Fabric conditioners - are they a con?

There was a thread a couple of years ago recommending not to use fabric conditioner as it is harmful to the machine, and also to keep drawer open when not in use. I have followed this ever since, also adding white vinegar to some washes and for cleaning on a hot cycle each month. As a result, my machine never smells. So many useful tips on gransnet!

I quite agree Hetty58

I'm allergic so use white vinegar instead. I can't understand why people want their clothes coated with chemicals and perfumed. Clean clothes, without any smell (good or bad) seem fine to me.

mumofmadboys

Whenever our washing machine is not in use I leave the powder drawer open so it never moulds. I do have a separate utility though so not walking past machine much.

Yes, we have but the machine is near the door so I'm bound to keep bashing into it!

I never used fabric conditioner until recently. I decided to try it to see if it made towels softer. It hasn't worked. So I'll stop buying it now.

My new washing machine dispenses it automatically, so it’s either everything or not at all. But I have noticed I’m using a lot less, so obviously my washing machine is a bit more frugal with it than I was.

Whenever our washing machine is not in use I leave the powder drawer open so it never moulds. I do have a separate utility though so not walking past machine much.

AreWeThereYet

I don't get much mould in the drawer, it only seems to happen now and again but I just leave it in the sink with hot water and a dishwasher tablet to soak for an hour or so. If it was really bad I might leave it overnight.

Oh, good idea!
They're not easy to clean, I'll try that, thank you.

I keep hearing about the damage to washing machines, but the person who installed ours said that it was not cleaning the machine that caused the damage, so I clean the dispenser drawer regularly, and run a washing machine cleaner from time to time. So far, so good.

I have never used it for years.IMO it damages washers.

Years ago my mum in law told me she used a drop of essential oil in the conditioner drawer. I've given it a go with Sandalwood and the washing smells lovely - especially when it's also hung on the outside line to dry.

I love a line dried towel.

I don't get much mould in the drawer, it only seems to happen now and again but I just leave it in the sink with hot water and a dishwasher tablet to soak for an hour or so. If it was really bad I might leave it overnight.

Callistemon21 I have never used fabric condtioner, but I still have mould in my washing machine.

I use WM cleaner every few weeks and put the soap container in the DW, and bleach if necessary.

I haven’t used fabric conditioner for many many years I’ve put white vinegar and a dash of floral disinfectant in the conditioner drawer
I also sometimes add a scoop of soda crystals.
Line dry my towels, but finish off with five minutes in the tumble dryer.

hollysteers

Never use it. I’m ‘careful’ with my money at home, but throw it around socialising.
I like a rough towel and I believe a plumber said fc was very bad for the washing machine.

A plumber told me that if you see mould in the washing machine compartments where the powder and conditioner go, or in the shower, it's caused by the conditioner.

Never use it. I’m ‘careful’ with my money at home, but throw it around socialising.
I like a rough towel and I believe a plumber said fc was very bad for the washing machine.

I never use it on towels/tea towels/face clothes as it reduces the absorbency and they also go sour when damp.

I did read recently that white vinegar softens laundry without any fake scent which can be overpowering.

I’ve never used it . I don’t know what the purpose of it is to be honest.
I line dry everything and tumble towels for 10 minutes afterwards to fluff them up.

On a good day ours get a bashing in the tumble drier for 15 minutes then are hung on the line. It seems to work well.

Callistemon21 I do it the other way round.
Dry them on the clothes horse, in the garden if possible, then half an hour in the tumble dryer.
Softens them up a bit and makes sure they're properly dry.

I don't like the smell of fabric conditioner and they clag up the washing machine dispenser drawer with black gunge so I stopped using them years ago.
I was in a supermarket last week where some fabric conditioner must have leaked or been spilt. The smell was overwhelming and I had to flee to an area several aisles away, coughing and spluttering and with streaming eyes. Horrible!

Thanks Fanny. Didn't know that. Don't mind a rough towel myself but tend to do fluffy for guests.

Soupline, not on towels.
Personal choice.

Norah

Oopsadaisy1

I use a detergent that has its own ‘ built in’ conditioner, but MrOops quite likes having his skin scraped off with Washing Line dried towels. me? Not so much

I so hate line dried towels - tumble dry every time!

On a good day ours get a bashing in the tumble drier for 15 minutes then are hung on the line.
It seems to work well.

I dislike using conditioner on towels, bedlinen.
Might occasionally use it for jumpers.

Waste of money, not necessary, just artificial smells