Just curious - am I the only person in the world who doesn't use softener in their washing?

[merlin]

I hate clothes smelling strongly of detergent/softener.

So, what does it do for your clothes?

I don't because it clogs up my top loading machine, because it makes polar fleece not warm and because it smells vile - in that order.

I don't use it. I stopped when DS1 was born and haven't gone back to it. My mum uses it and when the ds' stay with her, their clothes come back stinking.

I'm in a hard water area too.

I use it but had an interesting discussion yesterday with a 'garment technologist'. We are sourcing new uniform for DS's school and had a meeting with a supplier. We had been road testing some samples and I had noticed that on some of the care labels it recommended NOT to use fabric softener/conditioner and I asked why. Apparently it is a silicone which coats the fibres and over time makes them move apart so makes the fabric more fragile and prone to tearing or bobbling.

Neither of the ladies from the supply company use it. They have both been in the garment industry for years.

I am going to stop using it for a while after this lot is gone and will see if we notice a difference.

nope - I don't use it as it is not needed (waste of money, packaging , bad for the environment etc) hate the smell and we have sensitive skin in this household.

Try to line dry or use the drier when raining and clothes are fine.

I never use it either, just use white vinegar. Like others have said I don't like the slippy feeling of softened clothes, especially towels, they practically repel water.

Interesting Buda. One of the reasons I stopped using fc was that all my expensive, silk Monsoon tops were falling apart. I finally got around to reading the washing instructions and they said 'Do not use Fabric Conditioner', so I realised it was the fc wrecking my clothes. Stopped using it in all my washing after that and no more problems.

What does white vinegar do? Which drawer do you put it in?

I don't use fabric conditioner. They have a vile smell and are unnecessary. Yet another petrochemical to irritate my very sensitive skin. I use unperfumed powder or liquid, usually BioD. We live in a very hard water area and we manage fine.

No conditioner in this house either, I just use whatever powder is on special offer.

If my DC have been to my Mum's I always send enough clothes for the stay plus a bit extra 'just in case'. verything always comes back freshly washed and ironed and stinking of conditioner, even the things they haven't worn plus any clothes that she has bought them while they are there

White vinegar acts as a softner and you put it in the softner drawer.

We are also in a hardwater area.

Another one who's never used it, probably because my mum never used it.

I don't like the smell or feel of friends' clothes that have fc on them. And just thinking of the expense and extra packaging etc that it involves puts me off even more.

I do have scratchy towels, but I actually like them like that.

I use it and I never HAVE to IRON!!!

I like scratchy towels too Cies

Woodenchair - it's distilled white vinegar, you get it in the supermarket about 60p a bottle. As MrsG says it softens, kills bacteria and de-scales the kettle too!

also don't like the smells - very artificial

Blimey! Who buys all the stuff then? Judging by this very unscientific test most of us don't use it!!

Very hard water, No softner.

Hate the smell
Hate the slimy feel of towels that seem to be waterproof
Cotton sheets feel better crisp and ironed
Also think colours stay brighter

MsPontipine I never use it and I never have to iron either