Washing MCNs

[DungeonKeeper]

This may be a stupid question again but here it goes:

I have a variety of different MCNs now and I need to wash them. (I have just got them and they haven't been used yet).

Most instructions say to use a normal detergent that you would use for regular household washing. I am aware that one isn't suppose to use softerners.

My question is, does it matter which detergent? I am sure I read somewhere that it should be non-bio, I think... or maybe they meant biodegradable which is something different... Confusing! I can't remember where I read this and whether it was in relation to MCNs or because it (enzymes etc) may irritate baby's skin.

When I look at different detergent boxes I can't find ones that say non-bio on them. They all seem to contain enzymes so I guess that means biological. I have a front loader machine by the way in case that's relevant.

Does using powder with enzymes in damage the nappies? What brand/type do most people use for their MCNs? Do you use something different to your regular washing? I want to look after my MCNs! (And baby's skin of course). Any recommendations would be cool. (I seem to so far use things like fab and duo for normal washes but don't have a particular reason for goiing for those, if there is something more suitable out there I iwll switch).

Thanks and sorry for the stupidly convoluted long post for a simple question.

[NibbleCurlynBub]

Some work better than others... You are only supposed to use about 1/4 of regular stuff though.

Some use SoapNuts, some use Eco something or other.. I use Bosisto's Eucofresh, some use planet ark... some use Omo. :p

I use the eucofresh for everything pretty much.

[srodgers]

I use a few different ones, depends whats on sale when i go shopping. Usually, its planet ark powder. Hurricane do a really good eco friendly liquid. I cant remember what its called though! And only 1/4 of what i use on a normal load.

[katieinwa]

i don't use any washing powder/detergents at all. you don't need to use any if you are going to line dry as the UV sanitises the nappy :)

[DungeonKeeper]

i don't use any washing powder/detergents at all. you don't need to use any if you are going to line dry as the UV sanitises the nappy :)

Dunno. We live in a unit but do have a common outside drying area for that purpose although this isn't always practical. So I use a combination of drying indoors, using the dryer and using the outdoor area. I only use the dryer if it's something really urgent. Since being able to not carry much I haven't used the outside area, so mainly dry stuff indoors.

No idea what method will take over once I pop.

Thanks to everyone for the input. I was just worried about "breaking" the nappies if i used something wrong!

[katieinwa]

do you have a courtyard or balcony? you could air them outside for a couple hours to get a bit of UV into them. i dunno if i would use the common area...i would be scared someone would steal them :( i have heard of theft from clotheslines :(

[katieinwa]

sorry when i mean air them i mean on a clothes airer

[Sparrowgal]

I frequently dry mine in the house. Though if stained I try to take them outside but I don't hardly have pooey nappies these days. And my nappies are still going strong! So just to let you all know that house drying is ok (but it will probably take 2 days to dry instead of 1 if you house dry)

[DungeonKeeper]

do you have a courtyard or balcony? you could air them outside for a couple hours to get a bit of UV into them. i dunno if i would use the common area...i would be scared someone would steal them :( i have heard of theft from clotheslines :(


Some people!! I would have never thought about them being stolen. :shame: Naughty people!

This place is a bit posh so we are not allowed to have clothes drying out in the balcony/courtyard. You get told off with a letter! :laughing:

Interesting how the conversation changed from washing to drying =)

[Whoops]

I use Purity Sensitive. It is enzyme and phospathe free and it is reasonably priced.

[SpottySocks]

For my brand new nappies I didn't use any powder at all - just put them through the machine 3 times and then hung them out to dry.

Now I use Herbon Biodegradable powder that I get from the whole foods shop but have also used other brands from the supermarket, as long as it doesn't have a fabric softener included then I think you would be ok.

Goodluck - a brand new "stash", how exciting!!