How to Fix the Diaper Genie Elite

One of my favorite baby shower gifts was the Diaper Genie Elite by Playtex. It was a necessity for all those dirty diapers that were yet to come. After my son was born, the system got quite a work out and began to get stuck with the lid open. With a little pressure, I was able to pop it back into place--except one time. This time, I heard that foreboding sound of plastic breaking. My miracle diaper eater broke!

I called Playtex and they were great in sending me a new one, a prepaid box to send back the old one, 2 free refills, and a coupon for another free refill. After using this one for 6 months and being extra careful, it got stuck like the last one.

I didn't feel like calling Playtex again and being a serial complainer, so I took out my screwdriver and decided to hunt down the problem. I was able to fix the Diaper Genie fairly easy. When I ran across reviews of the Diaper Genie Elite on the web, I found that other parents have had the same problem. I thought it was time that someone posted instructions on how to fix the product.

I cannot guarantee these steps will work in all cases, however it should work if you are finding that your Diaper Genie lid will not close. I am not a mechanic, but I have described the parts as best I can.

Tool needed: 
Phillips screwdriver

Step 1: Remove the bag from your Diaper Genie.

Step 2: Push the button near the middle of the Diaper Genie to lift up the top half of the Diaper Genie.

Step 3: Sit the Diaper Genie with the top half open and resting on the ground as much as you can. You may need a second pair of hands if the lid is firmly stuck open.

Step 4: Survey the interior. You should see the cutter (labeled "Cutter"). Right below the cutter is a panel that encases the mechanism for opening and closing the lid. Four inches down the panel are two Phillips screws.

Step 5: Remove the screws and set aside.

Step 6: Remove the panel and set aside.

Step 7: Observe the way that the "trap doors" for the diapers move. They are supposed to move smoothly in a crescent-shaped track and hit the mechanism that opens the lid. Most likely, you will see that one or both of these doors are off the track. Or, you might see the part that hits the mechanism is locked onto it.

Step 8: Gently, but firmly, move the misaligned part back into its proper place. Test it to make sure the doors open and close properly.

Step 9: Check to make sure that the lid mechanism is still connected to the lid. I have found that it will sometimes come loose and need to be pushed back into the groove on the inside of the lid.

Step 10: Replace the panel and screws. Tighten the screws.
And now you're done! Everything should be in working order. If you have further problems or are unable to complete the repair, then do not hesitate to contact Playtex Consumer Support at 1-888-310-4290.