Fabric softener 28 December 2022 at 10:54AM in In my home (includes DIY) MoneySaving 8 replies 575 views

kimplus8

Not sure if this is the right place but….
fabric softener yay or nay?
I usually use it but have been reading about how bad it is for your clothes, machine and potentially health. 

I do like the lasting scent on my sheets and clothes but may just give it up all together.
what do people use instead to soften woollens and knitwear? 

TIA

SaverRate

I use Dettol Anti Bac Laundry Cleanser (or the Home bargains cheaper version) rather than a fabric softener. I haven't had any build up of 'sludge' in the machine drawer since! 

mark_cycling00

You can get Ecover softener that is "plant-based"
But it's still leaving oils and soap compounds on your clothes.

The chemical softeners slowly make your clothes flammable too

pallyman

I use white vinegar & also use washing soda .

Silvertabby

Another vote for white vinegar.  No residue on the washing, and no build up of black mould in the washing machine drawer.

kimplus8

I will pick up some white vinegar, thanks all. 

Slinky

I've given up using anything other than washing powder and have not noticed any difference!

YoungBlueEyes

pallyman said:

I use white vinegar & also use washing soda .

Ditto. Wee bit of soda in the washing powder compartment, vinegar instead of softener.

I get my vinegar in Lidl/Aldi - it's 27p. 

Coffeekup

White vinegar here too... I stopped using it a couple of years ago on reading how bad it was for the environment.
I also use the white vinegar to clean surfaces too, although it can't be used on all. Saved me a small fortune in cleaning products and fabric conditioner it has.