5 Alternatives to using a Diaper Pail or Diaper Genie

Diaper pails and diaper genies are essential for new parents if they want to keep their homes clean, odor-free and to dispose of their baby’s diapers in the easiest possible way.

Diaper genies are designed with individually sealed scented bags with a unique film that helps prevent odors and bacteria development. The sealed diapers remain isolated in the so-called “diaper sausages,” which are easy to dispose of without a mess, smell, or a danger of contamination.

The problem is that the original diaper genies and pails can be quite expensive, so more people are looking for less costly and yet efficient alternatives to diaper pails or genies.

Here are some of the best alternatives to consider when looking for the best disposal method for dirty diapers at home.

We have examined some of the most popular and best solutions, as well as their pros and cons.

The best alternatives to diaper pails or genies you can use, pros and cons:

An ordinary trash can

A regular trash can costs a fraction of what a diaper pail costs and yet can do the job of containing your baby’s diapers almost perfectly.

You can use it for pee diapers directly, but for ones with poop, you may want to wrap them in an additional trash bag beforehand to eliminate the odor.

You can buy an inexpensive and yet suitable trash can like this one by Simplehuman, which is durable, has a small footprint, and however is sizeable, and comes with either a plastic or a steel lid.

It is a good idea to keep the trash can somewhere outdoors or in the garage in order to prevent the smell and potential spread of germs inside your home.

Dog poop bags

While it may feel weird to use puppy poop bags for your baby’s diapers, these specially designed bags are an excellent affordable alternative to diaper pails or genies.

The dog poop bags like these ones offered by Earth Rated are inexpensive and yet are scented, easy to unroll and tie up, and will prevent leakage and odors from the diapers contained inside.

They work best when combined with an ordinary trash can, which, if possible, you should keep outdoors and throw out on a daily basis.

Disposable grocery bags

If you already have a pile or cupboard filled with old grocery bags, then this is the best alternative to an expensive diaper genie for you.

They will cost you nothing, and you can simply tie them up after disposing of the diaper to help prevent the spread of odors at home.

Once again, it is advisable to keep the trash can somewhere outside of your house and to throw it out at least once a day to keep your home sanitary.

Waterproof wet bags

Wet bags like the bestselling ones by Bumkins are very useful and reasonably priced items. They are versatile and can be used to store and carry wet swimsuits or gym clothes, toiletries, and dirty diapers.

They are an eco-friendly alternative to disposable plastic bags and will seal the diapers or other stuff inside, keeping the smell contained inside.

The wet bags come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and patterns and are useful for carrying with you when traveling, when spending time outdoors with the baby, or for many other needs. They will not leak any liquid, mess, or smells.

All you need to do is to place the dirty diaper inside, seal the waterproof bag via the zipper, and then dispose of the waste as soon as you get to a garbage bin.

After that, you can wipe them off or just throw them in the washing machine and reuse them over and over again.

Disposable diaper bags or sacks

Yes, there are special disposable diaper sacks on the market, which are an excellent alternative to diaper pails.

The diaper sacks, such as the ones offered by Sassy, come in large packs and at an affordable price.

The sacks are treated with a baby powder scent and come with easy to close and tie handles to keep the dirty diaper contained and safe from leaking smells or liquids.

They are perfect for everyday use indoors and outside and can be placed in the nursery to make your life easier when changing your little one’s diapers.

See also: Leading Diaper Pails Using Regular Trash Bags

Tips for preventing the diaper genie or pail alternatives from smelling

Unfortunately, whichever alternative you choose for a diaper pail or genie, chances are that poopy diapers will end up smelling.

Here are some tips to help keep the air in your home fresh, clean, and odor-free when using alternatives to diaper pails:

A carbon filter

You can place a carbon filter directly in your trash can or use one built0in your home air purifier. Carbon filters are porous and can absorb even the most pungent smells from poop, smoke, cooking fumes, and more. These filters trap and lock the odors and are highly efficient for keeping the air smelling nice and fresh.

Baking soda

Yes, apart from being highly efficient for cleaning all types of stains, grease, mineral build-ups, and more, ordinary baking soda also has the function of absorbing smells.

You can use this inexpensive household item by simply sprinkling some baking soda in the trash can after you empty it.

The baking soda will help absorb and eliminate the odors, completely chemical-free and naturally, unlike many air fresheners, which can be harmful to babies.

White vinegar

You may not associate vinegar with fresh air. Still, the fact is that mixing some white vinegar with water and using a spray bottle to apply some of it to the garbage can after it is emptied can help immensely with eliminating the nasty odors from the poopy diapers. Vinegar is also an efficient all-natural disinfectant.

Simply spray the inside of the trash can before adding a trash bag or liner, and the smells will be reduced to a minimum.

Activated charcoal air purifying bags

Activated charcoal bags are the safest air purifiers for your home. The sachets are long-lasting and highly effective in absorbing and trapping both odors and moisture.

You can carry one of these activated charcoal bags in your diaper bag or wet bag or directly in the trash can if you want to minimize the smell of dirty diapers.

Final words

Even though they may not be as efficient in containing the smells from the dirty diapers as the diaper pails do, the abovementioned alternatives are cheaper solutions to your poopy diaper disposal problems.

You can choose one or more of these alternatives, combined with the odor-absorbing products we have suggested, for the best results.