Fabric Conditioner

Everyone I know around where I live uses fabric conditioner.

I used to be the one person who didn't.

Well I use it because I actually like the softness and slight scent it gives, but it seems I'm in the minority here! I don't use a lot (maybe a tablespoon) and clean my dispensing drawer once a month. Our water here in Herts is appallingly hard and if I don't use it the clothes feel like cardboard. I've tried the white vinegar tip, but it made no difference at all.

I also use professional cleaning crystals in the washing machine and dishwasher every couple of months (they were recommended by an old-time washing machine repair man) and in 44 years we have had two dishwashers and three washing machines - not bad going, I think!

I use fabric conditioner except in my towels which I like with a bit of texture, I add white vinegar in the final rinse for these.

I don't use it, I use ariel liquid and soda crystals in varying degrees in every wash. My washing machine never smells and I don't do ironing either, I tumble dry everything for convenience as I got sick of the birds using my washing for target practice.

Why does everything have to be so fragranced?
It’s usually disgusting.

Mt61

White vinegar, since the engineer guy serviced our dryer, sheet of melted, blue fabric conditioner on the floor of the dryer

& apparently super bad for air pump dryers

White vinegar, since the engineer guy serviced our dryer, sheet of melted, blue fabric conditioner on the floor of the dryer

I sometimes use it to stop static but a plumber told me that it is fabric conditioner that causes mould in the dispenser and also hair conditioner that causes mould to appear very quickly in the shower.

I did swop to Ecover, and then Sainsbury’s own eco brand for a couple of years, my clothes didn’t seem as clean and my whites were definitely not as white. So back to Persil ams Comfort.

I do use the washing balls for some items still. but never whites.

I use it (Comfort, the original blue one)

PamelaJ1

So who does use it then? I don’t either but there it is on the shelves. Where does it go to?

I use it.

I make my own fabric conditioner using vegetable gelatine and other ingredients - PM if you want the recipe.
It is kinder to the environment, reduces single use plastics, doesn't harm the waterways and isn't scented with all manner of artificial nasty scents.

So who does use it then? I don’t either but there it is on the shelves. Where does it go to?

I've never used fabric conditioner, used to think it was a waste of money & when we became more solvent, I thought it's one less chemical to get into the water if I don't use it. My MiL used to say it cut down on ironing though, so maybe it's swings & roundabouts environmentally.

I stopped using it years ago too. Now I use a non bio washing liquid and occasionally put a scoop of soda crystals in one of the wash cycles, usually the whites.

I don’t wear perfume.

Not from any environmental principles, but because it all smells like cat pee on me.

I don't see the big deal - use it or don't.
All homes rely on chemicals for washing up, and all sorts.

Then we all out on our lovely perfume...

I hate fabric conditioner and never use it. It smells artificial and I think disgusting in your clothes ad bedding . Personally I don’t think it necessary and it spoils absorbency with towels

Interesting this I still use it but wondering why after reading this.

I never used to use it but now I do.

DamaskRose

J52

I don’t use fabric conditioner as it is bad for the environment, the chemicals used in its manufacture are harmful as they are dispensed into the aquatic ecosystem.
Also, eventually the use breaks down certain fibres, ruining your clothes.

Agree 100%.

Also agree. Haven't used it in 15 years. I do use white vinegar in the rinse cycle though.

Witzend, is there an advantage in putting powder straight into the drum? Doesn’t it dissolve more efficiently as the water flushes it from the dispenser?

I make my own to use in summer as it makes linen clothes easier to iron. I mix a tablespoonful of vegetable glycerin into 200 ml of white vinegar. You can add essential oils if you want some perfume but not really necessary. I’m another one who’s going to try Witzend’s method of putting powder detergents straight in the drum.

Thank you, Witzend. Interesting that you put the powder in the drum. I put mine in the dispenser drawer, but find it often doesn’t wash through properly, with lumps of it remaining and set like concrete. I’ll try your way instead.

I'm really quite allergic to it