Rough prefolds

[Mom2M]

I've been using prefolds and covers for 4 months. Now the prefolds are so rough feeling, I don't even want to put them on her. Is this something to do with detergent? I usually used Arm & Hammer Free but I got a generic brand that looked ok.
I do a cold wash, hot wash with detergent & vinegar rinse then a warm wash.
I'd appreciate any suggestions!

[chase_mommy]

Are you drying them in the dryer? When I line dry mine they are super rough. If you are using the dryer I would guess detergent... I use soapnuts so I have no idea how actual 'detergent' works with diapers.

[justmama]

try some ecover. it's safe fabric softener. i promise it won't cause build-up issues. i cloth diapered for just over 5 years straight before my youngest potty leanred and used ecover monthly for 4 of those years and it works great with no issues.

[Mom2M]

I use the dryer. If it is the detergent then do I need to remove build up by "stripping" and this is done with blue Dawn dish soap?

The ecover is the liquid fabric softener? (I looked it up online) Can I buy it in a regular store or is it only online?
You do it once a month?

I never used cloth before this baby so I really don't know much about it!

Thanks!

[chase_mommy]

Occasionally I will just wash clean diapers in baking soda and then a heavy vinegar rinse... that seems to help keep them clean for us. Maybe that would be enough to strip yours? I have heard of dawn to strip but dont know how to do it. My guess you would just wash it with the dawn and rinse, rinse, rinse until there are no suds in the water. As far as the Ecover goes, I have seen it in our local health food stores. Maybe try dryer balls if you don't want to go the fabric softener route first? I have heard they leave diapers super soft.

[Katie T]

I think it can be your water as well. A friend of mine have the same brand, size everything of diapers, use the same detergent and both dry in the dryer and hers are really stiff and mine aren't.

Who knows it can be frustrating.

[Mom2M]

thank you so much, now I have a few things to try!