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How does washing increase absorbancy?

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cazza1982_123
Cloth Nappy Lover
Cloth Nappy Lover

How does washing increase absorbancy?

Postby cazza1982_123 » Fri Dec 18, 2009 10:16 pm

Just wondered really... feeling nerdy :coffee: and am on my 3rd prewash of all my extra itti booster sets. Anyone know what washing does to the fibres that makes them more absorbant? Caroline
:merryxmas:

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winniewheresmypooh
Cloth Nappy Addict
Cloth Nappy Addict

Re: How does washing increase absorbancy?

Postby winniewheresmypooh » Fri Dec 18, 2009 10:43 pm

No idea but have wondered this too. I do know that when I first wash the come out nearly dry so don't even obsorb the washing machine water to much but well washed nappies take much longer to dry and come out quite damp. Hope some comes along with an answer. :mrgreen:

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cazza1982_123
Cloth Nappy Lover
Cloth Nappy Lover

Re: How does washing increase absorbancy?

Postby cazza1982_123 » Fri Dec 18, 2009 10:55 pm

Yeah I noticed that as well! And the well washed ones are smaller compared to my newer ones. :idea: :happysanta:

Yay 100 posts!! Its taken me a while but I got there in the end :giggle: Do I get a prize now?? :lol:

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winniewheresmypooh
Cloth Nappy Addict
Cloth Nappy Addict

Re: How does washing increase absorbancy?

Postby winniewheresmypooh » Fri Dec 18, 2009 11:02 pm

don't you become cloth nappy lover at 100? Or is that 50 :coffee:

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cazza1982_123
Cloth Nappy Lover
Cloth Nappy Lover

Re: How does washing increase absorbancy?

Postby cazza1982_123 » Fri Dec 18, 2009 11:07 pm

Yes I am now a lover not a follower :giggle: :giggle: :giggle:

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Mareth
Cloth Nappy Chatterbox
Cloth Nappy Chatterbox

Re: How does washing increase absorbancy?

Postby Mareth » Sat Dec 19, 2009 12:05 am

AFAIK it just abuses the fabric, and so opens up the fibres giving them more surface area to absorb liquid.

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dawnsmummy
Cloth Nappy Ninky Nonk
Cloth Nappy Ninky Nonk

Re: How does washing increase absorbancy?

Postby dawnsmummy » Sat Dec 19, 2009 12:38 am

Geordie_Girl wrote:AFAIK it just abuses the fabric, and so opens up the fibres giving them more surface area to absorb liquid.

Yup. it fluffs the fibers up :)

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Miranda
Cloth Nappy Lover
Cloth Nappy Lover

Re: How does washing increase absorbancy?

Postby Miranda » Sat Dec 19, 2009 10:05 pm

The other thing is that anything with cotton or hemp in usually the fibre is coated with 'sizing' which is an oily substance to smooth the (rough) fibres so they go through the machinery to make the thread/knit or weave the fabric without snagging. Obviously when you buy new cotton it feels silky smooth - but you have to wash the sizing out and that also increases the absorbency (think new towels how they repel water)

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cazza1982_123
Cloth Nappy Lover
Cloth Nappy Lover

Re: How does washing increase absorbancy?

Postby cazza1982_123 » Sun Dec 20, 2009 12:53 am

Well thanks guys!! Have been wondering for a while so this has been v helpful, think I'll stop at 3 prewashes though and just start using them now!! :giggle:

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