Best Hypoallergenic Fabric Softener

[Wishing on a star]

Especially with it being Winter... we need some help!!!
With sensitive skin, I have been using the Downy Free and Gentle liquid fabric softener.
I use the Free and Clear Detergent, too.

But, I think they changed the formula on the fabric softener...
And, well, I don't like it.
It is like diluted milk with chemicals in it.
I think it is affecting our skin. I am not convinced it is 'sensitive'.

Do any of you know a GOOD, more hypoallergenic, fabric softener?

 

[Christine]

Due to having very sensitive skin, I don't use it at all and find that I actually like the crisper feeling of my clothes. Can you manage without?

If not, I would check on products by Method. They are working well for me.

 

[Hikergirl]

I use white vinegar as a softener. Not sure if that would be good or bad for sensitive skin though. It rinses out and no residue is left so I would think good. Try it on your dh when he makes you mad and see LOL

 

[hereyago]

1/4 cup white vinegar to your rinse cycle.

 

[debknight]

1/4 cup white vinegar to your rinse cycle.

I use one whole cup (8 ounces) in the rinse cycle for a full load. Vinegar helps to rinse out soap residue and softens clothes.

 

[WVMomof3]

I also started using vinegar when my DDs dermatologist said we should go Fabric softener free. I don't measure, but I would guess closer to 1/4 cup than a full cup. I just put in the fabric softener area of the washer. I also use the wool dryer balls.

 

[PollyannaMom]

I use dryer balls too, but mine are plastic - like these only without the cute little faces:

https://www.worldmarket.com/categor...MI5Nq_0Pv92AIViISzCh3n5AsHEAQYBSABEgIFv_D_BwE

 

[Mrs.Milo]

I use Purex-free, and (currently) Target brand -free dryer sheets.

I used to use Bounce free dryer sheets but not the same now.

 

[indimom]

We also use the dryer balls. Started with them about 10 years ago when DS and I were both reacting to fabric softener. I actually find I only need them in the winter when the air is dry. I don't use any fabric softener the rest of the year and our clothes are perfectly comfortable and soft. I wash with various "free and clear" detergents.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Hey, how do the balls work?
I can give vinegar another good chance.
Do you guys think it really helps soften?

I looked at Purex and one other brand, from Canada I think, that is supposed to have a sensitivity rating almost close to water.
I would have to order that one...

 

[Christine]

I've used the wool balls and, honestly, I don't notice anything. I have used vinegar on my towels and they come out fine and soft.

I haven't tried the vinegar on my clothes, because, honestly, I don't like my clothes limp and droopy. But I think the vinegar does a great job of removing residue which causes clothes (or towels) to feel stiff.

 

[firecracker725]

I use white vinegar and wool dryer balls.

 

[Hikergirl]

Hey, how do the balls work?
I can give vinegar another good chance.
Do you guys think it really helps soften?

I looked at Purex and one other brand, from Canada I think, that is supposed to have a sensitivity rating almost close to water.
I would have to order that one...

My clothes feel soft so I guess it works. I haven't used fabric softener in so long I really can't compare it with vinegar.
Maybe try the balls and the vinegar if you are worried about softness.

ETA I was just throwing a load of clothes in the washer and realized that I should have mentioned that we do have a water softener, not sure if that helps with the vinegar.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Haven't used proprietary fabric softener since I learned some of the side effects back in the late '70's/early '80's.
What side effects you say? Breaks down the fibers of the textile so it's less absorbent. Seems counter-intuitive for towels in particular.
I add vinegar to the rinse cycle so it removes excess detergent from the wash cycle thus brightening whites and light cloth.

The man still uses the lessons he learned from his mother in the chemical additive friendly '50's which translates to having finished baking in dirt (I don't get the whole mechanical dyer thingie either, LOL) he asks me to "fix" his missteps; I do what I can.

I don't care about the smell of Tide or Downy since I've perfume that bypasses it .

 

[Marchand63]

We use Arm & Hammer free.

 

[Katie Dawn]

So for all of you who say you add vinegar to the rinse cycle, does that mean you're just putting vinegar in the little spot where you would normally put fabric softener? Or are you actually coming back a second time and pouring in the vinegar? Sorry, probably a stupid question.

 

[debknight]

So for all of you who say you add vinegar to the rinse cycle, does that mean you're just putting vinegar in the little spot where you would normally put fabric softener? Or are you actually coming back a second time and pouring in the vinegar? Sorry, probably a stupid question.

I come back to the washing machine when the rinse water is filling and add the cup of vinegar.

 

[WVMomof3]

I put mine in the fabric softener cup. When you have a front load, I don't think there is any other way to do it.

 

[diznymom]

I use less detergent then white vinegar in the rinse cycle. Also, roll up a piece of aluminum foil and toss into the dryer.

 

[Hikergirl]

I just stick it in the spot for fabric softener.