Fabric conditioners - are they a con?

Stoped using fabric conditioner years ago,not noticed any difference.

I tumble so no need for fabric conditioners.

I've never found it necessary. I use vinegar for the towels and that's it. I'm sure they must all be dreadful for the environment.

My boss used to laugh at me for using conditioner( he was very Scrooge like) but I’ve realised he was right. I now use vinegar if I use anything. Mind you, a few years ago my brand new car was covered in dried on sap from a nearby pine tree. I was distraught: thought the car had been ruined. Google recommended fabric conditioner so at one o’clock in the morning I used it and it worked! I was so relieved.

I have never used fabric softener and have never noticed any difference in the 'feel' of, even towels, that have or have not been washed with conditioner.

What stops me using them is the artificial scents that these products have, i find they can make me feel queazy or trigger migraine. I like washing products to have as little scent as possible.

sorry meant Gardenia

Itried white vinegar but now use Ecover Jasmine as I can't bear the smell of most conditioners

I use fabric conditioner (ecover) on all laundry apart from microfibre cleaning cloths.

I once spilled fabric conditioner on a rug and I couldn't get rid of it. It gave off such an awful smell that eventually I had to throw the rug away. That is when gave up using it.

I read they are full of tiny plastics so stopped using them.

I haven't used it for a long time and I don't miss it at all. I wash woollens in Woolite to keep them soft but apart from that I just use Pink Stuff detergent. I do live in a soft water area so that might make a difference.

Kim I’ve heard that you shouldn’t use it on towels - it coats the fibres and stops them being as absorbent as they should be

(I still do though!)

Only use it for towels.

I use Sainsburys 2 in one tablets which are not plastic coated tablets and come in cardboard box. Works well for me.

I do use it but buy the ones for sensitive skin. I’m happy with the results they give.

I used to use FC, but gave up on it years ago. Haven't ever noticed the difference. Posssibly this is because we've always lived in "soft water" areas, but we've stayed in lots of holiday locations (here and abroad) and never had problems there either.

Norah I like my towels tumble dried too, but MrC has put them on the line today.
I won’t say anything though

I’ve never used conditioners, full of chemicals, or owned a tumble dryer, which as well as having a hefty carbon footprint spews microfibres into the air.

I use fabric conditioner if I'm washing clothing made from synthetic fibres. I found it helps to reduce static and that awful clinging
Same here!

One of the family is allergic to softeners which made the decision for me. I admit it has made no difference and I still line dry whenever I can. Yes, the towels are hard but good for exfoliating.

Can’t see the need for it and some of them stink! Definitely not a fan.

I haven't used Fabric conditioner for years, since I realised it was making my washing machine smelly and left the dispenser drawer dirty.

I don't use fabric conditioner. The washing is always washed in Sainsbury's delicate and wool wash liquid. This leaves washing smelling clean and fresh. No problem with static.

I use it on some towels.
People complain at me when I dont.

Never use fc, not for years, superfluous imo, my laundry always smells fresh, it's all in the airing, this wonderful windy weather is superb for drying outside right now. Fabric conditioner has a very chemical smell, I often think my grandchidlren's clothes reek of it, but of course that's none of my business so I keep that opinion to myself!