topic Re: No fabric softener or dryer sheets? in Q Talk

No fabric softener or dryer sheets?

Imaoldhippie — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 14:00:41 GMT

Why do the new fabrics recommend no fabric softener or dryer sheets?

What happens when you use them on the fabric?

What about static cling, especially in the winter?

Thanks.

Re: No fabric softener or dryer sheets?

Lipstickdiva — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 14:04:44 GMT

Maybe because dryer sheets and fabric softeners coat the fabrics? Or in the case of some sheets, I believe there is some type of coating that gets ruined? I know I always hear them say not to use anything on microfiber or polar fleece sheets.

Many people use plain white vinegar in place of liquid fabric softener. Some have great luck with it. I did not. It did nothing for static and sometimes I swear I could smell the vinegar.

Re: No fabric softener or dryer sheets?

goldensrbest — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 14:17:39 GMT

Fabric sheets are bad for your dryer also.

Re: No fabric softener or dryer sheets?

bargainsgirl — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 14:18:51 GMT

i only use fab softener on jeans. I now use the wool dryer balls on other things and they seem to be fine. I never use anything at all on towels or my fluffy sheets cause the fibers get coated and flatten. Towels are much more absorbant and sheets stay fluffy!

Re: No fabric softener or dryer sheets?

Caaareful Shopper — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 14:21:58 GMT

I often hear the vendors say fabrics have come a long way since 30, 20, even 10 years ago, and fabric softener is really no longer needed. It coats all fabric; some fabrics can take it, but others (like polar fleece) will just get all gunked up.

I haven't used fabric softener or dryer sheets for at least 10 years now, and I never get static cling, or any stiffness in my things after cleaning them.

Re: No fabric softener or dryer sheets?

wagirl — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 14:22:39 GMT

Horrible stuff in fabic softeners---haven't used them in a few years. I use 6 wooly balls for the dryer--got them on AMZ----if I want scent, I drop a few drops of an essence or scented oil on them, put them in the dryer for 10 minutes on their own and then throw them in with my clothes. works great. I do use dryer sheets to freshen up luggage or drawers and such--but not for my laundry.

Re: No fabric softener or dryer sheets?

Misplaced Parisian — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 14:33:21 GMT

I use the wool dryer balls when I use the dryer (towels, sheets, etc.) and I have no problems with static. I line dry all of my clothes.

Re: No fabric softener or dryer sheets?

Mominohio — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 14:42:25 GMT

I will say that dryer sheets are terrible for coating fabrics with gunk over time, and I detest them. My mom on the other hand, will throw three at a time in the dryer. Her towels won't dry a thing.

I think with both liquid softener and sheets, it's all about the quantity.

I use liquid, just a measured teaspoon per large load, diluted with water, even on all the stuff QVC says not to. Enough to slightly soften and keep the static down. I've seen no ill effects from doing so on those fabrics either.

People just tend to way over use laundry aids, and that is the problem, not the stuff itself. If you even follow the directions on the bottles it's way too much.

Small amounts seem to actually be a help, especially with the static.

Re: No fabric softener or dryer sheets?

Tricolor — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 15:10:21 GMT

@Mominohio wrote:
I will say that dryer sheets are terrible for coating fabrics with gunk over time, and I detest them. My mom on the other hand, will throw three at a time in the dryer. Her towels won't dry a thing.

I think with both liquid softener and sheets, it's all about the quantity.

I use liquid, just a measured teaspoon per large load, diluted with water, even on all the stuff QVC says not to. Enough to slightly soften and keep the static down. I've seen no ill effects from doing so on those fabrics either.

People just tend to way over use laundry aids, and that is the problem, not the stuff itself. If you even follow the directions on the bottles it's way too much.

Small amounts seem to actually be a help, especially with the static.

You are right about people overusing products. I have had several repairman tell me never to use the recommended amount of laundry detergent. That is much more than is needed.

Re: No fabric softener or dryer sheets?

