria and/or mold spores that may be lurking in your diapers. But...you can increase the amount of bacteria affected by making sure your diapers are exposed to direct UV rays, turning them over to expose both sides, turning them inside out (if possible) and exposing the inside surfaces to direct rays as well.

As for how much bacteria is being killed and/or how to measure how much UV rays you're exposing your diapers to? I am going to have to leave those answers up to the real scientists. In my opinion, it seems that any amount of bacteria killed by either a lot or a little exposure to UV rays is better than no bacteria killed by not sunning your diapers at all.

*Do you have a question for the Cloth Diaper Geek? Use our Blog Contribution form and submit your questions today!

The Cloth Diaper Geek Explains it all! 1st Edition

Welcome to the first edition of The Cloth Diaper Geek Explains it all! Here, every Tuesday, at Diaper Discussions you'll find answers to reader submitted questions. No question is too big or small for The Cloth Diaper Geek! Post your questions as comments or feel free to use our Reader Contribution Form to submit your question.

To kick it off, below you'll find some frequently asked questions answered by The Cloth Diaper Geek!

Question: I've heard that you aren't supposed to place microfiber directly against the babies skin, is this true? If so, why?

The Geek's Answer: Great question! Microfiber is a super absorbent synthetic fiber and while it does feel soft to the touch (especially when new), some theories are that it can dehydrate babies sensitive skin when placed directly against it and cause dryness, rashes, allergies, etc. While microfiber is miraculous at soaking up liquids, it is not known for feeling dry to the touch. A quick dry liner of fleece or suedecloth is recommended or use the microfiber inside pocket diaper where there will be a barrier between it and your babe's precious bum.

Question: What is sunning and why is it recommended for cloth diapers?

The Geek's Answer: Sunning is the practice of either putting your diapers out to dry in the sun or sunning them in order to remove stains. Not only is it going reduce the wear and tear on your diapers compared to drying in a machine, it will also save you money off your electric bill! Plus, the sun's natural UV rays kill germs and bacteria naturally, help prevent undesired odor buildup, and it's a sure fire way to remove stains without the use of harsh chemicals.

On top of all those benefits, there's nothing quite as pleasing as seeing all your colorful diapers and accessories hanging out on the line on a nice sunny day.

Have a question for the Geek? Post your comments below.