I have a stupid question.

FutureMrsTR · November 2010

Our new apt has laundry in the basement, but we're not allowed to use fabric softener dryer sheets, something about rusting out the dryer. How do you use liquid fabric softener without a) an automatic dispenser or b) having to run down to the basement when you THINK the rinse cycle is starting?

waltzingmatilda13 · November 2010

Use a Downy ball. It automatically opens in the rinse cycle:

http://www.downy.com/en-US/product/the-downy-ball.jspx

I love this thing and have used it for years.

Stackeye210 · November 2010

Downy ball. You fill it and throw it in with your wash and it opens during the spin cycle before the water fills up for the rinse. I've only had it not open a few times. My trick for it is, you fill the downy ball to the line (which isn't very much) and then fill it up a little more with water. It opened every time after I started doing it that way.

rubyjem00 · November 2010

You can use one of those ball things (I think maybe Downey makes them). They are supposed to release the fabric softener at the right time in the cycle.

http://www.amazon.com/Downy-Fabric-Softener-Ball-Pack/dp/B001UPT01E

FutureMrsTR · November 2010

OH, I knew I had another question! I've also heard that using liquid fabric softener makes your towels NON absorbant is this true? Because if so, I'm sad that I'll have to have scratchy towels.

waltzingmatilda13 · November 2010

I've never heard that before. I use the Downy ball in all my clothes and towels and sheets and I haven't noticed a difference in my towels, except that they feel so soft!

FutureMrsTR · November 2010

Yay, thanks ladies!

And LTB - having only one shouldn't be a problem bc there's only one washer/dryer down there

sarabellam · November 2010

Yes, fabric softener will decrease the absorbency, and not using fabric softener will NOT make your towels scratchy. I've never used the stuff and don't have a problem with scratchy towels. I also have very sensitive skin, so I would notice if anything was scratchy.

LDYGTR13 · November 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_stupid-question-4?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:1b009a66-ad92-42ee-a3c2-7e55a9d40f09Post:8eaadaed-4173-4f63-9c02-14bce2d3a99b">Re: I have a stupid question.</a>:
[QUOTE]Yay, thanks ladies! :) And LTB - having only one shouldn't be a problem bc there's only one washer/dryer down there :)
Posted by FutureMrsTR[/QUOTE]

Ugh - just one? Do you have to share it with other people? That would drive me crazy.

Anyway, I'm also a supporter of the Downy Ball - and my towels still work wonderfully =)

Snippylynn · November 2010

I still use softener with my towels, but I use half the amount.

FutureMrsTR · November 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_stupid-question-4?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:1b009a66-ad92-42ee-a3c2-7e55a9d40f09Post:b45d7489-e579-41b5-a585-a58c58193c47">Re: I have a stupid question.</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: I have a stupid question. : Ugh - just one? Do you have to share it with other people? That would drive me crazy. Anyway, I'm also a supporter of the Downy Ball - and my towels still work wonderfully =)
Posted by LDYGTR13[/QUOTE]

Yep, just one. We share with 3 other apartments and they have a system in place of Apts 1 & 3 do their laundry on odd days and Apts 1 & 2 do it on even days. It's a sacrifice, but for our budget we were just glad to find somewhere nice that had laundry that wasn't coin operated.

squirrly · November 2010

I've never had an issue with towels not being absorbent, and I always use liquid fabric softener.

danieliza1127 · November 2010

There are also these balls that you throw in the dryer instead of dryer sheets. Something about the way they work prevents static cling and it's supposed to be better than using dryer sheets. They're just these spiky ball things. I bet you will find them in the laundry aisle at your store.

SaraAndrew2010 · November 2010

Fabric softener does make towels less absorbent. It can also mess up non-cotton workout clothes because it interfers with wicking sweat away. So I separate my loads and do towels and work out clothes without fabric softener.

Mrs.B6302007 · November 2010

My hair dresser told me that about the towels a couple of years ago. She's right - softener makes non-absorbant towels. That's why we can't use softener when we wash the diapers. Anyway, our towels aren't scratchy - they still feel okay to me.

Mrs.B6302007 · November 2010

Meant to add - it's not an obvious absorbs-everything-or-can't-absorb-anything difference. I always notice with my hair. If I use a towel that has softener in it, 5 minutes of it wrapped in a towel isn't enough to absorb most of the moisture.

FutureMrsTR · November 2010

Thanks everyone!

Dani - I'll check that out, I think I've seen what you're talking about.

SarahPLiz · November 2010

Dangit, I'm late.

I've heard of the towel thing. You are also not supposed to use liquid with dri-fit clothing, as it impedes its wicking ability. That has actually happened to me.

I have these blue anti-static balls that you can put in the dryer. I used to use them when we were in an apt and I had to go to the laundromat. They definitely cut out the static. They just kinda fluffed the clothing, but that was good enough for me.

Birdie1483 · November 2010

They also makes these new things that are the laundry detergent liquor softened static sheets in one. They might be kind of pricey, but they might work for you too!

FutureMrsTR · November 2010

It seems the absorbancy issue is divided. Maybe I'll just split the difference and do what Amoro does and just use half as much. Although everyone who said they don't use any also said their towels feel fine so...eh.

TurtlesAllTheWayDown · November 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_stupid-question-4?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:1b009a66-ad92-42ee-a3c2-7e55a9d40f09Post:fb278ede-aba1-406b-b9b2-91efbcf03c61">Re: I have a stupid question.</a>:
[QUOTE]OH, I knew I had another question! I've also heard that using liquid fabric softener makes your towels NON absorbant is this true? Because if so, I'm sad that I'll have to have scratchy towels.
Posted by FutureMrsTR[/QUOTE]

I just don't use fabric softener with my towels. I do a separate towel/bath mat load once a week.

DramaGeek · November 2010

I *think* the issue with the liquid softener is when you use too much. My grandma doesn't believer there's such a thing as "too much softener" and wow, that woman's towels can't absorb anything!

aMrsin09 · November 2010

Late to this, but for towels and any tech clothes (including fleece) I add a cup of white vinegar to the wash water. It breaks down the minerals in the water and leaves stuff soft. I use that for sweaters too.

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