Is there really much point in fabric conditioner?

Question

I still use it but mainly because I like the smell.
Are there other greener alternatives apart from the ready made ones?

I already use Ecover-I am looking for other options.

Answer 1

Vinegar is greener and cheaper. Your clothes will NOT smell like vinegar, and it helps reduce static cling in your clothing. Use 1 cup of vinegar in the rinse cycle.

Unlike fabric softeners that use a wax to make the fabrics feel softer, vinegar works by really getting out soap residues. Not only do your clothes feel softer, they are cleaner as well. AND, you will not have the wax residue left on the lint screen. Try this, remove the lint screen from the lint trap of your dryer, clean off all the lint, then run the screen under the sink tap. See how much or how little water drains through the screen. If no water gets through, use a toothbrush, nail brush or something similar to clean the screen. This will help your dryer work more efficiently too.

Answer 2

The main purpose of fabric softener is to stop static cling. If you live in a climate that doesn't cause dry indoor air, then there is no point. A green alternative is to use vinegar in the rinse cycle. The smell goes away when the clothes are dry. As you say, commercial fabric softener does make clothes smell nice. So why not skip the softener and just spray some fragrance or use scented body lotion on yourself?

Answer 3

Some of the so-called fabric softeners are a huge waste of money. I've tried most of them and the only one that actually eliminates static cling in polyester items seems to be Downy (in the U.S.). Also, I have long urged people not to use fabric softeners in towels. It puts that waxy coating on the towels and they just aren't absorbant at all. It takes several "unsoftened" washings afterwards to get them to dry your body properly.

Answer 4

Yes....it's stops all the static buildup. And the smell of course. But, there was a show on t.v. about the static and pumping gas. If it happens at just the right moment, you can start yourself on fire from the fumes! It does happen. They showed clips of them. When your pumping gas, and touch the nozzle and it sparks, the fumes catch on fire and your ingolfed in flames instantly....your whole body. So, just in case, they advised to touch the car or something metal first to get the spark gone before you start pumping.

Answer 5

It makes the clothes smell nice longer and stops you getting static shocks (sometimes).

Answer 6

I think that it makes your clothes last longer because they are softer
You can buy fabric softener balls but that's for if you use a tumble dryer

Answer 7

no point using if you have mainly natural fabrics - just wash with something like persil or fairy. we have soft water which could make a difference

Answer 8

ecover i use there washing up liquid and Landry liquid you can get almost anything for your house and you can get it in asda or Salisbury's or your local supermarket

Answer 9

no. it makes clothes - i.e. towels - LESS absorbent.

another marketing con.