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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

...not to see the point of fabric conditioner?

68 replies

snickersnacker · 15/09/2013 17:33

I have never used it, probably because my mum never did when we were growing up.

Got a free sample of Comfort Pure and tried it on a load of the baby's clothes. I understand that it's meant to make clothes feel softer but I can't feel any difference.

AIBU not to see the point of it?

OP posts:
InsertBoringName · 15/09/2013 17:34

It smells nice. At least, the decent ones do!

hiddenhome · 15/09/2013 17:34

It reduces creases a bit and I find the clothes dry a bit faster. I can't stand the strongly perfumed ones though.

Screwfox · 15/09/2013 17:35

it stops you having to iron so much

that and a low spin speed

lborolass · 15/09/2013 17:35

I agree, I'm exactly the same. I was amazed once to read a thread on here started by someone asking if it would be OK to put a wash on as she'd run out of fabric conditioner Shock.

Maybe there are some types of water that need something extra but I've never lived anywhere like that.

SoupDragon · 15/09/2013 17:35

If I don't put it in my wash, the laundry comes out squeaky. I think it might depend on what your water is like.

whatastar · 15/09/2013 17:36

agree with you snicker , just a waste of money when the detergent smells nice anyway .

TripleRock · 15/09/2013 17:36

You notice the difference more in a hard water area

DoJo · 15/09/2013 17:37

What kind of water makes your washing squeaky? We have really hard water and I have never used it because I don't like my clothes to be overly perfumed. Can't say I've noticed squeaky washing though but we're moving soon so I am intrigued...

mrsminiverscharlady · 15/09/2013 17:37

Depends on where you live. We have very hard water and I can tell as soon as I get the clothes out if dh has forgotten to put it in.

cubbie · 15/09/2013 17:38

screwfox
You are a woman after my own heart! A low spin speed does indeed reduce creasing! Take it straight out of the machine, hang it up, smooth it out a bit et voila! No ironing required! (Mostly!)
Fabric conditioner is your friend!
(What a sad life I have)

GillyBillyWilly · 15/09/2013 17:39

I live in central London and have to use fabric softener.... If we don't use it, our clothes come out a bit stiff and ridiculously creased.

HopeClearwater · 15/09/2013 17:39

It's one of those things in modern life that are completely dispensable.

HopeClearwater · 15/09/2013 17:39

*is

expatinscotland · 15/09/2013 17:39

I love it! Lenor Blue all the way!

cubbie · 15/09/2013 17:39

And I live in a very soft water area.

SoupDragon · 15/09/2013 17:40

It doesn't actually squeak. Obviously. :o It has that squeaky feeling to it though. Very hard water here and I can tell straight away if I've forgotten the softener.

You need less than the bottle suggests though - I often halve the amount.

itsallshitandmoreshit · 15/09/2013 17:43

Actually it's proven to make clothes last longer. It protects garments from wear and tear. I can't link to studies but a friend of mine worked in the industry.

I literally can't NOT use it now I know this.

meganorks · 15/09/2013 17:47

Don't use it but got some to try. Did make ironing shirts easier but DP said made his balls itch si stopped again. Liked it on towels but apparently not good to use it on them as makes them less absorbent

lborolass · 15/09/2013 17:48

Can that be true atsallshit? How can a liquid which presumabley washed out protect something from tearing?

LisaMedicus · 15/09/2013 17:54

Fabric Conditioner puts a sort of 'coating' on fabrics, so not good for absorbent stuff like nappies or towels.

If clothes are stiff it is a residue of the soap still in the fabric. Try white vinegar. No smell lingers after, no stiffness or roughness, lot less expensive if you get cheap white vinegar. Doesn't help ironing Sad and I have fifteen shirts to iron per week (at least!)

I always feel a bit battered by the smell of fabric conditioner that comes from next door's clothes line.

SquinkiesRule · 15/09/2013 17:59

If you wash fleece jackets with fabric softener they repell the water better when you get caught in a shower.
I also read somewhere that if you use it quite regularly that stains don't stick as much and are easier to get out.

MrsLouisTheroux · 15/09/2013 18:17

Totally depends on hard/soft water areas. Our water is hard and clothes come out like cardboard without it. DM lives in soft water area and doesn't need to use it. Same with hair conditioner in the shower.

Mandy2003 · 15/09/2013 18:21

...crispy towels, anyone...? Although it does say it should not be used on towels as it reduces the absorbency but I've never noticed that.

But I do live in what is claimed to be the hardest water area in the UK Grin

Topseyt · 15/09/2013 18:28

I have never used it and it doesn't tempt me. My MIL swears by it, but I can't see any difference between her washing and my own, so I see it as money I don't need to spend out of an already tight family budget.

My mother never used it, so I am probably influenced by that too.

I live in a very hard water area, but we do have our own water softener.

Ironing!!?? What is that?

OwlinaTree · 15/09/2013 18:31

Nah I don't bother. I don't iron either.

I'm a lazy cow!

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