How much fabric softener is unreasonable?

FamilyofTrees · 2025-04-19T07:32:50+00:00

I bought something off vinted and it literally smells like it's been soaked in fabric softener. It smells lovely, but so intense! It's a baby carrier so not something I'm planning on washing again because it's clearly clean and they're a pain to wash. I use fabric softener as per the instructions and generally find I can't even smell it on my laundry (which I don't mind tbh. No smell is clean to me.) Do you think I'm using it wrong and you should be able to smell the softener, or did the vinted seller use way too much?

SummerDaysOnTheWay · 20/04/2025 08:59

WhenICalledYouLastNightFromTesco · 19/04/2025 15:16

I stopped using it when I turned vegan about 10 years ago. I know you can buy vegan and cruelty free ones but we used Lenor and I've not bothered replacing it.

I don't mind the smell of it, but I've got to say I haven't missed it either. Oh, and my washing machine drawer never gets black gunk in that compartment now.

My plumber told me it’s the main thing that breaks washing machines. Clogs them right up apparently. It’s terrible stuff!

2Rebecca · 19/04/2025 21:20

No fabric softener is the correct amount, especially if you have eczema

LuluDelulu · 19/04/2025 21:17

Any amount of fabric softener is unreasonable. It’s nasty unnecessary chemicals designed to cling to the fabric and ultimately rub off on your skin. It’s totally unnecessary.

NeilDiamondsBlowDry · 19/04/2025 21:14

@WhenICalledYouLastNightFromTesco thank you I didn’t know they contained tallow - yuk

I will look for a vegan one from now on

bugalugs45 · 19/04/2025 17:49

Going against the grain here , but I love fabric softener , currently using Asevi ( Spanish ) from home bargains .
i love getting a whiff of it on my clothes and bedding.
I can also tell if I haven’t used it as clothes definitely don’t feel as soft

Solmum1964 · 19/04/2025 16:43

DilemmaDelilah · 19/04/2025 08:40

On a slightly different note..... Why don't they make unscented fabric softener? Or do they? I am very sensitive to smells and usually try to find unscented laundry detergent, but I haven't seen unscented fabric softener.

Edited

I use Comfort Pure. I think this is uncented. All I can usually smell afterwards is the washing liquid.

TheHerboriste · 19/04/2025 16:17

Use white vinegar instead.

WhenICalledYouLastNightFromTesco · 19/04/2025 15:16

I stopped using it when I turned vegan about 10 years ago. I know you can buy vegan and cruelty free ones but we used Lenor and I've not bothered replacing it.

I don't mind the smell of it, but I've got to say I haven't missed it either. Oh, and my washing machine drawer never gets black gunk in that compartment now.

ItGhoul · 19/04/2025 14:49

Peony1897 · 19/04/2025 14:22

Because they think to smell of anything other than an artificial pine forest with gummy bears is ‘vile’. Despite the fact people who use it normally have an underlying reek of stale smoke/vape and dogs.

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Despite the fact people who use it normally have an underlying reek of stale smoke/vape and dogs.

Oh, grow up and get over yourself.

theriseandfallofFranklinSaint · 19/04/2025 14:49

Well I love it - washing capsules, fabric softener and scent boosters. Lovely!!!

ItGhoul · 19/04/2025 14:48

You can’t smell yours because you’re used to it. You can smell other people’s because it’s a different smell and you notice it more. Fabric softeners don’t all smell the same.

You don’t have to use it all if you don’t want to. I never did when I lived alone. My DP always uses it, but although I don’t think it’s necessary, I leave it up to him because he does all the laundry and I don’t get involved in how he does it.

TheHerboriste · 19/04/2025 14:45

No one should be using those nasty, polluting chemicals.

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 19/04/2025 14:41

andtheworldrollson · 19/04/2025 10:29

You can get things based on bicarbonate of soda that don’t smell but can help and are much cheaper ( a big green packet in the laundry aisle at Sainsburys) can’t recall the detail as it’s sone time ago

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Dri-Pack soda crystals? ( in a green pack )

FeedTheRoses · 19/04/2025 14:41

Cherrytree86 · 19/04/2025 14:16

Fabric softener is a completely unnecessary product. Why do people buy it??

To soften clothes, with fabric conditioner, they are softer and feel better when worn, and can smell nice too. 🌸

FeedTheRoses · 19/04/2025 14:39

DilemmaDelilah · 19/04/2025 08:40

On a slightly different note..... Why don't they make unscented fabric softener? Or do they? I am very sensitive to smells and usually try to find unscented laundry detergent, but I haven't seen unscented fabric softener.

Edited

they do, look in a bigger supermarket. Large boots used to them too, unperfumed

Peony1897 · 19/04/2025 14:22

Cherrytree86 · 19/04/2025 14:16

Fabric softener is a completely unnecessary product. Why do people buy it??

Because they think to smell of anything other than an artificial pine forest with gummy bears is ‘vile’. Despite the fact people who use it normally have an underlying reek of stale smoke/vape and dogs.

Peony1897 · 19/04/2025 14:21

Wash the carrier on a hot wash with Fairy and let it air dry on the line. I wouldn’t put a baby in something that reeked of synthetic perfume.

NeilDiamondsBlowDry · 19/04/2025 14:18

CharlotteCChapel · 19/04/2025 08:46

I use fabric softener and DH doesn't. I can always tell what I wash by the texture rather than the smell, although my current softener from Lidl smells divine.

Which one is that please ? I like FS becuase my cotton bedding and tops feel hard and uncomfortable without it though towels/facecloths etc are nice without

gamerchick · 19/04/2025 14:18

Just stick it on a couple of cold rinse and spins.

If you use fabric conditioner then to those who don't use the one you do can smell it on you. Theres no escaping it

Cherrytree86 · 19/04/2025 14:16

Fabric softener is a completely unnecessary product. Why do people buy it??

Peony1897 · 19/04/2025 14:14

I use a few drops of Fairy, just to take the scratchy edge off things like knitted jumpers

spiderlight · 19/04/2025 13:31

DilemmaDelilah · 19/04/2025 08:40

On a slightly different note..... Why don't they make unscented fabric softener? Or do they? I am very sensitive to smells and usually try to find unscented laundry detergent, but I haven't seen unscented fabric softener.

Edited

Surcare do one - we buy it in Tesco.

www.surcare.co.uk/product/sensitive-fabric-softener/

MrsSkylerWhite · 19/04/2025 12:16

Any at all. Awful stuff, makes us all itch.

Original poster

FamilyofTrees · 19/04/2025 12:14

Well I haven't dried it yet, but it seems to be smell free after a wash. Thanks for all the opinions!

OP posts:

Glitterybee · 19/04/2025 10:33

I cant smell my fabric conditioner on my laundry but I can smell family & friends a mile away - usually as soon as I go into their homes.

I used to think they used much more product than me as the smells were so strong but now I’ve realised that I’ve just become nose blind to my own laundry.