I am a rubbish washer

[Lifegoeson]

I don't know what I do to my clothes?! But they will start to go 'bobbley' within, sometimes 1 wash, look faded and generally washed out, some expensive, some cheap, my machine does not discriminate! And however much softner I use they always feel stiff.

I use quality detergents, wash at 30, have a low spin at 600, dry them on radiators and inside on rack and my washing machine is just a few months old.

So please ladies, what am I doing wrong?! I'm fed up of buying DS lovely clothes and them looking tired and worn within a few washes, any advice muchly appreciated.

Dont ask me, I'm rubbish too.

i use ariel or fairy, but I must admit I cant stand fabric conditioner as its all slimy.

I try to dry outdoors.

Ok, no expert but I turn most clothes inside out to wash them. It seems to help with the bobbling...but could be coincidence. I also use less washing liquid than they suggest and half the fabric conditioner, usually diluted. The build up can make clothes feel stiff. You could try putting the clothes through an extra rinse to help remove any further residue which could stiffen some fabrics.

Also, (and sorry if this seems patronising - not meant to be) look at the washing instructions. I've found that some items actually tell you not to use fabric softener as it can have the opposite effect depending on the fabric fibres. It can cling to some and cause that stiffening effect.

Sometimes drying directly on radiators can 'harden' fabric. Can you get a frame that clips over the radiator so that the clothes aren't directly on the heat?

You can also buy de-bobbling thingies which are quite good.

Just re-read all that: my mother would be so proud

Clean your machine- if it is new it probably has a buidlup of something. Run it empty with a cup of soda crystals in the drum and a cup in the drawer too. Some people add white vinegar. Run your machine on a high temp and a long cycle.

That might improve things.

Also use a good quality non-bio detergent for your clothes. Dry outside if you can.

Where do you get soda crystals from TNMMonkey ? are they the same as sodium bicarbonate.

Thanks both for the tips by the way.

You get them in the supermarket next to the washing powders in a green celophane bag, they cost about a £1. I think it is the same as bicarb, but much much cheaper weight wise. IFYWIM

Well I'm glad to hear I'm not alone RFF!

Indeed she would KL, will give thems tips all a go!

TNMM, will pick some up.

Thanks all.