Fabric conditioners - are they a con?

sazz1

Use it on man-made fibres to stop static. Towels are half dried on the line then finish in the tumble dryer

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You would think this was the best way round but I have tried drying in the tumble dryer first and sazzl' s way. I bet better results from drying in the tumble dryer until still a little damp and then hanging out until completely dry.

The dryer has caused the cheaper towels to fray at the edges after a few years, mind.

I don't use fabric conditioner for towels, just detergent and laundry cleanser and then tumble dry. They come out lovely and soft and smell perfectly fine.

I do use fabric conditioner for other washing (apart from jeans), mostly for the smell but don't really like to think about how many chemicals there are in them!

I have never used a fabric condition since 1965 when we expecting our first baby, we had to make savings when I gave up work and that was one of a number of nonessentials on the list.

I had a neighbour who is a fireman and he wouldn’t let his wife use fabric conditioner as he said it could be a fire hazard. I gave up using conditioner when it stained a rather expensive dress.
I don’t understand how people can afford to use tumble dryers as they are so expensive to run.

JackyB

sazz1

Use it on man-made fibres to stop static. Towels are half dried on the line then finish in the tumble dryer

***

You would think this was the best way round but I have tried drying in the tumble dryer first and sazzl' s way. I bet better results from drying in the tumble dryer until still a little damp and then hanging out until completely dry.

The dryer has caused the cheaper towels to fray at the edges after a few years, mind.

I give them a 10-15 minute bashing in the tumble drier first then out on the line, JackyB
It seems to work well.

TiggyW

I’ve stopped using fabric conditioner but now use laundry cleanser for the fresh scent - not sure whether it does actually kill bacteria, but the washing smells nice!

I investigated laundry cleanser in Lidl today. It said to add it to the fabric softener drawer in addition to whatever detergent you use.
Its purpose is to ensure that the germs and bacteria are removed from your clothing.
Why are we suddenly worrying about germs and bacteria on our clothing? Anything really soiled like nappies, I used to either boil or use NapiSan.
I know we are washing at a lower temperature of 30° But I haven’t been ill anymore often since I started washing at 30° than I was when I washed at 40°. Do I really need laundry cleanser?

Laundry Cleanser? It is all a con to get us to buy more products to use with our washing.

Left ot myself, I would wash at 60 and use nothing but a small quantity of the cheapest detergent. What I paid extra in heating, I would save on those myriad washing machine products that fill the aisles of supermarkets. They will require energy to make them and the bottles and packets they come in, possibly more than not using them and washing at a higher temperature.

My rule for most things are the KISS rules. Keep It Simple Stupid.

No, all I ever use is detergent of choice and the appropriate temperature.

Everything else is pointless

I use only the earliest drop of conditioner on hand washed jumpers and nice lingerie. It's pointless stuff, smells horrible and makes me sneeze.

What about that ridiculous TV ad for fabric conditioners where idiotic people are bedded down outside having orgasms of delight at the smell of their duvet covers?

I never use fabric conditioners. I don't believe they make such a difference to laundry and I detest those synthetic 'fragrances'