Do I need to use special clothes detergent?

[aussienic]

I just use wool wash.. I used to use lux flakes but it is pretty expensive and I didn't like having to wait for the flakes to dissolve. lol..

[~Belinda~]

I have always used the same detergent as we use for my DD (Bio Zet or Cold Power) and even fabric softener (my DP loves the stuff lol), she's never had any issues but all babies are different

[Kazbah]

I used lux flakes for the first year - I've only just started moving across to am-o-lin. I would dissolve about a 1/4 cup of flakes in 2 cups boiling water (dissolves very quickly like that) and just add it into the wash.

most detergent boxes waaaay over-state the amount of detergent needed, I use half of what they suggest.

i also use a top-loader washing machine with my lux flakes....

If you're worried you've used too much detergent, put a little vinegar in the rinse, that will get rid of some of the soap.

[didispunk]

I must be the odd one..

I never pre washed any of DS clothes before he wore them.. I am like I dont.. and he was totally fine. I was just going to have a lot of work on my hands.. if i did do it..

We use normal poweder/liquid never a problem..

good luck

[JordieC]

May be a stupid question but why no fabric softener? I used it aon all DD's clothes and blankets etc. before she was born. Don't use it now - just use what we do but I had never heard about fabric softener?

[Mum0809]

May be a stupid question but why no fabric softener? I used it aon all DD's clothes and blankets etc. before she was born. Don't use it now - just use what we do but I had never heard about fabric softener?

It is because of fire danger. On most bottles it says, do not use on sleepwear or bedding ect. because of fire danger.

[sunshine_sieben]

May be a stupid question but why no fabric softener? I used it aon all DD's clothes and blankets etc. before she was born. Don't use it now - just use what we do but I had never heard about fabric softener?

It's not just the fire danger but also that it can irritate the skin and has been linked with causing cancer. Having said that, I do use fabric softener. I never used it DD's clothes in the first few months. I just love the smell of it but got tired of washing DD's clothes seperately.
Actually the chemicals used to make children's clothes and bedding fire retardant have been linked to cancer themselves... I don't quite understand why they need to be fire retardant in the first place. it's not like I'm gonna light a candle, smoke a cigarette, etc. near my baby. And if the house is on fire, I don't think fire retardant clothing will really make much difference... I either manage to get DD out of the house or I don't... Just my opinion...

To answer your question. I used my regular laudry detergent (Omo Matic or Trimat Matic (Aldi)) for DD's clothes. I just figured I would do that and if she started having problems with it (rashes...) then I could change to Omo Matic Sensitive or add an extra rinse cycle or both. But she never had any. And I definitely wouldn't have used anything that required hand washing. Wayyyy too much work.

Sasa