soft and fluffy ?

[anneasquith]

any suggestions for a fabric conditioner that keeps towels soft and fluffy to use in washing machine ? thanks

[LoftyLottie]

Anne, Towels should be washed without any fabric conditioner at all. You will find this recommended on the washing instructions on most towels. The conditioner leaves a film on fabric that interferes with the drying properties of a towel. Since learning this I don't use conditioner on them any more, just line dry and finish them off in the tumbler which is the best option. Tumble drying softens.

[LoftyLottie]

Vinegar!!

http://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Towels

Haven't tried it myself, but will give it a go!! Towels might smell like fish and chips though!!

[anneasquith]

hi lofty, i dont have a tumble dryer :(

[Robinia]

I agree with Lottie, softener conditioned towels don't dry you...and
I like my towels rough anyway :o)

[LoftyLottie]

Fluffy towels are very nice for snuggling up in but no good for drying. Buy a fluffy bathrobe!!

Line dry then Ann and try the vinegar (and salt!!)

Hi Anne by the way, hope you are OK.

[mccfluff]

vinegar????

[anneasquith]

lofty, am i putting the vinegar in the washing machine ?

[maggiebee]

Mum always used vinegar in the washing machine - it apparently keeps the colours fresh and stops them fading.

[LoftyLottie]

From that link Anne I think you need to put the vinegar in the rinse aid compartment?

[LoftyLottie]

Maggie - would that be white vinegar which you can buy really cheaply? It is useful for all sorts of things. I used to have some but have used it all. Am going to get some more now I know about it for towels. It doesn't smell like fish and chips!!

[Robinia]

It says add to the last rinse here (near the bottom - Get cleaner laundry!)

hmmm, shame I didn't see the 'white' before I threw in some extra strong pickling vinegar

;o)

[Robinia]

oops,

http://www.vinegartip.../pageViewSec.asp?id=8

[LoftyLottie]

Hi Fluffy x If you read my link you will see what it says about vinegar. Vinegar is also good for removing lime scale and various other cleaning jobs.

[gingejbee]

LL is deffo correct. Fabric conditioner coats the fibres with a greasy layer- hence, impaired drying.

[LoftyLottie]

Good link Robi!!

[mccfluff]

i've used it for descaling and cleanng the washine machine but i diodn;t knwo wbaout the towels, will give it a go, i;ve been using fabric softner grrrr

will it re fluff un fluffed towels or are they just dead to me now :-)

[rowanwitch]

the plastic balls that pummel the fabric in the wash are supposed to be good

[LoftyLottie]

I have found that towels I previously used fab.soft on have improved with several washes without it, i.e. drying better, and they haven't become less soft. I doubt whether they could ever get back to the fluffy new state though Fluffy. Fluffy, fluffy, fluffy!!!

[LoftyLottie]

Ha ha, I used those Rowan and the dog sneaks in and pinches them. She is so pleased with herself "Look Mum I have found a new ball to play with"

[heathfield]

Another reason for not using fabric conditioner is that the film it leaves makes the towel fabric slippery and this leads to fibre loss.