Allergy Alert, fabric softener aisle, sneeze, wheeze, kerchoo!!

I totally understand what you mean. I am the same way. The thing that worked for me was using fabric softener in one of those little balls, and adding it to the items in the washing machine, not adding fabrice softener in the dryer. But I guess that doesn't work for you. Have you looked online?

Besides being sneezy, I think fabric softeners are a waste of money. I use dryer balls in my dryer, which accomplish the same think without adding an artificial scent to my clothing, and a waxy buildup to the inside of my dryer. Did you know that using fabric softener shortens the lifespan of your dryer? It does that by restricting airflow. Take this test. Take your lint screen out. Clean it like you normally do. Does it look clean? Now, take it to your kitchen sink and pour a glass of water into it. Does the water flow through? If it doesn't, it's because of that waxy buildup. Wash it gently with soap and water, then repeat the water test. Water will probably run right through. It's the buildup that blocks the water flow that also blocks airflow...which shortens the dryers life.

Well, I know I am also allergic to a lot of the smells of Soaps, etc. out there as well, and there for a while I used some Laundry Soap, etc. from a wellness company that really helped solve a lot of these issues, but since you have to be a member of their company and order quite a bit a month I no longer am able to get from them anymore as well. So now when I go down that aisle or the soap aisle I do sneeze a lot of the time, but just have found products I can work with and hurry down and get those items and head off again as well.

I am allergic to a lot of things, and I know that I do sneeze from the scent of certain fabric softeners, some of them make me itch. I have to be so careful with what fabric softeners and detergents I use.

I'm allergic to something in detergent so I have to use the super boring hypoallergenic kind. I don't think fabric softener bothers me too much though. You could try those reusable fabric softening balls if you can find them. I think the idea behind them is that they keep separating the clothes so the static electricity doesn't build up. They are totally hypoallergenic and leave no scent behind.

Hello my friend So glad I don't have this problem, they smell so good love fabric softener just the though makes me want to go wash some cloths lol. I never had allergies but I do find my eyes itching and throat getting scratchy whenever I hold my kitty, oh well I will deal with it, if this is what it is, I will be one itchy scratchy person Thank you my friend, so sorry you don't like fabric softener, ummmm so good.

I am not so allergic that I cannot use them, but I have an awful time in the isles, when I go to buy them. It literally takes my breath away.

Hello Hatley. I too share your curse of not being able to use fabric softener. I noticed this when I first used them that I had a rash on my back and arms (those that were covered by sleeves) that would not go away no matter how many times I changed clothes, showered, changed bath soaps and even bed clothes. Then I tried removing the fabric conditioner and now my back and arms are now rash free.

Wow. I am sorry to hear that. I think they do have unscented fabric softener out in stores now. I am almost sure of it. I really like the scent in the fabric softener though. Sorry you are allergic to it.

i am not sure what it has been but a couple of weeks ago, i had a sinus infection and since then i have had this smokey smell in my nose (not constantly but some of the time and its really annoying!) anyways, i looked it up and some people actually mentioned that it was from fabric softener! so i dont use one either.

Hi Hatley, I am not allergic to fabric softners but am to different washing powders, that can be a pain so have to stick to just one cos if I change it then I start itching all over and it looks like I have fleas when all it is is the change in washing powder, the worst one for me is called Fairy..it is meant to be a really lovely washing powder but I use it I have hell to pay..LoLo

I stopped using fabric softener when my technician explained to me how much damage it can do to top loading washing machines. Apparently the softener forms a gum like paste that sticks to the machine and will not wash away; I stopped using it because it’s also quite expensive. I hang my towels out and bring them in when they are still slightly damp and throw them in the drier for a short time; my towels come out beautiful and soft. For delicate things I hand wash them or machine wash them with wool wash.

i am not allergic to fabric softeners but we hardly use it here. its an extra expenses anyway so if your allergic to it i say stay away from it.

don't be afraid,i canont either.

Because most fabric softeners are made with chemicals to smell like scents, they are not good for you, even if you do not have this obvious allergic reaction. Using white vinegar in the rinse softens clothes as it removes soap residue. To fragrance your clothes, if that is what you want, try using sachets of natural herbs or of fragrances you can wear without reactions. I am sensitive to most chemical scents, myself.

I do believe there are unscented ones out there - but since it is hard for you to get out and shop and find them, it would probably be hard for you to get those people who wash for you to use them I have more trouble with the dryer sheets and all the repair guys say that its best to use neither fabric softeners or dryer sheets in the machines...

Hi Hatley, Some type of softeners don't agree with me as I get all itchey but it never cause me to sneeze or wheezebut oh it does makes me itch and I'm forever sctatching, so now I don't bother useing any knid of softeners. Tamara

Hey Hatley! No, you are not alone! I also sneeze when I get near the fabric softeners! Damn, some detergents and soaps and cleansers make me sneeze too! I just am never quite sure what it is that I am really allergic to because so many different things make me sneeze! Like this weekend! I was changing the linens on the bed and I started sneezing like crazy! I was fine until I started to make the bed! Then I started to feel sick after that! Now I don't know half the time if it is allergies or I'm really getting sick! I still don't feel that great and am still not sure if I am coming down with a cold or it's my allergies! I do know that I have a problem with soaps and things too! How do you know for sure?

Hi Hatley, I don't bother with them at all as just an extra expense but then again I don't use a dryer to dry but just the fresh air. I don't like to use anything like that though just in case, I find one brand that doesn't do any damage an stick to it. Years ago I bought the brand Persil as a soap powder and develped a red itchy rash from it which I needed to wrap in wet towels, obviously not washed in said Persil. And the clothes really did smell more of soap powder anyway.

Hi Hatley, Every time I go around the Supermarket by the Fabric Softener and Soap Powder my nose starts getting irritated and the top part of the lungs too. It´s like someone tickles you with a feather inside your nose and you could almost sneeze. Fabric Softeners must put Perfume in that is too strong for some people to be able to tolerate. Fabric Softeners for me should be allergen free but then would the price be allergen free too? Fabric Softeners are great for hard water areas and sometimes a must for some types of clothes but I do not usually use Fabric Softeners I usually use Liquid Soap Washing Like Norit with Aloe Vera in it. Fabric Softeners also help to make the washing machine dirty and sticky and gunge up the tray that you pull out to put the dosage of Soap Powder in. Take care.