Fabric Conditioner

I haven’t used fabric conditioner for years. I use white vinegar and a dash of floral disinfectant….

Why use it ?I haven't used conditioner for ages. I 'm sure I read somewhere that it is not necessary, but I can't remember where I saw it .I live in a hard water area .

I don’t see that you ‘have’ to use any of the artificial scent-boosters. TBH I don’t even use conditioner any more - after reading how it (and pods) can clog up the machine with gunk.* I just use powder now (no plastic!) with soda crystals (not much of either) and my washing comes out fine.

*it was recommended by the same person to do a very hot wash with just soda crystals. I was appalled at the dirty grey foam that appeared (after using both pods and conditioner for ages) - I had to do it twice before the water looked clean.

Superfluous imo, I never use it. It seems to give off an overly chemical scent I do use those tear off sheet things for the tumble drier though. Happily it's hot today and for a few days, so the washing is on the line. .

I don’t use fabric conditioner as it is bad for the environment, the chemicals used in its manufacture are harmful as they are dispensed into the aquatic ecosystem.
Also, eventually the use breaks down certain fibres, ruining your clothes.

I also live in a hard water area, have not used it for many years and saved myself a fortune. I do not see the point of it.

I’ve never used it, and never missed it. Can’t think adding yet more chemicals to the planet is a good idea.

I no longer use fabric conditioner either. It clogged up my last washing machine. I really haven't missed it at all.

Witzend in what proportions please?

I think the6 were brought in to stop static when one used a tumble dryer. Apparently, it stops towels from being absorbent.
I water mine down to at least 2:1, and only use about 1 tbsp very occasionally.
Like another poster, I put a squirt of white vinegar to neutralise any remaining detergent.

Shinamae

I haven’t used fabric conditioner for years. I use white vinegar and a dash of floral disinfectant….

I've used vinegar for years too, having read about the damage to fabrics caused by fabric conditioner. Apparently it also removes any traces of detergent too, which can gradually damage the clothes.
No vinegar smell, just a freshly washed smell!

Never used it, I’m tight and also like my towels rough to the feel.

Rarely use it

J52

I don’t use fabric conditioner as it is bad for the environment, the chemicals used in its manufacture are harmful as they are dispensed into the aquatic ecosystem.
Also, eventually the use breaks down certain fibres, ruining your clothes.

Agree 100%.

Siope

Witzend in what proportions please?

I use about half a small plastic cup (8 cm tall, top diameter 7cm, bottom 6cm) of powder, straight into the bottom of the drum, and probably about half or 2/3 of that of soda crystals in the detergent drawer. I don’t measure very precisely though!

About 20 years ago I was told not to use it by the manageress of a certain well known clothes shop. She said the softening effect made the garments lank and limp especially in skirts with pleats. (I was buying a washable pleated skirt)

I use white vinegar only. I don't want my clothes to smell of anything but the fabric they're made of.

I dont use it but dh does.

I'm really quite allergic to it

Thank you, Witzend. Interesting that you put the powder in the drum. I put mine in the dispenser drawer, but find it often doesn’t wash through properly, with lumps of it remaining and set like concrete. I’ll try your way instead.

I make my own to use in summer as it makes linen clothes easier to iron. I mix a tablespoonful of vegetable glycerin into 200 ml of white vinegar. You can add essential oils if you want some perfume but not really necessary. I’m another one who’s going to try Witzend’s method of putting powder detergents straight in the drum.

Witzend, is there an advantage in putting powder straight into the drum? Doesn’t it dissolve more efficiently as the water flushes it from the dispenser?

DamaskRose

J52

I don’t use fabric conditioner as it is bad for the environment, the chemicals used in its manufacture are harmful as they are dispensed into the aquatic ecosystem.
Also, eventually the use breaks down certain fibres, ruining your clothes.

Agree 100%.

Also agree. Haven't used it in 15 years. I do use white vinegar in the rinse cycle though.

I never used to use it but now I do.