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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to think fabric softener is a waste of money?

228 replies

k2p2k2tog · 30/01/2018 09:10

Know MN loves a laundry thread....

We don't use separate fabric softener or fabric conditioner in the washing machine. My clothes don't seem to be crusty or stinky washed with normal powder or the capsules and nothing else. No complaints from the other people who live in this house. Also the marketing of those "unstoppables" things - who on earth would want to walk around smelling of washing powder or fabric conditioner? Isn't that what body spray and perfume is for? And those products to get bacteria out of clothes - totally pointless for a normal wash.

All those plastic bottles of fabric conditioner.

OP posts:
longtompot · 31/01/2018 14:39

I love fabric softener, sorry! I can't bear clothes without it. They feel all rough and scratchy. I use non bio washing powder, usually Persil but sometimes Fairy, depends whats on offer. I have sensitive skin with eczema so hate anything that irritates my skin.
Plus, I love the smell. Especially the Lenor yellow one Grin

mommybunny · 31/01/2018 15:10

My washing is far too mixed to separate out what can and can't have fabric softener, so I never bother with it. Our tumble drier packed up a couple of years ago and we've never replaced it, but while the towels could be less rough I don't notice anything else that's "crispy" from air drying. I only iron DCs' uniforms and DH's shirts and (sometimes) jeans because life is too short. I usually throw a scoop of Napisan in the wash, or Dettol if I have it.

I have had one or two loads that needed mould removed and put distilled white malt vinegar in the drawer and it worked really well - a pair of jeans came out like new. Can anyone tell me if there is a good place to buy white vinegar in bulk?

EmmaGrundyForPM · 31/01/2018 15:14

I buy whire vinegar in 5l containers online. I use it for cleaning - I've never tried it in laundry. Do you not come out smelling like a chip shop? And which drawer do you bung it in?

mommybunny · 31/01/2018 15:30

Where do you buy it Emma? My laundry has never smelled like vinegar. I just put it in the main drawer all the way on the left (sorry if that isn't specific enough?).

I just used a 500ml bottle of supermarket brand of white malt vinegar but I've been thinking that doing that for every load can get expensive, so I'd love to be able to buy it in bulk.

RoseWhiteTips · 31/01/2018 15:35

Lenor Deep Sea Minerals is do fresh. I love it. And no, of course it doesn't clash with my scent!

RoseWhiteTips · 31/01/2018 15:36

...so fresh

maddiemookins16mum · 31/01/2018 15:37

I like it. My mum never used it when we were growing up and it was one of those things I 'always planned to do' when I grew up and had my own house (you know the sort of thing you think when you're 13 😊😊).

I use a bit if Comfort blue in every wash.

BlurryFace · 31/01/2018 16:13

No. If I want to honk like a tart's boudoir I can buy a perfume, if I want my clothes to feel greasy I can spill some oil on them.

SilverySurfer · 31/01/2018 16:27

Ha, perfect reply BlurryFace I knew it reminded me of something Grin

ShastaTrinity · 31/01/2018 16:36

some people have a very strong opinion on the subject Grin

milkmoustache · 31/01/2018 16:39

I want instructions about vinegar now! I am in a hard water area, would vinegar be of benefit..?

ILostItInTheEarlyNineties · 31/01/2018 17:24

Tart's Boudoir? Grin
Is that part of the new Comfort Intense range?
"Ignite your senses with the essence of Chanel, sweaty sheets and discarded knickers.."

If I want to smell like a chippy in Bethnal Green, I'll stick a load of vinegar in my washing. Wink

TittyGolightly · 31/01/2018 19:12

The clothes don’t smell of vinegar at all.

Just add a splosh in the conditioner section and see

BertieBotts · 31/01/2018 19:14

I agree that white vinegar makes clothes smell really nice actually - very fresh and clean. Not vinegary at all!

But I like fabric softener.

ILostItInTheEarlyNineties · 31/01/2018 19:48

No I'm sure clothes don't smell Wink. I've never met anyone who smells like vinegar to be fair. I can't say I've ever encountered anyone who assaults my senses with overpowering Lenor either.

Praisebe · 01/02/2018 03:24

Putting vinegar in your machine rots away the seals and causes leaks and damage

Ikanon · 01/02/2018 04:08

@TheScottishPlay may I ask what anti fungal you use? DH is a sports coach and I have this problem.

AnotherShirtRuined · 01/02/2018 07:12

I put the vinegar in the compartment for fabric softener if that makes sense. And it never makes the clothes smell vinegary. Quite the opposite as vinegar absorbs odours. Same as you can place a small bowl of vinegar in a room to remove odours.

I also use it as it keeps the machine nice and scalefree. As for vinegar rotting the seals I make sure to leave the door and soap drawer open to try out the seals etc. after use as that prevents any 'rotting'.

EdwinaMarlow · 01/02/2018 09:07

I've tried vinegar and it makes absolutely no difference. FS works much better

Summergarden · 01/02/2018 09:57

We live in a hard water area. I used the white (more for sensitive skins) fabric softener for most washes, and white vinegar for towels.

My sister who lives locally never uses fabric softener, reckons there’s no need for it. Unfortunately, 95% of the well intentioned hand-me-down clothes that my nephew has outgrown and passed on my my DS are unwearable due to having become so cardboard like after many washes without fabric softener.

Whereas the clothes I’ve used softener on for my eldest DD are still in great condition for my younger DD.

Roomba · 01/02/2018 10:12

My clothes dry stiff and crunchy if I don't use fabric softener, and I'm in an area with fairly soft water. I don't use as much as it says to on the bottle though as I always end up hating the strong smell after a week or two. I have to switch brands regularly as I always like the smell when I buy it then it makes me feel sick before I've finished the bottle.

It does seem to make stuff easier to iron and last longer.

Nanny0gg · 01/02/2018 10:34

You don't need to use a heavily perfumed one (I don't)

FC smooths down the fibres, which prolongs the life of the garment, helps prevent pilling (especially if you wash clothes inside out), prevents static and generally softens the garment so it feels nicer.

It really isn't just a marketing scam.

MissMoneyPlant · 01/02/2018 11:15

milkmoustache I add soda crystals to soften the water. Also prevents build up of weird hard deodorant marks.

Going to stop using conditionaer for a bit and see if there's a difference!

BixieThoms · 01/02/2018 11:18

I only use it occasionally as a treat Blush

I hate the thought of all that unnecessary plastic waste

Gwenhwyfar · 01/02/2018 21:17

A treat Bixie?
You want to try a chocolate cake or something if that's your idea of a treat :)