Why is my washing so scratchy?

[Lollylane]

Hi all, it's not just the nappies, all of my washing, especialy bath towels are really scratchy. I use half the recommended amount of laundry liquid for clothes, and less than a quarter of the recommended amount on nappies. I've tried switching laundry liquids, using vinager and bicarb soda but nothing helps. I just put it down to the Adelaide hard water, but someone who lives close by says that their washing is nice and soft. Any ideas?

do you have a front loader?

[tikki]

My sister lives in Adelaide and their system has a water softener on it.

WE have a front loader and hard water and the same problem if the clothes dry without the wind

[~Melissa~]

You're not alone Susannah. My towels go straight into the dryer after they are washed otherwise it's like drying yourself with sandpaper

I will be watching this thread with interest

Oh, and Brazen, I have a front loader - is that good or bad

front loaders make towels and nappies MUCH scratchier! you can do a few things to help soften them (give them a good hard flick before and after hanging, finish off in the dryer etc, spin on a much lower speed) but mostly ou've just got to accept they will be crunchy for the first use that's the reason we used flannelette inside our homemade terry & hemp fitteds.

[Lollylane]

I see, but I used to have a top loader, and my towels were scratchy then too. I thought the faster the spin the better (quicker drying time), I never would have thought to use a slower spin. I guess I'll give that a try.

[Lollylane]

I forgot to say that I've tried Calgon, which is supposed to take the calcium out of the water or something. It says to use quite a bit though, and I can't bring myself to use the recommended amount with a front loader which uses hardly any water at all.

In another thread, someone said that they have a water softening box that goes between the washing machine, and the water outlet. Does anyone know anything about those eg. where to get one?

[Jamie]

You say that someone who lives near you has soft washing. Have you asked exactly what they do?

[Lollylane]

They said that they use Spree washing powder, but that's the only difference. She has used other kinds though, and seemed surprised that my things were so scratchy. I'm actually ringing around now to see if I can find someone who sells those little water softeners for the washing machine. The bigger ones for the whole house cost $850 plus $150 installation!

[~*Rebecca*~]

Thats a lot of money for just softer towels