hard, stiff, sandpaper-like cloth nappies in soft water area

[carolynd]

I've recently purchased some swaddlebees one size organic cotton velour nappies. I live in a soft water area (Glasgow). I wash them with a fraction of the recommended for normal load non-bio detergent then line dry them or use an airer. I try not to use a tumble dryer for environmental reasons (though when I have on occasion they are much softer) . The problem is that they are really, really hard, stiff and rough - like sandpaper and not nice at all to put on my ds. Does anyone have any tips or bright ideas about making them softer without using fabric conditioner??

If you put them in the tumble dryer for about 10 minutes first and then line dry them, you'll get a lot better results. The dryer fluffs them up and makes a big difference. My Little Lamb nappies go awful stiff and scratchy if I just line dry them, but the quick tumble is great. Hope this helps.

Can't you use a little white vinegar in the softener draw?

Yes, you can.

Next time I'll check first rather than answering a question with a question.

thanks for that