Should I wash at 90?

[outthere]

Hi all,

Random, trivial question coming up:

Just going through all my baby clothes which have been stored in airtight bags in the loft for 3 years. Obviously I want to wash everything before baby wears it but do I really have to wash everything at 90 degrees do you think?

Shall I just wash everything at 40 like I normally would or should I be aiming to kill germs with a higher temperature?

I have never washed anything at 90 degrees ever. I would wash them at 40 degrees and they will be fine. I really don't think they will have become germ ridden and it is more likely if you wash them at 90 degrees that they will shrink.

I might consider doing whites at 60 if I was feeling frivolous

Maybe 30 years ago when detergent was less effective. Normal wash on 30/40 is fine today. If you're worried about mites or anything,( no reason why if just in the loft), then you could do a 60 wash to kill them.

A 60 degree wash should kill any bacteria. 90 is really only good for white 100% cotton.

Thanks for that, 40/60 it is then!

I first read your thread as meaning "do i really, still need to have a wash at 90yrs!" thank heavens

If you're worried about germs you can buy anti-bacterial powder called Napisan from most supermarkets (in the baby aisle). You just use it alongside your normal washing powder. It's also great for getting rid of milk stains.

I'm with the others. Just wash them normally -personally if it's just clothes I think even low temperatures will be fine. I wash most things at 30oC and have only ever used the 60oC wash for nappies.

Most of mine have been done on 30/40. Remember to hang them up rather than using the dryer.

Why would you not use the dryer?

I can't think of any reason for that except the ecological objections... but then the truly eco don't tend to buy tumble-dryers! I only use mine when drying outside won't work.

Most clothes shrink dont they, alot of my labels said not to use a dryer.

All the clothes have been tumble dried to death anyway so I'm sure they'll be fine...

Thanks for the Napisan trick - I'd forgotten all about that! Might as well get some as I'm sure I'll be using it in the future for all those explosive nappies I've got to look forward to...

Oh sorry, I shouldnt read and reply after just waking up. Was thinking you had lots of new stuff for first baby.