Changing fabric softner - will it cause reactions to skin?

[3missys]

This sounds such a silly questions but since both DD's were born I have used only Fairy washing powder and softner to wash clothes... well what with all the lovely new smells of softner coming out now I feel I am missing out (oh yes what a sad life I lead if I'm that easily pleased!)

Question is though is it the actual washing powder that may cause skin reactions or is it the softner or both? I know it is probably a case of going out and buying one to see if they have a reaction but just curious.... Both DD's don't have any problematic skin conditions.

hi
fabric softenr of any kind, even fairy, upsets my dc skin. they do have quite bad excema tho.
the only way of knowing is as you say, trying it. just be prepared to have to re-wash everything if they do have a reaction

Agree with Dylansmum - I've stopped using it as dd1 def reacted to it...in fact she reacts to all of the washing powders too apart from Sainbury's own non-bio (for some unknown reason!)

clucky snap, except i havent tried sainsburys, i found asda doesnt bother her so stopped trying. have tried so many

deviating slightly...

but those with sensitive skin (or not ) could try soap nuts...

they are natural, a fraction of the cost and leaves clothes super soft without any softner..

if you really MUST have washing that smells then natural aromatherapy oils can be used!

nannyl will they stop my towels feeeling like surfboards?

Vinegar stops towels feeling like surfboards. Can be used in conjunction with the aforementioned soap nuts or with normal washing detergent. Just add an eggcupful to the conditioner drawer.

worth giving them a try

you can get them for 75p (which covers P&P and paypal fees from www.inasoapnutshell.com/

OR you could try a nice hot wash with a tiny amount of detergent VINAGER in the softener draw (never use softner for towels) followed by drying them in a tumble dryer with dryerballs if you can get hold of them,or just a dryer wif not!

lol we cross posted the same advice!

lol might sound silly but does the vinegar make them smell like vinegar? iyswim

no... you would never even know there had been vinegar!

i dont have a dryer so anything that makes them less stiff would be great thanks for the advice. never use softener cos of dc skins

thanks will give that a try in a little while. thanks for the link have ordered a soap nut sample to give them a try

i find this makes my towels stay super soft...

(i have a dryer but dont use it)

I have a really high wasing line, and drying them on the line on a windy day really makes them super soft (just dont let them get too dry IUSWIM)

(I have lovely super soft and super expensive peacock blue towels.... they have been in my tumble dryer ONCE in the past year and they are as soft as when they were brand new from drying on windy days on my very high washing line!)

Wow, really helpful advice re the soapnuts. Thank you.

oh dear is there not much hope for my towels then, i live in a 2nd floor flat with no outside drying facilties. all my clothes dry on a clothes horse inside
have to hope the vinegar works

i did my towels with vinegar last night although not completely dry yet they do feel softer than normal, not tumbled soft but not rigid cardboard either