alternative to fabric softener

[EntWife]

have just demoulded the washing machine yet again and am getting sick of it.

The draw and the slot it fits into seem to mould up every couple of weeks. I think I read on here it is the fabric softener that causes it.

if that is the case, what is the alternative? just not use it? use a different kind? if so what kind? I like my clothes to be nice and soft and I generally find they last longer with fabric conditioner. an I deluding myself.

would love to know how others deal with this problem.

I used to love my fabric softener, used to buy the nice expensive smelling ones. Then dd got eczema, not due to fabric softener as we used fairy softener for her clothes.

We don't use any at all now, and I can't actually tell the difference apart from my cheaper shopping list!

Smart price vinegar.

Fabric softener damages Lycra/elastane in our clothes anyway.

After reading on here about all the terrible things it does, and having a baby, I reduced the amount I used to about 25% of the recommended and tried to not use it in any loads that were mainly for the baby (poss eczema trigger) or for towels (makes smell cling to them) or for lycra/bras/delicate (bad for them). This doesn't leave many loads I was still using it for! So for the last couple of months have generally forgotten to use it completely, there is still a dribble in the cupboard.

Haven't really noticed any difference! Now stuff tends to smell mildly of Surf, but I quite like that. It's probably mild due to the extra rinses (baby again).

FWIW, her skin seems exactly the same whether I use bio/non bio and softener or not, the only difference is in the stains -I just can't seem to get non bio to actually wash very well, and as we are now on real food, we are getting an awful lot of stains while the baby practices eating, and generally fails

I always do 'extra rinse' though to try and get rid of as much soapy residue as possible.

White vinegar.

White vinegar and water in an old softener bottle.
If you need a nice smell a few drops of essential oils in there too.

thanks. Will give it a try.
do I put the essential oil in with the vinegar?

sorry, just reread. I get it now.

I've never used it, seems a total waste if money. My clothes are soft and smell nice!

Waste OF money.

Clear vinegar works a treat and keeps everything soft while keeping the machine clean

I have just made up a batch as per instructions and put a load of washing on so shall await the results