HE machine washing

chasingamyandmatt

Maybe this is a frequent question, but I'm not frequently on this board...

With DC #1, I had a regular washing machine and don't remember any problems with getting my dipes clean.  Now, with DC #2, I am noticing that poop is staining the dipes yellow every time...prefolds, AIOs, etc.  I am using an HE machine now, but do a rinse first, use 1/2 of the recommended amount of soap (ECOS), etc.  Not only am I getting staining, but I do get funky smell too...not ammonia, but like damp, mildewy poop.  It's not that strong, but the odor is still there in the AIOs and pockets. 

Is it just that it's an HE machine?  Is it my detergent?  (I always used All F&C with DC#1)

Do you have any suggestions or tips?

pixy_stix

A couple of things:  You need to trick your machine into using more water.  Some people put a wet towel in with the diapers.  I do the rinse, and don't have it spin the water out.

Second, if it smells like poop, you're not putting in enough detergent.

Third, if you're getting stains, try washing smaller loads. 

j_luvs_r

I was having a problem getting my CDs clean enough.  I now add extra water to my wash & rinse.  They come out smelling and looking fresh & clean.

 I tried the "trick the machine" method but it didn't work for me.  

Hulahoop1234

Do you have a soak cycle on your machine?  I prefer to do the high speed spin at the end of each cycle to get out the nasty water and then run the soak cycle, which basically adds enough water to pre-saturate my diapers (it's definitely not a soak by top loader standards).  Immediately after the soak I run the next cycle.  I don't like skipping the spin at the end of the cycle because I'd rather not use the dirty water to weigh down my dipes.  The problem with dipes and HE machines is that your machine weighs the load to determine the amount of water needed.  CD's are very absorbent (duh) but also very light, so the machine cannot possibly understand how much water you really need.