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

[depressed394]

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

I used to use softener but for the last 10 years (at least) I've been putting in a scope of soda crystals instead.

I've not used anything other than washing powder for 15 years. Don't notice the difference other than I don't spend my days itching like I did when using softener. I absolutely hate it when I can smell fabric softener or fragrance washing detergents on other people. It often makes my nose tingle and my face itch.

I stopped using softener for about a year in a bid to save money (amongst other things) but to be honest, I started using softener again and I noticed such a nicer smell off my washing now. I really missed that. 🤣🤣

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?

I've only ever used washing powder and until I read this thread I genuinely didn't realise anyone used anything other, or in addition to, washing powder.

I’ve only ever used washing powder. Why would it ruin your clothes?

I've only ever used powder and take great care of my clothes. It's going to be things like spin speeds and not using proper cycles etc that wrecks them. It's also going to be better for your machine.

Fabric softener is more likely to ruin clothes than washing powder, surely?

I just use powder. If I can get the scent beads at a non extortionate price I add them because I do like scented laundry, but usually they are too expensive.

If you're worried about bleaching agents in the powder, choose one that is marketed for colours. They don't contain bleach. The ones which are marketed for whites do.

The softener makes the clothes.. softer. And smell nice (to me). I don’t think you need to use it or to use very much of it if you do use it. I put in a small amount only.

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

Do you live in a hard or soft water area? My experience is that in hard water areas clothes do not feel nice without fabric softener, especially if you don't use a tumble dryer. I find the big bottles of concentrated conditioner work out very cheap per wash and you don't really need as much as recommended on the side. Even a little bit will help.

Obviously people who've never used it won't miss it but I think if you do currently then it might take a bit of adjustment.

I do use softener on everything but towels. I've always thought it acts like hair conditioner - softens, smells nice, makes thing easier to iron.

I use powder and softener

I use pods and softener. Love the smell

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 .

I use washing powder because I read on MN that it’s more effective than capsules or liquid.

I don’t use conditioner unless I’m washing hand knits and I don’t think my washing is not soft. I don’t like my clothes, and therefore me, smelling of conditioner. We live in a hard water area but have a water softener.

I use powder and no softener, I used to use it but then heard that was the reason that printing was coming off sports wear and not meant to use it with period pants and other various items. I CBA sorting my washing further then darks, lights and colours so stopped and no ones noticed in my house.

I don't use softener as I dislike the smell and the coated feel you get on towels etc. Lidl bio which smells clean without being over perfumed. Nowt has dropped to bits yet apart from me

If I don't use softener with my powder my trousers stand up by themselves

Wow. Softener. A whole new world -- things I have never thought to spend money on. I just use powder. Live in a hard water area. Works just fine.

I've never bought fabric softener in my life. My clothes seem to have survived

TBH when I did used to use fabric softener I didn't notice any "softening" effect. It does have a perfume effect. I live in a very hard water area. I find white vinegar in place of fabric softener is the best at counteracting hard water effects.

I use powder. Usually fairy or another type of non-bio. If I use the tumble dryer I just use powder, but I use fairy softener when using the washing line or airer as my kids are all ND and don’t like scratchy fabrics on their skin. Prefer soft. But tbf I think it’s fine without. Also powder is a LOT better for your machine. Pods and liquid don’t contain the same ingredients and cause a sticky coating on the machine. My machine reminds me to do a drum clean and it heats to 70 to remove any softener residue etc. I add a scoop of soda crystals or bicarbonate of soda in with this to help loosen anything. My machine never smells.

I always use softener, clothes don't feel right without it.
BTW, you can purchase some bargain softeners which I frequently use

Use Surcare soap powder, only cardboard packaging to dispose of, live in soft water area and never use softener. Two people in household with skin conditions, so no chemical fragrances required. Hate the current push advertising 'fresh' smelling laundry when they mean it reeks of some awful synthetic smell.

Have just brought some washing in from the line and it smells lovely by itself!