Fabric conditioner

[237SJ]

Does fabric conditioner do anything other than make washing smell nice? Is there some science behind it that proves it actually conditions the fibres or is it just a money-maker?

[B00]

It does make them softer, and less absorbant too in the case of towels, though I'm willing ot bet the last one isn't said much on their TV adverts.

[boxtops]

I think it's a scam, I never use it. My clothes are soft enough when they come off the line or out of the tumble dryer. I like my clothes smelling of - well, clothes - or freshness, not Oriential Egyptian hoohahs or pine forests.

[ummmm]

I never use it on towels...

[boxtops]

PS ditto for towels, just tumbling them keeps them soft and full of bounce. I used non-bio tablets for washing and that alone seems to be enough. We have very hard water too.

[B00]

Ok ok ok, i'll admit im a sucker for fabric conditioners, the fancier the smell, the more I want to buy them.

[237SJ]

I`ve just done a wash and didn`t use it because it was just holiday things like bikinis. I can`t seem to see any difference, there just isn`t a smell. A friend of mine never uses it because she has sensitive skin and she says it`s no loss. I just wondered if under a microscope there would be proof that it actually conditions the fibres or does something.
If I want a smell I could just dab some aromatherapy oil on sheets etc and save myself a few quid.

[boxtops]

It's one of those things I never ever think about B00 - now take me to Staples, can't keep me out of the place!

[funnygirl]

I remember reading somewhere that fabric conditioner rots your clothes.

[B00]

Haha, the Stationary place? If it is, im with you there, I still get a chidish delight over pencils, fancy pens, pencil cases and the rubbers (steady!)

[Prudie]

Maybe it depends on your water, my wash certainly comes out crunchy if I don't use it.

[scotman]

I think they only matter if washing is just hung to dry. If tumble dried or put on a line in the wind there will not be much difference. Boo's point about towels is well proven.

[jomifl]

They do work but not on all fabrics, you will not notice much difference on artificial fabrics especially those that aren't fluffy. Wool and knitted cotton seem to benifit most.