Do any of you use fabric softener in your rinse water when laundering your quilts? I have new ones that I will soon put away for the season, just wanted to make sure I care for them properly.

I have been. just a tiny bit of Downey but I'm no expert!

Jenni, I don't and I wouldn't either. I don't like the idea of residue on quilts. Maybe I'm a little paranoid though...... :D

I don't like to use a lot of fabric softener for anything, because it's one more chemical on the fabric. I think if you're going to store a quilt I'd treat fabric softener like starch and not use it.

I think you can do it, but if it's going to be stored for a while I'd personally not put any in the rinse...the fewer chemicals you have on fabric when it's stored the safer you are...who knows what chemicals will do over time to the fabric. Guess like many things in quilting it's a personal choice.

I would, other wise it won't be a soft when you pull it out to use it :D:D:D

ditto

I use a bit of vinegar put in a Downey ball. The vinegar acts as a fabric softener, and rinses out. No smell either. I use white vinegar.

i do

Me too!

I use dryer sheets with no qualms. Maybe I shouldn't ... sometimes this board makes me double-think what I've always done.

I dont. But what I do do is as I fold up a quilt, I put a fabric sheet between folds. I was told to do this by a old time quilter. It helps keep the quilt fresh smelling and it also helps prevent the smells in your house not to get on the quilts.

Thanks to all for your comments and advice.

I actually had a quilt that I used fabric softener on every wash, it looked great, then I washed it before storing it and stored it as my LQS suggested, rolled, not folded (no creases that way) and used fabric softener and then I pulled it out about 9 months later and every part that was overlayed with another had spoltches (sp?) on them and the only thing it could have been was the fabric softener on it. I still use it because I think it's still beautiful and warm and homey, but it will never be stored with fabric softener on it again!

I do but thin out before adding to the machine, not much have had clothes come out with spots that only could have been the softener, do dry with sheets, like the soft fluffy, softner smell :)

If you want to soften your quilts but not have a chemical build up, then use vinegar. 1 cup per load. It won't leave a smell either.

I really don't like fabric softener, I agree, it is just another chemical. I would go a step further and say that it adding more pollutants to our environment.

It's more mechanical stress, but you can also use drier balls. I use them instead of fabric softener for all of our clothes. I wouldn't put them in with an heirloom quilt, but a day-to-day quilt, no problem!

i dont use much softner ever

I used to until I read that fabric softner doens't actually soften the fabric. It lubricates the threads instead. I still use fabric softner occasionally to reduce static in the winter.

I use dryer sheets, but only a half sheet per load. A whole sheet is just too much IMO.

I agree.

I use unscented dryer sheets. My sinuses complain when I use the other. Haven't found one that doesn't bother me.

if your just putting it away for a season, i would not worry about it either way. after all, i put my clothes away by the season, and never had a problem.

i use fabric softner sparingly anyways.

i think i will try the vinegar thing.

I also use fabric sheets and even my customers quilts I will stick a fabric sheet in with quilt when they pick it up not had any complaints yet from doing it. Maybe I shouldn't though but really seen no harm though!

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.

Wow that is nice to know that thanks for sharing this. I will for sure remember this.

I use white vinegar in the final rinse for quilts.

i also use white vinegar - i pour it in the fabric dispenser of the washer. It will dissolve any soap residue. The only loads i use fabric softner in is my sheets - love nice smelling fresh sheets on the bed and when i wash sweaters to reduce the static

Hint on folding quilts: http://pieceocakeblog.blogspot.com/2...ing-quilt.html

I rarely wash my quilts - they have to desperately need it - I shake them out and vacuum them and then put them away.
Most quilts do not need washing - most espcieally if they are just used for show.

I quit using fabric softner sheets quite a few years ago for anything, other than if you want to keep mice out of something. #1 I personally find the smell "not good" gives me instant headaches(miagranes) #2 One day my son "caught" a mouse and at the time was doing a project so was going to keep him for the project alive (a living diarama(sp)). He wanted to give him something so use as a nest and gave him dryer lint(which was from a dryer that uses dryer sheets.) (We completely forgot that mice do not like dryer sheets.) Well, my son put the lint in with the mouse, not realizing what was going on the mouse started freaking out but we did not put two and two together, He died within 2 hours. Since then I guess I just have a hard time using it. If it does that to a mouse that quickly I do not care to use.
I would be concerned about the chemical and what it would do over time too.

Fabric softener has oils in it and leaves a residue. Not good for any clothes. Fabric sheets are not really good either but I put two in and dry for 10 minutes take the quilt out and lay it over chairs to dry. It will have just enough softness. I roll my quilts that are being stored and do not use any type of softener and only the mildest soap.

For those who pre-wash fabrics before cutting, etc. that is fine [it is my primary choice].
However, be aware that fusible[s], or Peltex/Timtex will not adhere properly to your textile that has been dried with any type of fabric softener.
I had that difficulty, experience is a great teacher.

I don't use fabric softener. I don't want to add chemicals to the fabric or make it look dingy.

I put vinegar in every load of washing. I put it in the fabric softner holder. It will take out residue and your whites will look great after a bit. Also softens. i use about a half a cup. Much Cheaper than fabric softner. Try it you'll like it.

I use vinegar also. Works great

I don't use fabric softener when I pre-wash my fabric, but when the quilt is finished, I don't see a problem with it.

I do and always have. And I have old quilts from years ago. They are still just fine.

Great answer!