Why fabric softener is bad... personal experience

[TypicalSituation]

So, we just moved into a house apartment and it came with a washer/dryer. So, after washing a few loads I noticed that the top loading washing machine kept getting fabric softener back in the fabric softener hole (in the agitator). So, I decided to take it apart and figure it out. Man, there was gooey fabric softener clogging all of the holes. I guess the former tenants loved the stuff. So, I had to unclog it and clean it. Well, I got some on my arm and got a CHEMICAL BURN! Withing 5 min, I broke out in this awful bumpy red rash. 2 weeks later my skin there is still rough. I will never ever use liquid fabric softener (not that I was anyway). Plus, now anytime I smell that smell I about gag! Just thought I would share.

[dachshundqueen]

Hrm!

We use vinegar as a "fabric softener"/disinfectant in our diaper loads.

Can't stand the softener, allergic. Blech!

Hope your arm heals up soon!

EDC

[Rhiannon Feimorgan]

I always knew there was a reason, now I know what it is! Thanks for that.

[naturalmaman]

Oh man---just the smell taking my daily walks from other people's dryers makes me GAG!!!

[anamama]

I got a headache today walking past this one house that was pumping that horrible smell out into the street. : Talk about air pollution! I can't imagine how bad it is inside that house.
If getting it on your arm gave you a rash, you know it's not good to have it rubbing against your skin (not to mention babies and children who don't have a choice).

[Attached Mama]

Originally Posted by naturalmaman

Oh man---just the smell taking my daily walks from other people's dryers makes me GAG!!!

:

I can't stand it when people use such smelly stuff - gives me a headache. And some people actually stink like laundry detergent. I think I'd rather smell BO and I hate BO

I left 7th generation detergent at SIL's house that I used to wash DD's diapers when we stayed there - and I had DH ask her to wash the sheets in that b4 we came up. I can still smell the fabric softner tho. I hate having DD sleep on that and always bring her quilt and fold it thick for her to sleep on and we bundle up and don't use the comforter 'cause that stinks.

Ok I'm ranting - sorry...

[anamama]

You sound like me when we stay with my inlaws Their towels are soo coated in the stuff, it's hard to get dry after a shower. :

[Sharlla]

I never knew that before. I love fabric softner and the smell of it. I do use vinigar for the baby's dipes but DH hates the smell of it. If I wanted to go without FS in the washing machine, what could I use besides it? And why exactly is FS bad?

[Alkenny]

My 10 year old is so allergic to it, if he smells it on my brother and SIL (really strong!) he gets the "slapped in the face" look.