Fabric conditioners - are they a con?

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

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

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

Everything else is pointless

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.

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?

JackyB

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

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.

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 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!

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.

Years ago I was advised by a dermatologist that I should use fabric conditioner as it helps to remove detergent residue from fabrics, we live in a soft water area so I only use a small amount of each. I did try going without fabric softener on a few occasions but my eczema was triggered

Isn’t fabric conditioner supposed to make some fabrics more flammable?

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!

Gundy
You’re right, rinsing is far more important than the washing.
I was taught that in home economics class late 50s.

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.

I’m with you there Hetty, I hate the synthetic smell. Line dry whenever possible and only use the tumble drier very occasionally, expensive and bad for the environment.

Vinegar ruined the rubber gasket sealing the door and we ended up getting a new machine - it went hard and misshapen . Use sensitive fabric conditioner only occasionally.

I dry everything in the tumble dryer, so it's completely pointless using a fabric conditioner because it would just evaporate as the clothes etc are thrown around the machine.

Our Grannies probably didn't have loads of plastic in clothing, bedding etc. making them full of static.

No fabric conditioner
Line dry if at all possible, including towels

Don’t throw your $$$ away!

Fabric softeners are not good for your clothes and your appliances. Yes, prolonged use of softeners coat the fibers of your towels, sheets, all clothes and makes them less absorbent besides wearing out the fibers of everything (and the life of your garments.) They also make clothes look dingy and droopy after a while.

They leave a film/waxy coat on the inside of your washer/dryer. Bad.

I quit using these products when I was in my 30’s… I have towels that are 40 yrs old - most absorbent, soft,’ with little fading. Sheets the same! Love it.

The SECRET to bright, white, cleanest clothes…? Give every load a SECOND RINSE! It gets rid of dirty soapy residue. Great for hanging outside or in the dryer.
It’s a good day to hang outside here!
Cheers!
USA Gundy

Jaxjacky

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.

Ditti, JJ. And I actually like line dried clothes - everything smells fresh and natural, and even though I live in a VERY hard water area, the towels do their job perfectly.

I do use a little conditioner on some things like cardigans. I use soda crystals and a very small amount of detergent and mostly 30 degree wash apart from towels and tea towels a 50 degree wash. I feel that the action of the water cleans things without a lot of chemicals.
Since we are now advised to wash at a lower temperature Dettol have brought out a disinfect to put in the machine. I suppose some people will waste their money same with these pods. not everything needs the same amount of detergent.

My Gran had drawers and airing cupboard full of bedding with lavender/bags between the sheets and pillow cases, no fabric conditioner in those days, but she ironed everything which would soften the article.
She taught me to fold heavy cotton or linen sheets on the line, then turn them after a while, worth the effort or they would dry too quickly, stiff and unmanageable.

Be careful with vinegar though which can also affect machine hoses/gasket if used regularly.

I was told that too GranJan60 when I started using vinegar and it worried me a bit. But my old Zanussi washing machine lasted 15 years after I started using vinegar, before dying a death which had nothing to do with damaged seals or gaskets. I think that white goods are only designed to last a certain number of years anyway now and the super duper electronics are more likely to fail first, like my Zanussi.