Line dried nappies- mmmm.... that lovely cardboard feel!!

[honeybunny]

Anyone got any suggestions for "softening" my line dried nappies (totsbots and kooshies). They are soo hard that even after removing the peg, they still hang on the line, even on a windy day! I use Filetti soap powder, but no softener (ruins the absorption of the nappy). I've tried drying for 20mins in the tumbler before hanging to fluff them up a bit, no help. And tried tumbling with a wet towel for 20mins after drying (a bit more help, but still rough).
I've read that vinegar can be used as a softener. Anyone know how much? and what type? Wine vinegar, cider, malt??? And does it make them smell odd? Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated by my wee ones!

I line dry my nappies and though they're not exactly fluffy, they're not hard and I think this is because I use liquid detergent (this is also marvellous for removing stains). Don't know about the vinegar!

I believe that any vinegar will do, but white is supposed to be better than malt. About 60ml for a full load?

It works in our machine, but I have to run a separate cycle because the stupid compartments flood together.

Washing with 50-50 detergent-soda crystals seemed to make my naps softer, too. You can buy them at most supermarkets (makes for cost savings, too).

Tumble drying towels completely, no line drying, makes them nice and soft & fluffy. Expensive in terms of electricity though...

According to Linda Cobb (the queen of clean) in her book Talking Dirty Laundry, fabric softener does take away some absorbency so she recommends that it is only used every 2 or 3 washes on towels (same fabric) and suggests that you use 100ml of white vinegar as a softening agent. She says that the washing won't smell of it. Worth a go. Ironing sometimes has a softening effect too but this is increasing the workload somewhat. HTH

I know Soupdragon. My boys' nappies are usually tumbled, and beautifully soft, but with the warmer weather, I decided on an economy drive!! Cooler today, so they get softies again. Couldn't be bothered to hang so back to the tumbler they went. Nappies that is, not the boys! I'll try the vinegar and report back.

honeybunny - must confess to using softener on my nappies, as can't stand the hard nappies - having always done it can't comment on reduction in absorbancy, but mine are always fine.

leese-any trouble with nappy rash or eczema-type skin reactions to the softener? ds1 had eczema in his first year, as possibly an intolerance to cows milk formula, and I stopped using all fabric softeners on his clothes. He's fine on cows milk now so perhaps I could go back to using a little softener. What do you think?

I'd give the fabric softener a go, you can always wash again without if you need.

I did dutifully wash without conditioner etc in the early days, but now nappies get chucked with other things (gosh! how lax! In reality what a non-event) so the fabric conditioner goes in. I really have noticed no difference on the absorbancy part though it may well be different with new borns.

honeybunny, have you tried one of the 'sensitive' variants of fabric conditioner? I don't know if they are any less likely to cause skin problems but they might be a safer option.

We use ecover everything - for environmental reasons - but have found (thankfully) that even though the children and I have very sensitive skin it has never had a bad reaction on any of us including the baby. Used it on the nappies and it was great. Maybe worth a try?

I had this problem too. I tumble for a few minutes after they've been on the line which helps a little. I tried the vinegar, but with very little effect, so despite avoiding it religiously up until now i've started using fabric softener. The change is dramatic. They are soooo soft now, having been like sandpaper before. And I feel much less guilty about it!

You can add tea tree oil or lavender to the vinegar if you like.

Winnie, we're long-standing fans of Ecover too and find that the fabric conditioner is much better than most for not affecting absorbency. Not so pongy either.

Excellent!! I'm off to Sainsburys this afternoon to stock up on fabric softener!! Didn't fancy vinegar to be honest, and doubt whether dh would ever remember, as putting the nappies on every night is his job when he comes to bed!! (For those of you who don't know, ds2 is 10weeks and 9pm is the most I manage these days at night!!! Sad, eh?? I'm dreaming of those days when I can sit up with dh, cuddled together on the sofa, chilling!!)

Honeybunny - the Nappy Lady could give you tips (she has with me - we had about a 10 e-mails exchange!) - she suggested the first 15 minutes in the dryer and then out in sun !

I am a massive fan of the Nappy Lady too, couldn't recommend them enough!