Help, nappies smelling even after washing!

[FraterculaArctica]

Sorry if this has been done before - have been using all-in-ones (Bambino Miosolo - microfibre core) for about 3 months now, they washed fine at first but are now coming out of the wash smelling quite unpleasant. I wash them with non-bio capsules (Fairy I think) and Napisan, usually at 40, and do a prerinse first.

Have tried washing at a higher temp (60), and have run the washing machine empty on the hot cycle, but no improvement. Any suggestions how to fix this? thank you

I seem to recall reading that putting them in the bath with some vinegar then stamping on them then rinse and repeat. might be worth a try or at least a Google.

I always do nappies on 90. I find Surf powder is the best detergent. Once a month do a full hot wash with no soap, then immediately another with detergent. Hang outside whenever the weather permits

You need to strip wash them. Then reduce the amount of detergent you are using each time.

I agree you need to do a strip wash. The nappy lady says 3 washes, one at 30 deg the other 2 at 60deg.
You say you are also using capsules. I think that is way too much detergent. I use fairy powder and use about a teaspoon!

strip washing

Thanks all. Will try washing with powder and less of it. I've always thought the capsules very wasteful especially as the machine is never full for a nappy wash! I did do a strip wash when I first got them, but time for another perhaps (is that right?)

HeyMicky the care label gives 60 as the maximum wash temperature - I think 90 might damage the waterproof outer?

I found fairy made mine smell. I switched back to persil and they came out smelling fine again... No idea why. May be fairy is stronger and not washing out as easily.

Nappies do not need to be put on at 90!

What happens before you wash? We had ours in a big soaker with tea tree oil in it - v good.

Mostly I haven't been soaking before washing. Dry-pailing and washing every second/third day. Brian are you adding the tea tree oil to water or using it neat? I've also seen it advised to put tea tree oil in the fabric conditioner drawer of the washing machine - has anyone tried this?

Think I asked you on our other thread which nappies you use - now I know!

YY to strip wash. One 60 degree cycle with nothing but a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid, an extra rinse cycle, then a repeat cycle at 60 with about 60mL of vinegar and a few heaping spoonfuls of bicarb in the conditioner drawer.

I'd say hang them out on the line afterwards, but in this weather you'd end up with nappies frozen solid.

Oh, and I use an Eco Egg to wash nappies with so they don't get any build-up which might affect absorbency.

I've read that nappies stinking when they come out of the wash is ammonia build-up, which means not enough powder - ie, they're not getting clean. That seems to have been the case when it happened with mine.

The best strip wash routine I've found is rinse the nappies on cold (especially if they're soiled, as that will help rinse out the poo and pee), then wash on your longest cycle with a full dose of powder at 60C. Wash again and again at 60C until you don't see any more soap bubbles.

You can also strip with a "clean rinsing" detergent like Ecosprout or Rockin Green, by soaking your nappies in the tub with hot water. I've done this, but then had to carry a basket full of dripping wet nappies downstairs from the tub to get to the washing machine in my kitchen.

Switching from Persil Non-Bio, which doesn't seem to rinse that well in my machine, to a soap-free powder (whether bio or nonbio) seems to have helped keep stinks away. Also using more powder. I started off using about a teaspoon, but that was a mistake. One of the FB nappy groups pointed out to me: you wouldn't use just a teaspoon of powder to clean dirty clothes, so why would you use that little on dirty nappies?

I have also read that you can void the warranty on your washing machine if you put stuff like Fairy Liquid in it, so beware. Washing nappies like Miosolos on 90C is not usually recommended, as that temp can delaminate the waterproof part.

When my nappies started smelling of wee I put them outside in the rain to have 24 hours out there. It made a huge difference and was like a natural strip.

40 degrees is nowhere near high enough for nappies, you need to be boil washing them.

Er, do not boil wash nappies! Will totally ruin the PUL and elastic. 60 degrees will kill any nasties....

Do you cold rinse first?
You should t use capsules only powder and never a full dose. You only need to wash on maximum 60 . Sounds like You need to strip wash them .
Full dose powder then rinse rinse rinse until no bubbles left. If you have bubbles left there is powder left and this affects the microfibres and causes smells.

I always use an Eco egg now and have no problems with stinks and have used cloth on DS since birth. He is 14 months now .

Don't wet pail - no need do that and will cause more damage then good as can damage the Pul layer.