Run out of fabric conditioner - what to use ?

[Fibilou]

There are at least 2 weeks until we go shopping and I have run out of fabric conditioner. I don't really want to buy a bottle before we go shopping - any advice on what I can use instead ?

Vinegar (white preferably) it has the softening effect but won't smell as nice!

Vinegar with a few drops of essential oil.

Don't bother, the clothes are fine without. Haven't used it in over a year.

I never use the stuff. Just go without and you might find you never get around to buying another bottle.

I agree you'll be fine without. I haven't used it in 3 years.

Vinegar and a bit of hair conditioner for emergencies!

I think there is a difference and still use conditioner.

I gave it up years ago and have never missed it.

I have never used fabric conditioner in my life. Think it's a massive marketing con.

We live in a hard water area and I really like the nice rough feeling of the towels, it gives you a pleasantly exfoliated feeling. When I use hotel towels I never feel properly clean.

Has anyone tried one of those balls that are supposed to make your towels etc feel really soft without fabric conditioner? I vaguely remember seeing something about it and keep forgetting to check it out properly.

I use eco balls - which are a substitute for detergent and are supposed to be naturally softer than washing powder alone.

Not sure if that's the one you mean?

They are good - and they do work IMO. Although I do occasionally revert to detergent for really bad stains, especially oil-based ones.

Gave up years ago. Ditto for ironing water. From the tap is just fine.

I second the laundry ball.Theyoungvisiter have you tried soaking greasy stains in very hot water with plenty of white vinegar overnight? Works well IMO.

Fibilou on yr next shopping expedition get a magnetic ball water softener it doesn't leave 'slimy' towels and helps machine against calcareous build up. You won't need the normal stinky stuff

theyoungvisiter - Oh yes, those are the ones I meant! Wow! I'll have to check it out! Thanks!

Oh and thank you ppeatfruit too! I'll have to also check out the magnetic ball!

soapnuts are great. But i've not used them in ages because I ran out of tights to put them in

If you iron your clothes then you dont really need conditioner. I do however use ironing water as tap water makes the iron steamer stink! I grab them whenever aldi has them on offer. They are alot cheaper than any other brand ;)

looked in the supermarket and the bottle just said white vinegar is this what you ladies use and if so how much as fabric conditioner

thanks

I hate fabric conditioner. DH went and bought some and I can tell whenever he (rarely) does a load of washing as it smells.

My tip would be don't use anything.
Try it for a month and then add up how much money you have saved and chose what to buy instead.
I haven't used it for about 6 years.

My mum swears by fabric conditioner. She stayed with me recently and when I washed all her stuff she asked me which brand I used at it was soo soft and smelled so nice

Advertising agencies really do convince us of all sorts of weird shit