Alison Wonderland — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 15:14:35 GMT

@Imaoldhippie wrote:
Why do the new fabrics recommend no fabric softener or dryer sheets?

What happens when you use them on the fabric?

What about static cling, especially in the winter?

Thanks.

Fabric softeners and dryer sheets coat fabrics, which limits their ability to wick away sweat and moisture. They usually recommend not using fabric softeners or dryer sheets for towels, sheets, and performance (active/athletic) wear.

I don't use dryer sheets or fabric softener and static cling hasn't really been an issue with anything.

Re: No fabric softener or dryer sheets?

jackthebear — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 15:30:10 GMT

I never use them, anything that's a man-made fabric usually needs a 3 minute spin in the dry and then hang to dry

Re: No fabric softener or dryer sheets?

Kachina624 — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 15:30:13 GMT

I find the most effective thing to soften all my laundry are the hard nubby balls. With all my fleece, it makes them softer than laundry sheets ever did. The come out very lofty and soft and static electricity seems to be reduced.

Re: No fabric softener or dryer sheets?

Sheilaray — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 15:39:04 GMT

@Lipstickdiva wrote:
Maybe because dryer sheets and fabric softeners coat the fabrics? Or in the case of some sheets, I believe there is some type of coating that gets ruined? I know I always hear them say not to use anything on microfiber or polar fleece sheets.

Many people use plain white vinegar in place of liquid fabric softener. Some have great luck with it. I did not. It did nothing for static and sometimes I swear I could smell the vinegar.

I agree 100%. Vinegar did nothing for the static cling and I could smell it as well.

I heard Amy Stran say that she uses a cheap-o softener that her mother used to use - the yellow Suavatel (sp?) There is something about those memory scents of our childhood :-)

I live in the Midwest and static cling is a real issue during the winter months. What do you use for it?

Re: No fabric softener or dryer sheets?

Imaoldhippie — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 15:39:31 GMT

Thanks all for your replies. We have well water that is quite hard and I need to use something to soften clothes and other things.

I do not use any softener on anything I want to absorb liquid such as towels, I havent done that since the late 60's.

Re: No fabric softener or dryer sheets?

hippiechick7897 — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 17:09:06 GMT

How much noise do the balls make in the dryer? I’ve always thought about them but am concerned they’d be clunky and loud.

Re: No fabric softener or dryer sheets?

Nightowlz — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 17:11:51 GMT

I also have not used them for years.

I used to make my own laundry detergent. Now I buy Nellie's. I also use the wool dryer balls plus some vinegar if I need it. I have never smelled the vinegar on our clothes. If I did I would not use it because it does stink. LOL!!!
If you want or need to use dryer sheets you can make your own. Lots of recipes online.

Re: No fabric softener or dryer sheets?

Nightowlz — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 17:13:38 GMT

@hippiechick7897 wrote:
How much noise do the balls make in the dryer? I’ve always thought about them but am concerned they’d be clunky and loud.

@hippiechick7897

I generally don't notice them unless I'm drying a small load. I have 4 of them in the dryer.

Re: No fabric softener or dryer sheets?

Rockycoast — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 17:21:16 GMT

I have never used fabric softener and I stopped using dryer sheets years ago. All I use are the sheepswool dryer balls. That takes care of the static and does not leave any residue like dryer sheets.

Re: No fabric softener or dryer sheets?

PinkyPetunia — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 17:24:08 GMT

I don't use liquid fabric softener but I do occasionally use half a dryer sheet on loads containing lots of synthetics. A low dryer temperature works better for eliminating static. Over drying causes static, too.

Re: No fabric softener or dryer sheets?

redbird — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 17:26:46 GMT

For the past year I have just used 1/2 cup white vinegar in the rinse cycle and now that cooler weather is here i use 3 homemade balls of foil [about tennis ball size] which takes care of any static cling. My clothes are actually softer than before as the vinegar cuts any soapy residue. should add I put the balls in the dryer