My feed
Premium

Please
or
to access all these features

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

Housekeeping

Why shouldn't I use fabric conditioner?

30 replies

cakedup · 10/05/2016 16:35

I just bought a few t-shirts from Next for DS and the label is telling me not to use fabric conditioner. Any ideas why? Anyone out there who doesn't use fabric conditioner and why?

OP posts:
Report
poorbuthappy · 10/05/2016 16:36

Because it costs money and doesn't actually do anything. Stopped using it years ago.

Report
Katisha · 10/05/2016 16:37

We don't use it a) because of sensitive skin issues but largely b) because it stinks. It's all I can smell when some people come near.

Report
poorbuthappy · 10/05/2016 16:38

Sorry I'll clarify - all it does is make the washing smell of something. I am happy having washing which is simply clean so don't pay for the privilege of smell.

Report
Vardyparty · 10/05/2016 16:41

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

spanky2 · 10/05/2016 16:41

I like fabric softener. It makes clothes less crispy. I know it reduces absorbency in towels. Maybe it affects the drape of the garment.

Report
Vardyparty · 10/05/2016 16:44

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

GreenMarkerPen · 10/05/2016 16:45

if the fabrics contain elastic fibres, the conditioner makes those brittle don't ask me how

Report
poorbuthappy · 10/05/2016 16:50

Thank god for that Vardyparty I thought I was going mad!

I assume it must be something to do with the chemicals applied to the material to prolong the life of the t shirt.

Report
WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeG0es · 10/05/2016 16:52

It smells horrible, gunks up the drawer, coats the clothes in chemicals and makes them all floppy, I never use it.

Report
Fairylea · 10/05/2016 16:54

I love fabric softener - I can't understand how people think it doesn't make a difference! It definitely makes clothes softer.

I know with jeans and cottons however it does attack the elastene after a while and can make them more stretchy so maybe that's why?

Report
AllMyBestFriendsAreMetalheads · 10/05/2016 16:54

I was using cloth nappies, so no conditioner on them, and then I ran out one day and was skint so I just carried on without it. I don't like the smell now.

I agree with a PP who said it doesn't really do anything, other than make towels softer, but less absorbent. And even that's not a problem if you tumble dry them.

Report
AllMyBestFriendsAreMetalheads · 10/05/2016 16:56

The drawer on the washing machine also gets less manky since I've stopped using it.

Report
ChardonnayKnickertonSmythe · 10/05/2016 16:56

It makes clothes go all slimy and stinky and costs a lot.
So no reason to use it, TBH.

Report
cakedup · 10/05/2016 20:36

I didn't use it for years and my mum would just constantly nag me about it, like I was completely mad for not using it. Tbh I hate the smell of fabric conditioner, as much as I hate the smell of car air freshners. Think I might go back to not using it but have been using it for several years now, I may need to wean myself off gradually.

OP posts:
Report
Greengagesummer · 10/05/2016 20:42

There's a fabric softener, Attitude, on the market - v v expensive - which claims that most contain known carcinogens. Obviously nothing to do with Next's labelling, but does anyone know more about that?

Report
InsufficientlyCaffeinated · 10/05/2016 20:42

It's bad for fabrics as it coats them with grease & ruins absorbency. The grease doesn't break down so it builds up on the fabric. Also stinks & is made from animal fat which is gross!

Report
cakedup · 10/05/2016 20:59

Nooo InsufficientlyCaffeinated that can't be true!! I'm vegan!! I'm off to look that up.

OP posts:
Report
InsufficientlyCaffeinated · 10/05/2016 21:02
Report
UnlikelyRunner · 10/05/2016 21:05

It clogs the fibres and makes you more likely to get sweaty armpit stains and smells in the armpit area of tops. We've not used it for 3 years and also stopped using liquid detergent, now its just basic non-bio powder. (and a quick slosh of dettol for sports clothes).
There's been no slime in the machine at all since then. Clothes also seem to keep fresher for longer as the fibres can breathe.

Report
cakedup · 10/05/2016 21:08

Shock Thanks Insufficiently I had no idea and will stop using it now! I think the Ecover one is ok though.

OP posts:
Report
cakedup · 10/05/2016 21:09

UnlikelyRunner but do you find your clothes are less soft, or stiff even?

OP posts:
Report
mangocoveredlamb · 10/05/2016 21:13

Initially when I stopped using it everything seemed a bit crispy, a few washes in though and everything is SOFTER than before!!
And the machine has stopped smelling fusty too!

Report

Don’t want to miss threads like this?

Weekly

Sign up to our weekly round up and get all the best threads sent straight to your inbox!

Log in to update your newsletter preferences.

You've subscribed!

StickTheDMWhereTheSunDontShine · 10/05/2016 21:16

They will probably fall apart, if you do.

I have stupidly hard water that leaves everything like sandpaper, no matter how well I rinse, so use a half dose of unscented fabric conditioner on everything but towels and handknits.

Report
Superfunkycalifragisexy · 10/05/2016 21:17

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

DramaAlpaca · 10/05/2016 21:20

I've never used it because I don't like the smell. They all smell too strong & chemically to me.

Report
Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.