Do I NEED fabric conditioner?

Time_to_get_up_and_go_2-2

Following on from the fabric conditioner thread, how do I know if u have hard or soft water?

SpikyHedgehog

Time_to_get_up_and_go wrote: »

Following on from the fabric conditioner thread, how do I know if u have hard or soft water?

How often do you need to descale your kettle? The harder water has more limescale in, so furs up kettles etc.

I don't use conditioner in the laundry, I use hm with 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water, in an old conditioner bottle, add essential oil & shake well. Much better for DS1's eczema, much better for my pocket!

gibson123

I have soft water and I have not used a conditioner since a plumber told me it kills washing machines!

kittendothroar

When I moved into work accommodation earlier this year our shared machines specify no conditioner - at first I was horrified by the idea as *never* not used it but all my washing is fine! Though did cheat and bought 2in1 powder recently which smells nice

Linda32

MrsP1983 wrote: »

I ran out about a week ago and haven't noticed a blind bit of difference in our laundry.

This will sound flippant, but its not meant that way. Its just the truth as I see it.


I ran out sometime during 1995, tried washing without and havn't bought it since. :money:

IMHO you don't need it, its sold by manufacturers who tell you you do need it, well they would do, they are selling it.

Debran

The main reason I use fabric conditioner is due to static electricity. If I don't use it I get a "shock" when I get out of the car and touch the door.

lobbyludd

I stopped using it when oldest was born as he reacted to even hypoallergenic sensitive fabric condiitoner. ......and never looked back. The washing machine doesn't get as mouldy, has less gunk, towels are more absorbant, I notice no difference in the softness of my clothes and they seem to get cleaner with less detergent, without a coating on them. I've experimented with vinegar - but noticed no improvement over not using it.

[Deleted User]

No you don't need it but whether you want it is a differant matter I don't use it and never have as I think its a manufacurers ploy to sell you something that never existed when my Mum was doing her washing and we all survived intact without it .She would use a splodge of washing soda (techy term for handful :)) along with her Tide,Omo or Oxydol and that was more than enough to keep her families wash clean soft and as it was line dried smelling nice.
I think the smell of some of these 'conditioners' is really rather nasty and a bit chemically.No, soap,hot water and a nice blowy day is more than enough for me

blossomhill_2

I stopped using it in the wash but diliute the tiniest drop (about 2ml) in warm water, soak a j-cloth, wring it out very well and add it to the tumble drier
I do agree that it helps reduce static though, when used in the wash

valk_scot

Come to think of it my teenage son asked me recently to start using it as apparently if you sweat a lot the smell of fabric conditioner masks the sweaty smell. Given that he showers daily and uses a good deoderant I suggested this was not necessary but he was adamant, the girls like laundry smells. So I've dug out some sample sachets of Tropical Fruit & Flower Pong fabric conditioner and washed the current batch of clothes with it. Including his rugby kit.:D

(Might buy him some nice after shave for his Christmas stocking though. )