Do I NEED fabric conditioner?

Footpather

For some strange the FC drawer on my washing machine stopped working. After cleaning it out etc it wasn't having it so I have washed without it for about 4 years now. Don't notice any difference in the washing at all.

camNolliesMUMMY

Hard water here too. I will give making my own a go when I've emptied my 5l bottle of comfort from makro. But I don't use he amount they tell you too.
I line dry ATM but will do an experiment on using less of it as I love the smell.
But is it the smell of fresh air or the comfort I can smell? If its fresh air. Il be returning to makro for 2-5l of vinegar haha.

anotheruser

^ You may find Makro isn't cheaper for things like that.
Check the value versions in the supermarket. I've found the Smart Price washing powder and fabric conditioner to be fine.

Fusspot

Just wondering as my friend doesn't use it.

PasturesNew

Short answer is no. I've never used it, ever. Not really sure what it's for to be honest..... I just know that I've never used it..... neither did my parents (which is, I guess, where I got it from).

good_advice

For many years I did not use fabric conditioner and our clothes still washed clean.
Then we had family to stay, who kept commenting on the fact so I now buy Tesco own brand fabric conditioner.Spring Fresh. 42 washes.
Contains 5-15% cationic surfactant and perfumes

The same ingredients as a more costly branded 1.5L bottle.

I do find the clothes easier to iron.
Like the perfume smell when opening the washing machine door.

But! more of a want than a need.

rach_k

No. I don't use it as I was washing cloth nappies and you can't use it on them (it affects the absorbency) so I stopped using it on other washing too as I didn't want it getting left in the machine and transferring to the nappies.

Now, I don't like it when we go away and it's obvious the bedding has been washed with lots of fabric softener - the material often feels greasy to me and the smell can be cloying. I never noticed that before. I don't particularly like the idea of adding something that stays on the fabric either - why add more chemicals to your skin than necessary?

We have quite hard water but I've never really noticed clothes feeling rough. Sometimes towels could do with a quick tumble dry to fluff them up a bit. Towels are more absorbent when washed without fabric softener too, the same as nappies.

DigForVictory

No.
Considered it, and was told not on *any* baby clothing or fabric.
If I want a pretty smelling garment, a spritz of perfume at the ironing stage would do but sheesh...
Bloke who keeps the white goods running applauded me for not using it - easier for him apparently.

gsymoo

I dilute my fabric conditioner (half and half with water). Just doing that I've noticed my drawer stays clean. No difference in clothes either.

Linda32

No not in my opinion, just ask yourself why you think you should.