Fabric Softener - do you use it?

[LittleMigraines]

After being at a friend's house she told me that they don't use fabric softener, just wash as normal then either hang out to dry or if the weather is bad then will tumble dry.
Made me think do we really need it, or is it a gimmick that I've never realised? Do you use it? Why/why not?

I use a lavender scented one for my bed linen because it helps me sleep

You don't need it, like you don't need conditioner for your hair, but it does the same job - softens, smooths and fragrances. I use it on everything but towels.

@balzamico I buy my white vinegar from Amazon in 5 litre containers. My clothes don't smell of vinegar however I do sometimes add a couple of drops of Zoflora.

Only recently stoped adding to towels so what stops towels going scratchy? No dryer

I tried to stop using it but the clothes ended up like stiff boards as we are in a very hard water area. I also tried the sensitive one but I noticed that my clothes started to smell horrible when stored in the cupboard, like a musty smell.

So back to using the blue comfort again now.

I dilute it 50/50.

Really want to stop but (1) I live in a hard water area and (2) I love the smell!

Hate the idea of it containing tallow though. Have bought tumble dryer sheets to use instead, but that's no good atm when everyone's drying outside!

We use the Dettol stuff occasionally for smelly sports kit or if anyone has left damp stuff in the laundry basket but it's not necessary for every day laundry. So we just use washing powder, usually Aldi or a supermarket basics one as these tend to be less heavily fragranced. Even with hard water I never thought the clothes were stiff, indeed we got a water softener last year and it hasn't made any noticeable difference to how the clothes come out of the wash.

I use it very rarely. Maybe if I want to add a bit of smell to the sheets.

it’s really bad for your machine.

Yes otherwise my towels will exfoliate my skin off!

No, don't use it.

I always tumble dry towels though (line dry almost everything else).

Just got rid of some that has been in the cleaning cupboard for years. Bought it to try a Mrs Hinch thing of putting it on radiators to give a lovely smell. I very much disagree that this is a lovely thing to do though - so only tried that once!

I think mine is Asda's own but i've also used Dettol, i use a capful per load, it goes in the softener section of the drawer. It's definitely helped get rid of any fusty smells etc

I'm in a very hard water area apparently, just checked, and like I say have always used fabric softener. I use the Fairy baby liquid detergent, from seeing the posts I'm not sure if this means my washing would go stiff without using softener, or whether it will be okay. I rarely iron too unless it's shirts or something smart.

I don’t use it. My mum didn’t (not sure if it was around then) and we seemed to manage to wash clothes without purchasing another product that comes packaged in plastic. The laundry still smelt fresh and clean and lovely.

Fabric conditioner also makes towels less absorbent; surely their entire point.

DP and SDC (teenagers) seem to think fabric conditioner is essential and use loads.

Never have, I’m too tight! My mum didn’t. I also think it’s just another thing we are conned into thinking we need to make manufacturers rich.
also interesting some chap reduced his use of washing powder from the recommended to see how little he actually needed, it was a teaspoon!

@Cleanbedlinen12 I use about a quarter of the recommended amount of powder. Even in a hard water area if I put the recommended amount in the machine suds up and gives me an error.
We are definitely told we need things we don’t and encouraged to consume more and more. I guess that’s capitalism though!

I don’t use it, don’t see the point and I really dislike the smell.

It makes me feel a bit queasy when clothes have a smell, especially when it then mingles with perfumes etc, it’s too much.

I can smell it if people use it a lot on their clothes or if I go into someone’s house, it’s really artificial and I find it really unpleasant.

Nope. Never.