Fabric Softener
12-30-2010, 02:09 PM
#42
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Middle America
Posts: 707
Originally Posted by crashnquilt
You can use Epsom Salts in the wash cycle. The salts will remove any residue on the quilt and leave it very fresh smelling and soft. Also, the Epsom salts works just like color catchers, so if you have any dye that is coming out the epsom salts will catch it and it won't bleed.
Now as for fabric softeners, well, I hate those smelly things and they do have an oil base to them. This I am learning the hard way trying to make a t-shirt quilt out of shirts with lots of softeners in them. I do, however, use the non-scented dryer sheets when I wash my day-to-day quilts. Beginning to think I should not after reading these posts.
For storage I have always used a vinegar rinse and store in a white pillow case for the summer months. As for my 1930s and 40s quilts, I soak with very little soap, rinse with vinegar and partially dry in dryer and then hang for complete drying. Have not had any problems.
12-30-2010, 07:36 PM
#44
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Newberg, OR
Posts: 1,911
I use Downy on everything except towels--but that's the only fabric softener I use. I was sold when my son was two months old and visiting my MIL. His little corderoy overalls came out of her dryer looking so soft and wrinkle free, while they came out of mine as if they'd been wadded up and left to air dry. I asked her why, and she said, "Oh, I don't think anything works as well as Downy." I've never stopped using it since. That was over thirty years ago, and I haven't noticed any health problems. I avoid the perfumy stuff though and stick with the original. It has a scent, but not as strong.
12-30-2010, 09:55 PM
#48
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Texas
Posts: 3,440
Originally Posted by crashnquilt
You can use Epsom Salts in the wash cycle. The salts will remove any residue on the quilt and leave it very fresh smelling and soft. Also, the Epsom salts works just like color catchers, so if you have any dye that is coming out the epsom salts will catch it and it won't bleed.
Thanks for the tip :D
12-30-2010, 10:37 PM
#49
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Northern California mountains
Posts: 12,538
I don't use any fabric softeners because I'm allergic to perfumes and don't trust any chemicals that change the character of the fabrics.. The vinegar sound relatively safe, however, IMHO
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