Fabric Softener

[kristyo]

I have read that you should only use a small amount of detergent (like 1/2) to wash your cloth nappies and nothing else. I was wondering with cotton prefolds and flats is it ok to use fabric softener or is that bad? I only just got my nappies and want to wash them a few times before bubs comes to soften them up. I don't want to ruin them or reduce their absorbancy.


Thanks,
Kristy

[kermi]

Fabric softener works by coating the fibres of the fabric and that therefore makes them repell moisture/wetness.
I've never used any softeners on our nappies and I find even if they are a little crunchy, it doesn't take long for them to soften up when they are on bub.
HTH!

[L J]

Definitely avoid fabric softeners with your cloth nappies. You won't actually "ruin" your nappies but as kermi said, you will reduce absorbancy. However a strip wash or two will reverse the effect of any fabric softener "accidentally" used.

If you are worried about softness of fabric on tiny newborn bums, you have couple of options. Do you have a clothes drier? Its ok to toss your nappies in there for 5-10 mins even if they have dried on the clothesline, this will soften them up. Also you can rough them up in your hands, rubbing two ends of the one nappy together for a few seconds, this works just fine in our house

You'll find the faster the nappy dries, the crunchier it dries - so in direct sun on your clothes line on a hot windy day will probably give the crunchiest result, while drying in shade is softer and drying on an airer inside over a heating vent is softer too.

Did your nappies come with any washing instructions? A lot of nappy websites have their own instructions to help you out. I seem to remember when i bought cotton prefolds before DD was born they came with instructions and I was advised to dry them in the drier after the first wash, to quilt them up.

HTH

Lou

[Faeml]

I find that making sure the nappies are well spun and giving them a really really good shake before laying them out on a drying rack works the best - as well as popping them in my friend or mum's dryer every now and then.

Like the others have said, fabric softener won't ruin them, but it won't help either.

[cathyrubin]

I try to line dry all my nappies and then chuck in the dryer for 10-15 mins to soften.
The dryer works wonders!

[MadMel]

Sorry I know its off topic but what is a strip wash?

[Turtles]

The dryer should soften them up. Thats what I do with fitteds etc that get a bit crunchy on the line

[lorzilee]

I find the dryer makes my fitteds feel much nicer than any fabric softner too!

[The_Source]

kristyo - I don't think you need any reinforcement from me that fabric softerner is a no-no! There are plenty of other responses on that!

missymoo84 - Strip wash information is here:
How do I do a strip wash?

Cheers!

[mummygeorgie]

Just be aware as well, that if you use fabric softener on your other washing, it might reduce the absorbency of your nappies, as it coats hte machine. It's also personally not something I want next to my baby's bottom

Vinegar in the softener/rinse compartment is supposed to help keep things soft - but I use tea tree oil in there for the nice smell, so I dunno.