Fabric Softeners -

[cranraspberry]

I've actually started using more softener recently, and have even experimented with adding a tiny bit in my towel loads to see if it will have any effect. My favorite is definitely Vernel Sensitiv - I use about half of what they recommend as the minimal dosage and get no added scent, but slightly softer clothes.
Still a little concerned about build up in the washer, but hopefully at the rate I'm using it it won't be an issue.

 

[mamapinky]

Jay...I also can't stand overwhelming fabric softener smells but I do like a bit so I mix downys lavender with the downy free and only use a tablespoon or two on occasion. I've been in homes that reek of the stuff but I've also been in homes that reek of dirt and sweat...ill choose the fabric softener scent over old dirty body odors anytime..lol.
Olga...I use a small amount of fabric softener on towels every few washings and I haven't had any issues with the towels. I've read on here a lot..and I think the consensus is if you use fabric softener frequently you shouldn't have a washer problem if you use warm and hot water washes frequently. .but I could be wrong.....Cheryl

 

[maytagbear]

In the winter.......

I find it essential. Especially in loads of socks, to prevent the shocks.

I have said here before....I cut "April Fresh" with Unscented.

Every third washing of bath towels. Never, ever on kitchen towels.

I do not use dryer sheets ever. I hate the way they gunk up the drum. Every coin-op dryer I have used in the last 30 (no exaggeration) years have been slimy!

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[mattywashboy]

I am a fabric softener user but have stopped using P&G brand ones as I find they all tend to leave a very long strong scent which I'm not keen on. Most Aussie softeners are much less heavily scented so I use those. I have also discovered Felce Azzurra from Italy works well and leaves a wonderful scent behind. Being a big hairy bugger I find static shocks a big problem for me so just another reason to use softener l

 

[askolover]

No matter how little detergent

we use with our softened water, it seems to be difficult to rinse out even with 4 rinses with water half way up the door in the Asko so we kind of have to use some.  Don't like Downy 'cause it's just too soft.  My grandmother used it and her towels would just smear water all over you (but I think she "dropped the bottle in her GE FF).  I get Gain ultra and split it between two bottles, then cut them with water.  Makes 2 bottles  from one.  Works well on the soap without being overly soft.  Been doing it for years without any problems or buildup in the washer.  I personally prefer towels dried outside on the line, but who has time in this house?

 

[iej]

I stopped using them some time ago and honestly don't see much difference.

Unnecessary, extra chemicals that aren't rinsed out!

 

[gusherb]

I stopped using softener when I became disgusted by the scents that are out there, and got sick of the classic Downey scents (or they just changed and I hated them after). I used none all last summer but had to start using it again when winter started as the dryness and shocks were getting annoying. So I bought a bottle of unscented Downey.

A month or so ago I bought a bottle of Snuggle Blue Sparkle, followed the dosing instructions and used it on a load of white towels (huge mistake never doing that again) and now 4 scalding hot washes since then and those towels still wreak of that stuff!
OTOH I used the Downey on my towels every other load all winter and haven't had a problem with absorption or sliminess, though I'm glad to not have to use it anymore.

 

[mamapinky]

Matt that is a huge box of ariel someday I hope to order one of those how well does it clean? Only ariel I can get here is the ariel at the Mexican grocer which works good or ariel usa yuck.....cheryl

 

[mattywashboy]

Cheryl, Ariel UK is wonderful stuff. I use it only on towels, sheets and heavy soiled kitchen linen. I got this huge box very cheap at our local uk import store as the owner had ordered too much stock and was practically giving it away!

 

[washingpowder]

I haven't used regular fabric softener for at least 5 years. Vinegar seems to work marvelously, additionally setting-in dyes and removing any leftover odors or detergent residue. Any product with phthalates, synthetic fragrances or such is never going to make it to my apartment. Recently been exposed to some good old Downy and Suavitel, my skin became slightly itchy again, something I forgot ever bothered me, let alone the slightly slimy feeling of towels.
Only thing that occasionally causes some trouble is static on synthetic fabrics. Used Method in-dryer spray, didn't care for the commercial smell nor ingredients. Seventh Generation, 365 Whole Foods Brand and Ecover all use a soy-based compound that seems to do the job; a tablespoon in a half-cup of vinegar is more than enough to soften and prevent static.

 

[polkanut]

<span style="font-family: georgia, palatino; font-size: 12pt;">We use Sam's Club Member's Mark Fresh Scent softener, and we only use 1/2 capful at most for any given load.  It's not nearly as overpowering as Downy or Snuggle.</span>

http://www.samsclub.com/sams/member-s-mark-liquid-fabric-softener-168-oz/170426.ip?navAction=push

 

[mamapinky]

I have to comment on fabric softener and scents...for those of you who like a bit of softener but don't want the smell..why don't you use the unscented...or cut the unscent with a scent you would like if it wasn't so overpowering. Just a thought I had..lol Cheryl

 

[matthewza]

We stopped using softeners about 4 or so years ago, not long after we got our Samsung TL, when my mom's aunt told us about the oils and fats in them and what they do to your machine (she had an almost 20 year old LG TL that was depositing black flakes into her loads, and when she phoned LG she was told its from softeners, so she cleaned her machine out with hot water and dishwasher powder, and stopped using softeners and no more problems).
So when we stopped I also ran a hot wash with dishwasher detergent, and we didn't even replace the softener with vinegar, so there's no additives in the rinses at all and most of our washing is line dried (perks of living in SA) and we've noticed no difference in the softness of our clothes, but we have noticed that everything seems to dry quicker. And we iron nothing, so I can't commment on the ironing benefits. Heavily wrinkled things get tumble dried so no need for ironing.
I don't add anything to my rinses either in my LG FL, just white vinegar in the softener dispenser with my weeks gym clothe.

Here in SA many people actually keep a fabric softener refill sachet in their cars under a seat instead of buying one of those car fragrance things. Very clever. As it never needs replacing. Think I might just do that too

 

[mamapinky]

Are there any powdered fabric softeners?? Just curious here. Chefyl

 

[mark_wpduet]

This is how little fab softener I use

I have literally had this bottle for 2 or 3 years, maybe more. There is about 35% left in the bottle. It lasts so long because I use a small amount in the fab dispenser diluted with vinegar and only with colors, not whites. All my towels are white so they don't get fab softener. This is the generic cheap kind but it smells the way Downy used to smell to me.

 

[mark_wpduet]

This is how little fab softener I use

I have literally had this bottle for 2 or 3 years, maybe more. There is about 35% left in the bottle. It lasts so long because I use a small amount in the fab dispenser diluted with vinegar and only with colors, not whites. All my towels are white so they don't get fab softener. This is the generic cheap kind but it smells the way Downy used to smell to me.

 

[mark_wpduet]

sorry for the double post - accident

 

[electradeluxe]

I don't use fabric softener on towels and tea towels but i use it on everything else,

i use Lenor with Febreze,The super concentrated bottles,i use it with Persil Bio powder and i love the smell

Neil