cloth nappies in hard water areas

[crazycanuck]

hello all

does anyone know if anything can be done to soften cloth nappies that have gone hard and crusty due to washing in really hard water (it's pretty bad where we live)? I didn't realize quite how bad mine had gotten till I ordered some used nappies off of ebay (when you still could!!) and the ebay nappies were as fluffy as the day they were new. I'd like them soft again for ds, not to mention I'd like to sell them on when he's done with them. though I have a funny feeling we may be stuffed...

Give them a couple of washes with no powder, to get any residue out and then put a splash of white vinegar in the fabric conditioner draw - this acts as a softener. If you want to add a nice smell, try a few drops of lavender oil in there too.

This worked for me and I now use white vinegar in most washes of baby stuff as DD's skin is too delicate for fabric conditioner.

HTH.

my only other suggestion is get a magnetic water softener that you put in the drum - got it from some eco eithical superstore I think. Also if you can tumble them for a bit and then air dry them that makes a huge difference too

I have to admit I live in a hard water area and tumble drying is the only thing that fluffs my stiff nappies up - even if it is just a 'refresh' cold tumble after line drying it always seems to do the trick

thanks for your suggestions! will give it a shot...