When does conditioner get added to a wash cycle?

ThisIsWeird

Is it at the very end, just before the final drain and spin, or does a rinse follow it to wash most away and just leave what's clinging to the fibres?

I ask 'cos our Bosch Serie 6 - which has auto-dispense - never leaves the wash smelling all that great. It's clean, but doesn't smell of 'conditioner'.

The auto-dispense is clearly working, and it consumes plenty of conditioner.

Cheers.

twopenny

May be different with different models and I'm not exactly up to date. 

I read conditioner instructions once and that was decades ago but when hand washing you don't rinse out - so you'd expect it to be the last rinse.

I looked at the bottle but no instructions.

What speed spin do you use?

Micron

I’m sure ours adds the conditioner at the last rinse just before the final drain and spin.

Perhaps as a comparison test you could put the machine on rise hold then add some conditioner mixed with water in the powder draw and then finish the wash.

ThisIsWeird

Thanks, both - that makes sense - it's simply added to the last cold rinse fill, tumbled a bit, drained and spun.

I can smell some cond, but not much.

Hey-ho - I'll try adding it manually.

I use the max 1400 spin - I guess that spins out most of the cond as well! Reluctant to go lower, tho', as drying needs all the help it can get.

Emmia

Personally I think conditioner is a total waste of money, washing comes out just as clean and fresh without it.

ic

If your washing is smelly, its probably not getting washed well enough.  If you're using a quick wash that's probably why - read the manual and it'll suggest quick wash (15, 30 or one hour) are for very small loads of "lightly soiled" clothing.  If you're filling the machine beyond half capacity, you should be using a full cycle.

I agree with Emmia - conditioner seems to be snake oil - we stopped using it, our clothes are just as soft and fresh without it.  If anything, its just a masking sickly smell that wears off quickly.

Jaybee_16

Conditioner is taken from the dispenser drawer during the final rinse. 

ThisIsWeird

ic said:

If your washing is smelly, its probably not getting washed well enough.  If you're using a quick wash that's probably why - read the manual and it'll suggest quick wash (15, 30 or one hour) are for very small loads of "lightly soiled" clothing.  If you're filling the machine beyond half capacity, you should be using a full cycle.

I agree with Emmia - conditioner seems to be snake oil - we stopped using it, our clothes are just as soft and fresh without it.  If anything, its just a masking sickly smell that wears off quickly.

The clothes aren't 'smelly' - they do have a slightly fresh aroma if sniffed closely, and they're definitely clean, as the default 'cottons' I use is at 40oC and takes nearly 3 hrs. But there is next-to-no 'Aaaaaah!' to it, like I think there used to be with our old washer.

The conditioner doesn't appear to be doing anything - but it's till being consumed.

rach_k

Have you been using the same conditioner for quite a while?  I definitely become 'nose blind' to fragrances over time so I tend to switch scents every 6 months or so, or whenever I stop smelling it as strongly.  

I wouldn't be wanting to add more conditioner, if at all possible.  I believe it increases flammability of fabrics, but it also makes them less breathable and, if you use far too much, it can build up on the fibres over time and then that traps bacteria and you really end up stinky!

ThisIsWeird

No, Rach, I have used a variety. Mostly the known brands, too - currently Lenor 'outdoorable'. 
'Fresh as if dried outside...' We'll see.

EssexExile

Emmia said:

Personally I think conditioner is a total waste of money, washing comes out just as clean and fresh without it.

It removes static from synthetics, otherwise it's pretty pointless. It shouldn't be used on towels etc as it reduces absorption.