Help! Stiff, scratchy diapers

[mainepotato]

I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. My baby isn't even 3 wks old yet, and all of our diapers are becoming stiff and scratchy. The hemp is the worst, but even the velour isn't very soft anymore.

I've been washing about every other day - I usually do a cold rinse, then a cold wash, then a hot wash with regular tide (powder - about 1/4 cup), and then another cold rinse.

They don't stink, but I thought maybe I needed to strip? (Seems a little crazy since it's been less than 3 wks, but whatever!) So yesterday I tossed them in a hot wash with 1/2c of calgon (powder) and then did 2 more hot washes. There were hardly any suds when I started and none when I finished, but the dipes are still stiff! What's going on?

We're having issues with stains, too. I've started using fleece liners every single time and that has helped, but I'm not sure if the staining indicates some other problem or if it's just normal.

Any ideas or suggestions? Thank you!!

Tricia

[kristenk]

I'm sure some of the CD experts will chime in shortly, but I use vinegar every 2-3 weeks to soften things up. I put a little bit in the slot for fabric softener (we have a front-loader) in my "hot wash with detergent and extra rinse" cycle. It seems to soften them up quite a bit. HTH!

[mudder17]

It could be hard water. I've had similar problems and washing with Calgon with every wash helps, and lately I've been doing a combo of Calgon and Sportswash. However, every few washes I use a tiny bit of Downy Advantage and that really helps.


Eileen

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/candle.gif for Leah
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_emerald_18m.gif

http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/t/catcatcvi20040222_4_Kaya+is.png
Kaya's a cousin! 10/1/05, 5lb13oz

[KrisM]

My guess is that you have hard water and aren't using enough detergent. If you have stains they aren't getting clean. That's what I found, at least.

I found about 1/2 cup of liquid detergent (never used powder), 1 capful of Calgon, and a bit of Downy Advanced provided the softest diapers for us.

[Momof3Labs]

Sounds like you have hard water. We had that problem, and now I use Calgon (a full capful) in about every other wash. Also, if you do have very hard water, 1/4c of detergent isn't enough (probably explains the stains) and 1/2c of Calgon probably isn't enough either.

The first time I used Calgon on crunchy dipes, I put in two capfuls in 1-2 washes, then ran another 1-2 washes with no detergent or Calgon.

On another note, I think that your cold rinse and cold wash are redundant. You really only need one of those (if that - I've never done either). But you may also need a full wash rather than just a rinse after your cycle with detergent to help rinse all that soap out.

[JLiebCamm]

I looked at Target today and didn't see it. Am I not looking in the right place or is it hard to find?

Sorry for hijacking the thread!

[mudder17]

I've only seen it in my supermarket. For some reason it's not available at my Targets or Walmarts.

ETA: Drugstore.com also sells it.

Eileen

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/candle.gif for Leah
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_emerald_18m.gif

http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/t/catcatcvi20040222_4_Kaya+is.png
Kaya's a cousin! 10/1/05, 5lb13oz

[mainepotato]

Hmm, okay. I do believe we have hard water, so all of this makes sense. So now I'll try a cold rinse, then a hot wash w/detergent & calgon and then a cold wash.. And I'll experiment with more calgon and detergent, but how will I know when I'm using enough? Should I just keep trying a little more and a little more until they come out soft and the stains disappear?

[Momof3Labs]

I get it at Wal-Mart or at the grocery store. It is with the laundry detergent, and tends to be hard to find (on a bottom shelf, not taking up much space).

[mainepotato]

Okay, they're not as soft as when they were new, but they're a WHOLE lot softer than they were, and almost all of the stains are gone! I did a cold rinse, then two hot washes, each with 1/2c Tide powder, a full cup of Calgon and vinegar in the rinse, and then an extra rinse. And now my diapers are soft and mostly stain-free! Neato! I think it's only the hemp that's still a little rough - everything else feels nice.

I want to try Downy Advanced, but I'm having a little trouble finding it. My reg. grocery store doesn't carry it. Guess I'll keep looking.

Thanks for all the great suggestions!

[mudder17]

Actually, you may want to call up the Targets, grocery stores, and maybe Walmarts around you and ask them if they have DA in stock. They've discontinued making DA (I think they weren't selling well enough), so you'll want to get them while you still can!


Eileen

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/candle.gif for Leah
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_emerald_18m.gif

http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/t/catcatcvi20040222_4_Kaya+is.png
Kaya's a cousin! 10/1/05, 5lb13oz

[KrisM]

If calling around doesn't work, try Amazon. I got a few bottles there back in August.

[lizajane]

i have to use a cup of tide to get my clean and soft. i do cold rinse/soak, hot wash, cold rinse. they come out great now!