Fabric Softener ... which do you recommend ??

[smiles4u]

Hi all,

Well, my new extremely expensive Sheridan sheets will not soften, have even washed in hot water a few times

So, i have decided i need to give fabric softener a go but as i have sensitive skin i don't know which to purchase

... Can anyone help with which one to try

TIA for any suggestions/recommendations

[Eenee]

Try Bi carb soda I use that to soften my sheets and it works ok for me.

[Mildez]

This is not a fabric softener but I usually find Lux soap flakes softens things. Not sure what it would be like with sensitive skin though. Goodluck softening the sheets. Soft clean sheets are so nice.

[LionsandBears]

White vinegar. Works a treat and it doesn't leave the washing machine with a chemical residue like fabric softeners do. Also - so much cheaper and better for the environment.

[smiles4u]

thanks em ... how much do i use & do i have to dissolve it first ?? ... also do i wash the sheets in it or put in the last wash cycle ??

thanks Tash ... how much vinegar do i use (and will they have a smell to them like a fish 'n chip shop, LOL)

em and Tash ... do i wash the sheets in cold water ????

... As you can see i WILL try anything !!!

[Pretty Butterfly]

Fill your softener dispenser with half water/half vinegar.

They wont smell, everything will soften, and towels will fluff up without real softner in them, it blocks the absorbancy of them too....

[CharlieBrownGirl]

Smiles,
Shannon Lush is awesome when it comes to domestic solutions using natural products such as vinegar and bicarb. In her book 'Spotless' Shannon recommends
"The best fabric softener is 1/2 cup of bicarb added to the washing powder, the add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle".

I have also purchased "Vinegar, 1001 practical household uses" by ??? published by L&K Designs through the book club at work. It suggests "Fabric conditioning: Instead of expensive fabric conditioners, add 275ml (1/2pint) of white distilled vinegar to your rinse cycle which will keep your linens soft".

For sourcing books I've found FishPond very useful and delivery is super fast...

Have fun!

[~clover~]

I use vinegar I usually just fill the fabric softener dispenser.

[smiles4u]

CBG ... OMG woman, your the bomb, i'm on to that ... that sounds just BRILLIANT ... THANKS heaps for that fantastic info

[Pretty Butterfly]

CBG, thats the same book I have!!! LOVE it!!!

[Eenee]

oh yeah I use vinegar too- forgot about that, I usually put the bi carb in with the washing powder and then put vinegar in the fabric softner part of the washing washine- as for the amount I just guess and shake a bit in.

[Liz]

I don't use anything... but if I did, it would probably be vinegar... bonus would be it cleaning your washing machine at the same time! Other fabric softeners are actually really bad for your washing machine.

Question tho with vinegar - when using it with MCN's the warning was there that vinegar would deteriorate elastic and things... wouldn't it do the same to clothes if used regularly? I don't think I'd ever use it every wash as a regular softener.

[Pretty Butterfly]

I only use it on linens..... not on clothes or nappies.

Sometime I'll put in all the greyish socks and use vinegar, its good for whitening too!!

[Bathsheba]

I never use commercial softeners... I don't like the perfumes. If I bother to use anything I also use bi-carb and/or vinegar.... the vinegar doesn't leave a smell

[Astrid]

Question tho with vinegar - when using it with MCN's the warning was there that vinegar would deteriorate elastic and things... wouldn't it do the same to clothes if used regularly? I don't think I'd ever use it every wash as a regular softener.

Asked the same question awhile back, I think the answer was not to use more than 1/3 cup.

[~Kim~]

another white vinegar fan here.
L if they're already clean give 'em a go with bicarb instead of washing powder.

[smiles4u]

Yeh Kim they're squeaky clean, LOL ... just far too darn scratchy for me


... Ok, gals what do you think should i have a go at 1/2 cup of vinegar ONLY for now in the washing cycle (OR the rinse cycle ?? ) no washing powder nor washing liquid ...

WHAT DO YOU ALL THINK ????

[~clover~]

I put it in the softener dispenser so it only goes in the rinse cycle. Half a cup should be plenty. I use about that on a full load. With towels & sheets I usually only use vinegar, I don't worry about powder. I use bicarb only for my mcn's, sometimes not even that & I usually use powders just for clothes, but only half the recommended amount unless its DH's filthy dirty work clothes.

Vinegar is great for whites too. Brightens the white up. (FYI - Also the best cleaner for the calcium in your kettle!!)