I bought some new MCN's on ebay and they were a little stiff when I received them but the note that came with them told me they would soften up with a few washes. I use Lux Flakes and the nappies are now devine! BUT I dont think you can use Lux Flakes in a front loader. I currently use the dryer to dry them as bubs has not yet arrived but once they are soiled I will be drying them in the sun to remove stains etc. It must just be the water as I havent really done anything different.