clothes too scratchy - help

iammumtoone

My son hates wearing his school shirts as they are too stiff and scratchy.


Does anyone know how I can make them softer? I have washed using fabric conditioner and vinegar but it didn't make a difference.


Unfortunately I don't have a tumble dryer.


Any tried and tested methods? google recommends to soak in salt water for three days :eek: Anyone tried it, does it work?


Thanks

bouicca21

DD had a similar complaint about hers. Turned out to be the detergent.

Sayschezza

Soft white cotton tee worn underneath?

caronc

Try washing them with soda crystals.

whiteguineapig

Could you put them in a friends tumble dryer or nip to the launderette, things usually feel softer if they'v been in a dryer.

lessonlearned

Is it the whole garment or just the labels. I often find the labels irritate my skin.

iammumtoone

Thanks all


Its the whole garment, he always removes labels on everything.


I will try using a different washing powder / soda crystals.


I did think of a vest under garment but he is already complaining of being too hot as they have to wear their blazers in the classroom.

iammumtoone

whiteguineapig wrote: »

Could you put them in a friends tumble dryer or nip to the launderette, things usually feel softer if they'v been in a dryer.

Yes I keep reading about tumble drying to make clothes softer.



Do I have have to tumble dry it the once (easily done) or would I have to tumble dry after every wash to keep soft (not quite so easy)?

thriftwizard

Iammumtoone, a number of my kids had sensory issues with new clothing. In the end I used to go to the ends of the earth to find secondhand ones, which have been worn in & are much softer. Sadly when they mutated into teenagers, they went the other way & wouldn't be seen dead in anything that wasn't brand spanking new - had had a button replaced, for example. Sigh... but they've all turned out fairly sensible now!

Lessonlearned, it may not be the whole label but the Fraycheck they use to stop the stitching coming undone - far quicker/cheaper to put a dab of plastic on it than to finish the ends off properly! Ghastly stuff, should be banned instantly in my opinion.

Spendless

Marks and Spencers have got a range of uniform aimed at children who may have additional needs including sensory ones.

Article.

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/shopping/marks-spencer-mands-autism-school-11797073

Fen1

Is the shirt pure cotton, polycotton or polyester? If he is getting hot under his blazer, a polycotton or polyester shirt may not be allowing his skin to breathe properly, thus feeling itchy.
Is he ok in the shirt without the heat of the blazer? Is he ok in the shirt without the weight of the blazer rubbing on him?

Tumble drying definitely helps to soften clothes.