Fluffy nappies

[rebeccamum]

I'm using Tots Bots cloth nappies and quite happy with them. But after several washes and air-drying, they become a bit starchy. Does anyone know how to resurrect their fluffiness? I can't use fabric softener as it will reduce the absorbency. They're so starchy that I'm worried my bub feels uncomfortable.

[sopolicha]

I have hemp ones and when they get a bit "stiff" from the sun, I dry them in the dryer - seems to fluff them up nicely.

[H&B'sMum]

It could be detergent residual. Put them through a detergent free rinse, dry them on the line and then put them through the dryer. Hopefully this will work for you.
Good luck

[sundaymum]

Stick them in the dryer to finish them off, and they should fluff right up again (10-15 min)

[cobysmummy]

i agree... every week or so... or when i cant be bothered to hang them outside i stick themin the dryer and they fluff up... like brand new...

[Sarie]

I'm a fluffy freak, I have to put all my towels, nappies and sheets in the dryer :o

[rebeccamum]

Thanks everyone! I'll give tumble dry a go tomorrow, I guess it's because the sun has been pretty harsh for the past week so it makes the nappies a bit stiffy. I read somewhere that white vinegar helps to soften them but I'm just concern it will irritate my bub. Tumble dry then :p

[rebeccamum]

I used to put them in a dryer when the weather is bad too but was told it destroys the elastic of the nappies so I went paranoid and hang them outside everyday. oh well I guess 10-15 mins in a dryer isn't the end of the world :D

[SugarBlossom]

Hi there,
I think white vinegar softens nappies again, they go hard because of all the soap etc and the vinegar neutralises it....just a few mls thru your wash and it shoulden;t irritate your bub ;)

[Oscar's mum]

I don't think I have ever heard of anyone having a reaction to vinegar.

I use it to fluff up my nappies on my DS who has terrible eczema and it dosn't irritate him at all.

[rebeccamum]

What kind of vinegar can I use? The one that we use for cooking?

[Sarie]

I use home brand white vinegar for everything - even cleaning the steriliser!!

[LucyE]

The best way to fluff nappies is in the dryer. 5-10mins on a warm setting won't do too much harm.

Do you have a frontloader? They use less water in the wash and then spins it really dry. If you can, try using the 'extra water' option and lower the spin speed to retain a bit of moisture in the nappies (I spin them at about 900rpm). My machine also has a 'anticrease' option which means it just tosses the washing around after it has finished the cycle so it doesn't just sit in one clump. I find this fluffs up nappies and towels beautifully.

When you hang them on the line, give them a good 'flick' and shake to help lift the pile. And bringing them in as soon as they're dry helps too.

Do you use fleece liners? If so, the scratchiness of the Tots shouldn't be an issue because bub's skin is against the soft fleece.

Vinegar in the rinse cycle can help some but if you have hard water, it won't do much because of the reaction with the minerals in the water. Infact, I find it causes more smells. When we were on tank water, I would use vinegar in the rinse cycle for all our washing instead of fabric softener. Ordinary HomeBrand white vinegar is fine. For a full load of towels, I'd probably use about 1/3 cup - adjust as necessary, if the washing comes out smelling 'vinegary' then cut back. You can also find 'cleaning vinegar' in the cleaning aisle of the supermarket. It has a slightly higher pH than ordinary cooking vinegar.

[Oscar's mum]

I use Homebrand vinegar as well.

[rebeccamum]

Thanks, everyone! Tried putting the nappies in the dryer yesterday for 10 mins on low heat, they're a bit softer :)

LucyE, I use a frontloader machine but have never taken a really good look on its functions, must dig out the manual :D What's your machine? Mine is Fisher & Pykel. I think the reason my nappies are so stiff is because I let them hang outside for too long.

I have the nappies in 2 sizes - size 1s come with fleece liners but size 2s don't, maybe I'll get fleece liners for size 2s as well.

So vinegar can make the nappies smelly? :eek: hmmm...I think I may not try this option. I don't know if I have hard water so probably won't risk it.

[LucyE]

My frontloader is a Miele. I had to beg and plead with DH about spending the extra $$$ but I'm glad I did because it makes life so much easier. Before purchasing I did a lot of research because my MIL's frontloader made her towels all scratchy and I didn't want that to happen to my nappies :) Because frontloaders are so water efficient they don't leave much moisture left in the washing which is good for drying times but not good for the softness factor :p

Give the 'shake and flick' trick a go and try drying them during the cooler part of the day. Some people have success with leaving them on the line overnight and bringing them in, in the morning. I personally don't like the idea of washing on the line a night but that's just me :)

It won't hurt to give the vinegar rinse a go with one load of nappies. If it doesn't work, no big deal because it's only one load, but if it does, it could be pretty handy because vinegar also helps to get rid of excess detergent in nappies.