Lingering Smell and Repelling nappies

[BOB]

I have just done a 2nd strip wash of my nappies, and some still have that lingering wee smell...and also my BGs seem to still be repelling?

What on earth am I doing wrong.

They get a smell build up really quickly (I am using soap nuts, but it was the same when I was using other products)..

Help??

[bubbyboy]

How are you doing your strip wash??

I prefer not to use anything at all in the normal day to day washing - I havn't had a nappy repelling yet!!

[BOB]

I tried washing with nothing, no good for me

Strip wash
Cold Rinse
Warm wash (as normal)
Hot wash with nothing in
Cold rinse (or two)

[Pam]

I use dishwasing liquid in my strip wash, and vinegar (a little bit) in the final rinse. Works great.

[BOB]

Some of my nappies say not to use vingar, in the wash instructions.

Dishwash liquid aye? Any type?

[Pam]

Just not any with conditioners in them I think. Just use the el cheapo ones.

It seriously works wonders! Just rinse, rinse, rinse until there are no bubbles.

Re: the vinegar - I use it mostly just on the inserts... but some of the very stinky PUL pockets I did as well. Too much use is not god for the PUL or elastic, but I figure once or twice is okay. I was desperate!

[bilbylove]

i would try

stripwash of pocket shells
do a wash with a 20 cent piece coin size amount of GENTLE dishwashing liquid
rinse until no more suds


wash all the inserts
half cup bicarb soda (instead of washing powder)
half cup vinegar (where fabric softener goes)
you can wash the inserts as hot as you like, as there is no PUL or elastic in them

[BOB]

THank you! Problem solved (well smell haven't tested out the repelling) but thanks for the advice! 1/2 my stash strip washed 1/2 to go!

[littlesox]

I've found that if your problem is repelling then do a hand-stripwash ... yep, sounds like a pain but I reckon it helps to get you focussing on the area that needs it ... i.e. rub the detergent into the suedecloth (or whatever your inner liner is) and you can actually see if the little holes are open or closed. Much less annoying than having to do it all over again.

Are you doing a cold pre-wash rinse? I haven't always done in the past but find I need to to make sure the stinky toddler wee smell doesn't penetrate the nappies!!

[BOB]

Thanks Jules

Yep I do a cold pre wash rinse...have to with my machine or I have serious staining issues!

Seems the baking soda did the trick on the boosters..might need to hand wash the covers/pockets aye.