Cloth Nappy Tree Forum

I put 2-3 tablespoons of soda crystals in the powder drawer at the start of the wash

Ok, thanks everyone! My washing routine is basically (with my other nappies):
-Quick wash (no rinse on our machine) - adding extra water
-Wash between 40 and 60 with half a tablet of a supermarket brand of non bio adding extra water at the beginning
-Another quick wash (30 mins)
-Hang to dry on my radiator airers
So, maybe half a tablet isn't enough and/or better detergent is required.
I've bought some soda crystals today, slightly different from what I was thinking of that I bought from a hardware store for soap making. So, I'll give that a go then hang them at my partner's mom's for a few days. Forecast is for sleet and snow.... Hmmm, hopefully that will be ok. I'll keep you posted.
Cheers, Jenn

Definitely powder is better than tablets or liquid!

Keep us posted.

So, I've done a soda crystals wash with a few extra washes and they were hung outside for a good few days. After all the attention they've had they are certainly bright and new looking. However, the ammonia problem remains albeit, not as bad as it once was but still... So, my options are getting slimmer... I'll find someone with a dishwasher and borrow a tablet as my next test. Thanks for all of the advice so far. Jenn

Ammonia is alkaline so you need something to counter it. You can try soaking the inserts in a diluted vinegar solution to see if that helps.
If it is just the inserts, I would be tempted to replace them, they go pretty cheaply on the classified ads here.

http://www.cleangreennappy.co.uk/laundry/rg-fr.html

I haven't used this but I use the washing powder and got rid of smells on stinky wraps.

Maybe give them a ring to discuss options?

Kim