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Original poster

Those of you who use washing powder for your washing. Do you use softener?

89 replies

depressed394 · 12/06/2025 13:48

I want to use washing powder only due to cost of softener but am worried it will ruin my clothes. What do you suggest?

OP posts:
Newname71 · 12/06/2025 20:40

I use powder and softener. I’ll
only use yellow comfort or blue Lenor though because I love the smell.
I’ve tried cheaper ones when I’ve had less money but they just don’t do it for me!
Im a dental nurse and a patient came in the other day and said “ooh it smells lovely in here” That’ll be my scrubs 😊

TheFairyCaravan · 12/06/2025 20:40

I use powder and either Comfort Pure or Fairy softener. I don’t like the crunchy feeling of clothes that have been washed without softener.

Bridport · 12/06/2025 20:33

I don't use softener and when I stay in AirBNBs I can really tell if they use it.
The last one I stayed in had used some kind of peachy softener and that combined with the air fresheners everywhere was unbearable.

user2848502016 · 12/06/2025 20:14

Haven’t used softener for years now because of the plastic waste and the fact that it sticks to your clothes and younger DD’s skin is sensitive to strongly perfumed stuff.
I don’t find it makes any difference.
I use powder and liquid pods and find very little difference in softness between them.
The most important thing is to not use too much detergent and make sure it’s rinsed off well.

Disturbia81 · 12/06/2025 19:59

Knnniggets · 12/06/2025 19:29

I quite like the scratchiness of a towel that hasn't had fabric softener on it. This probably makes me some sort of a weirdo.

Yes I definitely don’t put it on towels

Knnniggets · 12/06/2025 19:29

I quite like the scratchiness of a towel that hasn't had fabric softener on it. This probably makes me some sort of a weirdo.

IzzyHandsIsMySpiritAnimal · 12/06/2025 19:18

No, never have. It smells too strongly.

EscargotChic · 12/06/2025 19:17

Washing powder and soda crystals because we live in a hard water area so they mean I can use less washing powder and the washing machine is supposed to gunk up less.

FourBlackCats · 12/06/2025 19:10

Powder only for me. Can’t stand the smell/feel of softener and have stopped shopping on Vinted for this reason.

tuvamoodyson · 12/06/2025 19:09

BertieBotts · 12/06/2025 14:16

Did you not notice the array of other laundry products in the supermarket and wonder what people do with them?

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You beat me to it!!

DramaAlpaca · 12/06/2025 19:09

LongRangeDessertGroup · 12/06/2025 14:05

I’ve only ever used washing powder, never softener, I actually really dislike the smell of softener. I can’t see how it would ruin your clothes?

Same here

PashaMinaMio · 12/06/2025 19:07

I use Aldi powder. Whites & colours so separate boxes.

I very rarely use softner. Hate the synthetic smell.

I might use a tiny bit if I wash anything that gets “static” . Nylon full length petticoats (yes I wear them under unlined dresses) or fleeces.
Stale softner makes washing machines stink.

DiscoBeat · 12/06/2025 19:07

SquashPenguin · 12/06/2025 16:55

I haven’t used softener in years and never noticed a difference to my clothes except they don’t have that vile smell that comes with softener.

I wish Vinted had some sort of search filter for sellers who don’t send stuff that stinks of it.

Ha me too! I received a top today that I could smell before I even opened the bag!

DiscoBeat · 12/06/2025 19:05

I never use softener. It's got horrible stuff in it, it's unnecessary and it's bad for the washing machine. And don't get me started on 'scent boosters'. People can be so gullible!

Dominicus · 12/06/2025 19:02

I use just powder. And not even bc a branded one either. My clothes are clean and smell fine.

SquashPenguin · 12/06/2025 16:55

I haven’t used softener in years and never noticed a difference to my clothes except they don’t have that vile smell that comes with softener.

I wish Vinted had some sort of search filter for sellers who don’t send stuff that stinks of it.

sesquipedalian · 12/06/2025 16:49

I use washing powder and water softener tablets (very hard water area). I don’t ever use fabric conditioner - I just don’t like it, and my DH hates anything that smells too strong. I particularly dislike those plastic washing pod things.

TeresaMayspants · 12/06/2025 16:44

I use powder and softener. I like the smell and I notice my clothes aren’t as soft when I don’t use it. I live in a very hard water area. I don’t use softener for towels or sports clothes I use laundry sanitiser. My clothes last ages.

MrsApplepants · 12/06/2025 16:16

I never use softener. I use a bag of bricks added to my always cold wash. I never iron clothes and I can’t stand it when anything smells nice. After I’m done washing, the bricks double up as my pillows.

Shodan · 12/06/2025 16:16

I use softener as well as powder, except for towels.

No softener = much stiffness in some clothing (which can also lead to Chafing) and a lot of static in other.

We live in a very hard water area though. I probably wouldn't bother if we had nice soft water.

BatshitCrazyWoman · 12/06/2025 16:12

I use powder, no softener (can't bear the feel on my clothes, or the overpowering smell). My clothes last ages, I've ruined nothing.

HundredPercentUnsure · 12/06/2025 16:10

ScottBakula · 12/06/2025 14:22

I agree with you, all the different scents that everyone seem to wear now make traveling on public transport horrible.

I have only ever used soap powder (Daz) and don't use anything else.

It saves me a fortune compared to using the pod type washing liquid and bottles of conditioner.
It's also much better for the environment, just one cardboard box to recycle and no micro plastics .

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And easier to adjust the amount of powder for a smaller/ larger load of laundry!

Disturbia81 · 12/06/2025 16:09

I can’t not use softener, it makes clothes smell amazing and does make them softer. My clothes especially tshirts dry stiffer without it

LittleGreenDragons · 12/06/2025 16:08

If I don't use softener then the clothes feel "crunchy". If I tumble dry them after, even for ten minutes, the static is really bad.

Tarantella6 · 12/06/2025 16:08

Yes but not for towels / blankets / swimming stuff. And I only put in a half measure.

As a pp said it is spinning too fast that will trash your clothes.