Which detergent? And what to soften fabric?

[Rhian82]

I was wondering what detergent everyone uses to wash their reusable nappies? At the moment I'm using Ecover non-bio powder, but DS is getting bad nappy rash and I'm wondering if that's to blame.

Also, the nappies are getting really hard. Obviously I can't use fabric conditioner, and we don't have a tumble dryer - what other tricks are there for softening the fabric?

We use ecoballs and also dolly balls (I know you can get them from Lakeland and John Lewis) they batter the fabric in the washing machine and make it softer. An eggcup of vinegar can also help if you have hard water.

I use bold 2 in one and it definatly helps us but my DD does't have senstive skin, I would give that a go TBH. You only use one tablet.

I sometimes add vinegar but it can damage the elastic or something when used long term which put me off.

I have been thinking about trying ecoballs but not really sure how I feel about them as to if they get the nappies clean enough. Do you know what temp you can use them at?

ecoballs can be used up to 60 degrees. they can be teamed with mangoballs - using 60 degrees u'll have an effect of 100 degrees

salt can also soften the water.
I've heard ecover fabric softner can be used for nappies but never tried.

I use boots own sensitive skin washing powder for nappies. In fact, for everything! Its fragrance free and bargainously cheap at £1.85 a box if you join their Health Club.

I used fairy non bio. And if DD's tots bots got a bit hard I would rub them together and they softened up.

MsMarple i'll have to pick some up next time I am in boots

We use soap nuts for washing and Horsechesnuts and vinegar for softening.

I use Bio powder and Napisan at 30 or 40 for white nappies; I use non-bio and wash at 60 for coloured nappies.

I expect that's against all the sensitive skin advice, but we've had no problems at all on this regime (family of 6, and DD does have sensitive skin). Soapnuts didn't get our clothes clean. I mix other white items in with the white nappy wash. Vinegar has never softened anything for us.

We use the Simply washing tablets (although we used to use the Ecover non-bio liquid), plus a scoop of nappy bright (or whatever brand the healthfood shop has in), plus a slug of vinegar in the fabric conditioner compartment which helps to get rid of powder residues and soften the nappies up.

Do you use a nappy cream? It may sound obvious, but I have found that with reusables I need to use a nappy cream each change (we have the Weleda one), which you wouldn't have to with disposables.

We've swopped over to ecoballs ecoballs recently and I've been gobsmacked! I didn't think they would work, but have completely changed my mind! We're in a soft water area, and you're supposed to use a magnoball as well in hard water areas, and it also says you can use a litte Ecover laundry bleach to remove stains, which I do with nappies. I also put a few drops of lavender oil in the final rinse to make them smell nice. But I'm amazed at tye washing power, and no chance of powder build up at all!
I love em!