soap nut virgin - still got smelly nappies

[vnmum]

hi, ive had a problem with smelly nappies for a bit now, they have a stale urine/ hamster smell about them no matter what i do.

i tried using less powder then i swapped to soapnuts. i am using 6 - 8 halves per wash and i had done a quick wash with no detergent first to get rid of any residue on the nappies then washed them in soapnuts. i then air dryed them and then tumbled them for 30 mins to fluff them up. i could smell them when they were in the dryer and there is still a faint smell now theyre dry.

i tried a few drops of tea tree oil in the softener draw but DS came out in a rash.

i dry pail and would like to wash every other day but am having to wash every day due to the smell.

i have thought about soaking in water with soapnuts, would this work or has anyone any other ideas?

This is a really tricky one and takes a lot of trial and error.

Sometimes it can be due to too much soap - sometimes not enough!!

Wet pailing for a while may help. Tea tree in the soak water shouldn't irritate skin as it is washed out afterwards.

A splash of white vinegar in the fabric softener draw may help.

Giving your washing machine a clean (with a washing machine cleaning product, I mean) may help to make it more effective. I had this problem and I tried everything, and it only got better when our WM finally packed up and we bought a new one - not the most helpful answer!

Emma

Add some nappy soak (Perfectly Happy People or Cotton Bottoms) to help 'sanitise' them.

Alternatively, I occasionally use a lovely smelly powder ball in the wash, called 'Nappy Buddies' I think.

They come in different flavours - I've been using Apple & Cinnamon ones for a while. I put them in the nappy bucket net to keep the bucket smelling really fresh then throw the whole lot in the wash together.

I usually get them from Andees Kool Kids (www.andeeskoolkids.com) but her site seems to be temp down for redesign. I think I might have 1 or 2 left (will double check when I can get in to DS' bedroom) if you would like to try one?

Hello washingqueen - fancy bumping into you here (getting excited about buying new little nappies again!!) Sorry to hijack!

I put different oils in softener drawer (might just react to tea tree) - currently use orange.

Not heard of the apple and cinnamon balls - they sound dead nice.

i get that wierd smell but only the kooshies are affected. luckily the boys only have one each. the plastic seems to keep it in.
my washing machine is total crap but since switching to liquid rather than powder and adding white vinegar to the softner drawer, all is fine with the other nappies.
i also run a 90deg wash now and again thru an empty machine. that helps.

thanks everyone,
washingqueen, thanks for the offer, i will see if i can get them online first so im not having to use your supply.

i did put vinegar in the softener draw with the oil and wasnt sure if it was the vinegar or the oil DS reacted to but i presumed it was the oil as he has got slightly sensitive skin and to be honest i couldnt see why he would react to the vinegar.

does the nappy soak not damage the nappies over time, the elastic etc?

i like the sound of orange oil so may get something like that to try when i can. i live in germany and cant buy aromatherapy oils over the counter here.

i will try the 90 degree wash and will also look out for a washing machine cleaner, i hadnt thought of that.

thanks again, i willdo some trialling and let you know how i get on.

while im here, does anyone else use soapnuts and if so how do you find them? also has anyone tried the drier balls from lakeland?

Message withdrawn

Hi loler, caught me getting another fix of nappy chat. I have restocked my nappy stash with little nappies from Nappy Lady Ads so (for now) I am keeping purse firmly in pocket.

I recommend those Nappy Buddies to everyone I know who washes nappies - they smell lovely in the bucket and my nappies always come out all fresh and nice. Sometimes if you just email Andee she can sort items out without bothering with the website, I have always found her to be very friendly and helpful.

Actually I love soap nuts. I wouldn't use them for nappies, but I use them on any non-greasy clothes and I love the fact that my washing smells clean - I hate the artificial smells of washing powder.

Had a memory flash....the nappy buddies are imported from U.S. I think - where they are called 'Diaper Buddies'.

They are made of essential oils and baking soda so they aren't as harsh as normal nappy santiser powders.

Oh I have some Nappy Buddies for sale on my site (spam spam, sorry!) but prob not for much longer as the cost of import tax makes them prohibative really and am off to do a baby show this weekend so was hoping to have a clear out of them!

Oh that is a shame Snuggle, I love to treat my nappies to them every once in a while. I didn't realise anyone else sold them in UK, otherwise I would have bought from you before!

Snugglebum - Did you clear your stock at the show?

Would like to order some - have just been yo your website and they are still showing - can I go ahead and order?

Yep still have some left so order away! Thanks!

I just wanted to say that the nappy buddies are fantastic - really do stop all smells both in the bucket and after washing. No nasty nappies in my house!