Fabric Softener and other laundry related questions

AshleyMatt1215 · November 2013

So, I washed and dried a bunch of blankets and towels we received at the shower and the majority of them are:

a) So scratchy I wouldn't want them to touch me

b) Extremely full of static

c) the worst option... both.

I want to use 1 dryer sheet, that is dye/scent free. Just 1. To take the static out, as I'd prefer to not shock my child when I touch them this winter and to not give them rug burn from a sheet.

Is there anything else I can do? I have a high efficiency washer so I'm scared to put anything in it that isn't labeled "HE", including all homeopathic remedies (vinegar, baking soda...). I know that using fabric softener can reduce the level of flame retarder in the fabric... but they're so not comfy.

How do I wash a handmade blanket? They're either knitted or crocheted - I'm guessing on the hand wash cycle? Can they go in the dryer? Fabric softener?

We received a bouncer and will be getting a RNP - do I have to take the fabric off of them and wash it?

Finally... how the heck do you fold a onesie?

Thank you a 1000 times. I've never been this lost with laundry.

BackseatDriver · November 2013

I use dryer balls rather than dryer sheets or fabric softener and that has worked out well. Microfleece PJs and blankets still tend to get a fair amount of static, but no more than when I used dryer sheets.

I did wash the RnP before hand and regularly.

I just fold onesies in half once and call it good.

I would wash a blanket on gentle and dry on low. I use dryer balls with all of my laundry.

sgautschi · November 2013

If they're really that scratchy, just find a dye/perfume free fabric softener and dye/perfume free dryer sheets.

I washed all my handmade blankets on regular cycle with the clothes and they were fine, but if you're concerned just put then through a delicate cycle.

You're supposed to wash all fabric items the baby's skin could touch since they could get irritated by the starch/chemicals found in new items. Having said that, I didn't wash the RnP or swing pieces and she's been fine.

I fold onesies in half, hamburger style, and bend the sleeves in, just like I would a shirt.

ETA Here is a link for folding clothes:

http://www.parents.com/baby/care/american-baby-how-tos/fold-baby-clothes/

waterfall213 · November 2013

I use free and clear dryer sheets, I have from the beginning.

All handmade blankets I wash on delicate and air dry.

I didn't wash the fabric parts on the swing or bouncer and M was fine.

smbenevides1989 · November 2013

I used regular dryer sheets with DD's clothes. She never broke out.

I never prewashed her PnP, bouncer, etc. and she was also fine.

All handmade blankets were washed in a regular cycle along with all of DD's clothes, and then dried in the dryer. I never had a problem other than the one time I washed the blanket with something that had velcro. The blanket stuck to the velcro and lost some stitching when I tried removing it.

lindsayandjamie · November 2013

I second the dryer balls. I love mine and the Nelly brand even sells little scent sticks to put inside if you like the smell. I have been phasing chemicals out of our home and dryer sheets are one of the worst culprits - sorry ladies.

Scratchyness may mean that the sheets just need to be washed a few more times to soften the fibers and starches. If it bothers you, I find bamboo sheets way softer than most cotton/poly blends.

I don't remember if I washed the covers on things before he went in it. I think I did for our bouncer but not the carseat.

Unless a blanket is made of 100% wool, I just throw it in with the baby stuff and wash and dry normally. Usually knitted stuff is acrylic so it washes easily.

Onesies I would fold in half and fold in half again, with the front of it visible so I could see what was on the chest if there was a picture.

Fabric Softener and other laundry related questions

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