Posted by tache (My Page) on Sat, Jan 13, 07 at 15:25 Do you really need fabric softeners? what do they do? I don't mean that to sound judgemental. It is a real question. tache Yes, I do. They soften fabrics (not trying to be a smart aleck). Today's modern fabrics incorporate so much fossil fuel material that we're virtually wearing plastic. Sleeping on plastic, sitting on plastic. It's so hard to find everything one wants to wear and have as fabrics in the household without some degree of polyester in it. I am very anti-poylester and laboratory-based fabrics but it's sure hard to avoid those altogther. And if one uses a lot of natural-fibered textiles that contain no "plastic", then they almost always requiring meticulous ironing. If one wishes to avoid wrinkles. And above plastic fabrics I abhor wrinkles in clothing even more, whether from needing a good ironing or fitting so poorly from being of cheesy fabric and cut that the fabric pulls & strains in ugly wrinkle patterns. Fabric softener "relaxes" fabrics that should be soft and drape to some degree. Unlike toweling, you don't need to worry much about whether an application of fabric softener will prohibit all the moisture-wicking properties that good toweling should have. I use all-cotton bedding exclusively (and now use only whites and no patterns) and the sensation of getting into bed between fresh, all-cotton, softened sheets feels incredibly indulgent and wonderful. If you're into that sort of thing :-) Almost all of my sheet sets that I've bought in the last decade are white sets that I acquired at estate sales, almost always in their original packaging. I really don't care for any sheeting materials that have appeared since Penney's was making their 100% cotton percale. And the best of all is vintage muslin - now that is the ultimate! Tightly woven, soft all on its own, feels like heaven. Very hard to find any more. I iron my pillowcases so them having fabric softener makes this an easy job. Florabelle1

Kathy, You can officially keep using what you were already using. No changes needed if the Kirkland products were cleaning fine in your previous TL. The Kirkland detergents don't have the same quantity of enzymes, etc as something like Tide but they are generally clean rinsing and fine for average dirt laundry. As for OxiClean, as stated before, if you're using liquid detergent, put the OxiClean in the drum to avoid a clump in the dispenser. If you're using all powder in the dispenser, doesn't matter. I'm a mixologist when it comes to laundry detergent. :D But I have the Kirkland products on my shelf. I also have the Kirkland powder. :D I use them all in my Maytag FL (w/ Sanitary cycle).

Amiee + a wheelchair + secret money + a fake surprise gift = MamaP is a mad genius. You are even more fabulous than I imagine!!!!! Love you!!!!! Amiee is a brilliant accomplice too. What to go A!! Proud of you kid ;) Btw, I gave my Downy Sun Blossom softener to the neighbor lady months ago. The first two loads, I thought I loved it, but then it really smelled like early or mid 1990's sunflower perfume (not a fav or mine). My current Softener stash that I am using and really enjoying is: Downy Citrus Spice (for sheets & towels, hate it on clothes!) Snuggle Fresh Spring Flowers (again, love on sheets, towels and blankets) Downy April Fresh (new, musty perfume scent :( but the Non-Concentrated formula. Much lighter scent and the liquid is water thin!! Snuggle Blue Sparkle Non-Concentrate Formula. Much lighter scent and thin liquid!!

Pros: -Thin and very fluid. -Does not leave clothes feeling coated, waxy or heavy. -Does not leave gooey residue in FS compartment. -Clothes feel very soft, silky and smooth, but not over-softened. -Pairs nicely with classic Tide powder. Cons: -Does not (to me) smell good with Persil Pro-caps...no "bad" smells, just too perfumed. -Smell is prominent! If you enjoy scented laundry, this is probably a good choice. I agree with Miami Mami...the scent is "off" and "weird". I do not dislike, but I do not love it. For being something marketed as an odor killer, I do not understand why the scent is not more herbal and bracing and fresh. I personally like the scent better in the bottle, than after drying. Target Spring Bloom softener is MUCH better, but at least I do not hate this Snuggle. I cannot recommend, but for some it might be worth a try!