Washing Powder/Liquid

Not sure if this is the right place for this thread - please let me know if it needs to be moved.

Some of my girlfriends have told me it is really important to use special laundry powder when washing the babies clothes, sheets and nappies. Since I have received some toys and clothes from a very very lovely friend and I want to get organised, I want to start washing all the little bits and pieces I have bought. Can anyone share with me which laundry powder they use? I had a look and think the best one for me is Planet Ark sensitive range. I have a front loader. I am a bit concerned about the soap flakes which everyone recommends because apparently they can clog the drains in the machine.

Any feedback would be really appreciated :)

I have been wanting to know the answer to this same question so I hope you get some feedback. Even though I am 19 weeks I would still like to get a little organised too and this was something that was really bugging me.:doh:

i've used the soap flakes,they were good but i found the sensitive powders to be as good & more convenient ,good to see your ticker moving along

I use ecostore (from woolies)... have been for ages because normal washing powder makes me itchy! It's all natural, baby and environment friendly and goes fine in a front loader :)

Yes I highly recommend using a "sensitive" detergent. My DS is 3.5yo now and we still need to be careful about soaps, creams, washing detergent etc because he gets eczema. DD is fine, no problems there.

Amolin liquid, Purity liquid and Omo Sensitive powder or liquid tend to be pretty popular in other threads I've seen on this subject. Some people use the Lux flakes but find it best to dissolve them in water and then add it to the machine - not really practical with a front loader.

I'm not terribly precious now but initially I just washed the babies clothes in 2tbs bicarb per wash.
I still wash all the nappies in it still and have no stains so it definitely works.
There's no colour, no fragrance and no smell - and I can't stand soap flakes. I don't use it on my body, why on earht would I wash my clothes in it? (Just MHO ;))

I tend to buy in bulk...I am working my way through a 9kg bucket of Cold Power at the moment :o We need it with the amount of washing I do :)
My kids don't have any allergies or sensitivities so for me it's what is going to get those pesky stains out.
I also use Biozet,it just depends on what I can get in bulk when I need it..I use it on DD clothes as well and she is fine with it.
As I said, they and we don't have any skin problems so I can only answer from works for us. I used these on DD's newborn stuff as well.
I have heard you can use wool wash (also to clean tile floors as well ;)).

given i have sensitive skin, i have to be careful myself with what i use, so we started using the eco store or aware sensitive (i think that's the name - only used it once - eco-store tends to be more easily available!). it's a bit more exxy, but really, you don't need to use too much at all. we have a 10 month old, and washing her nappies every second day (at least) and all ours and her clothes, we go through a one kg box every six weeks or so. i haven't had a reaction to it at all, and DD doesn't seem to be reactiing either. we use quarter to half a scoop for nappies (depending on load size) and half to full scoop for our clothes

Thanks all, this is great information! I already dilute the washing powder in water and add it to the front loader because otherwise I can get some powder marks on my dark clothes. I am going to make a list of all your suggestions and check Woolies out on the weekend. Thanks again :)

I love Amolin for DD. It smells lovely and is gentle on her skin.

Have fun :)

Ecostore or Aware here too.

I do often use bi-carb if we run out :redface: lol And it works a treat.
I simply don't use 'commercial' washing powders like Omo, Drive etc - their addatives and fragrences are no good for your skin, no good for your clothes and sure as hell no good for the environment.

I am starting to wash my baby stuff today actually! With all the rain we've had I thought I'd take the opportunity while the sun is shining, not sure how many good washing days are left before winter sets in. I already have eczema and very sensitive skin and it took me years to find what I use now which is the Melaleuca washing liquid. I have found it great for my skin so will be washing bub's stuff with that too.

Initially I used the lux flakes for Ally's clothes before she was born, cause thats what was recommended to me, but I hated them. Pain in the but to disolve before washing and didn't leave any nice smell or anything on the clothes.
My mum took over the washing when I came out of hospital (cause I had major surgery 3 days after Ally was born so my recovery time was loooonnnnnggggg) and she just used her normal washing liquid, which was fine for Ally's skin, and now I'm back on washing duty :doh: I just use the same liquid we've always used.

We used amolin with DS, mainly because it was given to me as SIL found it worked best for her.

but I didn't use it for very long, and we haven't had any adverse effects.

You do have to be I already use it in my shampoo every 4 weeks or so, 'cause I can't afford the expensive stuff.

amolin or purity here :)