Serious question for mamas who don't use fabric softener - Page 2

[jenoline]

I've started using clean tennis balls in the dryer. Of course, they do make a bit of noise, and get lost in the laundry sometimes. They seem to be working pretty well though. I've only been doing it for a little while, however, so I wouldn't absolutely swear by them.

Jennifer

[be11ydancer]

Originally Posted by HeatherSanders

May I suggest abstinence from synthetic fibers as a preventative measure?

Just as a note - most fleece is synthetic (poly-fleece). Synthetic fibers are known for static cling. If you select cotton garments, you will not have static cling, not have to be concerned about a possibility of spark, etc...

Cotton has 'moisture' or can drawn enough from the wearer to prevent static build-up. Synthetic fibers cannot do that.

I agree with this. I think fleece seems so soft and warm and comfy but when I'm nursing and leaking everywhere, it doesn't absorb anything and I end up soaked. I'm all about the flannel. My other problems with fleece are the pilling, and that it acts like a lint brush for cat hair whenever I sit down. Doesn't work well around here. I'm loving wool since I finally discovered it.

But since you probably don't want to get rid of your fleece, I'd just hang it to dry and also use the vinegar in the rinse cycle.

[LaLa]

We use only natural fiber clothing and have no static cling problems.

I have heard that throwing three crumpled balls of aluminum foil into the dryer will remove the static cling, but I have no idea if that is true?!

[A&A]

Originally Posted by HeatherSanders

May I suggest abstinence from synthetic fibers as a preventative measure?

Just as a note - most fleece is synthetic (poly-fleece). Synthetic fibers are known for static cling. If you select cotton garments, you will not have static cling, not have to be concerned about a possibility of spark, etc...

Cotton has 'moisture' or can drawn enough from the wearer to prevent static build-up. Synthetic fibers cannot do that.

You don't have to abstain.......just wash synthetics and fleece apart from your cottons. (Of course that means lots of small loads..since I separate the clothes according to colors too............."red cotton load, red synthetic load....." etc.)

[Jane]

I live in the great PNW - we have enough humidity that static is just not a big concern. I've never use'd fabric softener sheets because it's just not a problem, so I didn't have to wean off them. I will admit to using them occasionally when my slip sticks to my stockings, though. I think I've had the same stocking sheet for 5 years in my underwear drawer.

[art4babies]

I agree that separating the synthetics from the cottons (in the dryer) is what works - I NEVER have a problem. However, you don't need to wash them separately, and I agree that the synthetics dry really quickly when hung to dry, indoors or out.

Personally I don't use fabric softeners or dryer sheets because of the petroleum ting and they just leave a greasy film that bugs me. However, I was surprised to find out that they used it in the NICU where we were for some time - obviously it can't be too harmful.