bi-carb is absolutly fine to use....no idea who said not to use it..BUT a damn lot of WAHMS i know use it and have been for years!!!! and no probs....
Bamboo should also be generally washed 3 times prior to use for absorbancy issues...would NEVER just prewash anything bamboo once then expect brilliant absorbancy...
won't use powders as MOST tend to now have the brighteners etc..which are a BIG no no for MCN's....