Laundry is never soft

Norman_Castle

These http://www.dri-pak.co.uk/soda-crystals-for-laundry.html may help. 90p from Tesco.

Innys

Norman_Castle wrote: »

These http://www.dri-pak.co.uk/soda-crystals-for-laundry.html may help. 90p from Tesco.

I'm not certain I would use this in my washing. It's corrosive stuff and even when diluted, I'd not be keen to stick it in with my clothes, even the ones I don't really care much about.

pinkteapot

Last year we replaced all our towels with a good quality set. We were advised to only use a small amount of fabric conditioner in a towels wash as (1) if you use a full dose of fabric conditioner with towels then over time they absorb less water and (2) pure cotton towels should naturally soften over time anyway.

No idea if it's true but I only use half the amount of conditioner when washing towels and they are still as good as new (and pretty soft)...

Haffiana

Fabric conditioner stops towels from drying properly, full stop.

The best way to get soft washing is to use soap nuts rather than soap or detergent. However they will not remove stains, but for things like towels they are ideal. Do not use them with fabric conditioner - it is unnecessary.

Norman_Castle

Innys wrote: »

I'm not certain I would use this in my washing. It's corrosive stuff and even when diluted, I'd not be keen to stick it in with my clothes, even the ones I don't really care much about.

I'm not sure why you think its corrosive. I've used it for years without a problem.

nomobel

I also hang the washing to dry most of the times, though when it is wet I use my dumble dryer (the"4x4" of domestic appliances). I don't feel that the dumble dryer makes the washing any software, I actually prefer the washing the dryes outside in the wind.

I use water softener in tablets from Lidl, but I prefer powder. This is a basic product and you don't need the TV Advertised Brand.

I also add fragance softener (Aldi) to the last washing, which helps.

tigerliz

I know this might sound like an odd idea but I saw the other day about putting toys etc in the freezer before washing to kill the bugs and bacteria that live in them. Followed this up by putting them straight into the wash at 30 degrees on a short wash and they came out lovely and soft.

I also use a scoop of certain brand of washing machine cleaner in every wash to help keep the limescale at bay - I'm sure cheap or alternative versions are available and that has helped since we moved to a very hard water area.

grizzly1911

Norman_Castle wrote: »

I'm not sure why you think its corrosive. I've used it for years without a problem.

Yes I wondered about the concern unless very concentrated possibly.

Perhaps confused with the "soda" crystals I used to use to remove the coke in my motorcycle exhausts. That did rot a patch of carpet once - don't tell my mum. Was that sodium hydroxide?

Do you know what "Borax Substitute " is, saw that in my local "hardware" shop today.

Norman_Castle

^just read the packet. Avoid use with aluminium, laquered and varnished surfaces, and drinking water (well durr!). Also warns it may be an irritant undiluted or in very high concentrates. I've used it for years without a problem although I do use non bio as bio irritates my skin.

Murtle

We use vinegar in our washes, the towels are now soft after years of hard towels (hard water area!)