line/air drying cloth: Is stiffness a problem or should I just ignore it?

[aikigypsy]

We've just moved into an apartment with no clothes dryer. I've been drying the nappies (prefolds) on a rack, and I find them quite stiff when they're done (they were nice and soft after the dryer). It doesn't seem to bother DD so far, but I wondered if anyone has any experience with this, or suggestions.

Can different detergents make them softer, and if so are they a good idea? Has anyone actually had increased nappy rash or irritation from using air dried cloth?

Thanks.

I use hemp nappies which go stiffer than cardboard if airdried. I put them in the dryer for the last 10 mins or so of drying time and that softens them up but if I forget I do just put them on DD as they are (they make a sort of cracking sound when I wrap them round sometimes ) but she never seems to complain!
It doesn't seem to increase her nappy rash (she only gets it when teething or after too many satsumas)

To soften your prefolds you could trying adding white vinegar to your wash cycle. Giving them a good 'scrunch up' and rubbing them together after they are dry helps a bit too. You could also put a softer barrier between the prefold and the bottom - fleece liners would work well, I use cheapy supermarket microfibre dishcloths as a booster pad - they stay soft whatever you do with them.

Thanks. It's good to know that her lack of rash this past week isn't just a fluke, that other babies have survived cardboardy nappies with no ill effects.

Make your own fleece liners, then you can cut them to size. Half a metre from a haberdashery shop will be plenty.

i air dry my pre-folds, if they are particularly stiff i iron them, softens them up a bit. they dont seem to bother lo if i dont get round to it tho

I dried my nappies on the line (or above our stove) and the babies both seemed fine. The vinegar is a good tip.