Fabric Softener...which is cheaper: Sheets or Liquid?

[XUfan]

OK...I've always used dryer sheets, mostly because it's easier, and I totally forget to listen for the rinse cycle, so I can add the softener (I don't have a dispenser in my washer). But today, I was washing my work uniforms, and used a sample of Downy that I got in the mail. OMG!! They feel...and smell...sooooooo good now!!

I'm ready to make the switch, but something in my head says that the liquid is a lot more expensive! Of course, I know that with coupons, I can work some deals. But, our inserts are horrible, and I only get the .25/1 Downy when the rest of the world gets $1/1.

Anyway, I know I'm rambling, but can someone who knows this info, please clue me in?

[latte]

.....i dont know if its cheaper or not.....because i dont hve a dryer.......downy balls run about 1.50ish? or so at walmart (no need for a dispenser with this)

im not brand loyal to any kind of softener......i like suavatell though (sp?.....its the one that walgreens will put bogo for 2.39 occasionally, and colgate sends coupons for them --whenever i call on any colgate product i have gotten these as well)

vinegar can be used in a downy ball as fabric softener as well....a gallon runs about 1.50ish here with no coupons, store brand ......but we use vinegar a lot for cleaning things so i dont havea cost comparison for you

i miss havin a dryer:( i always found dryer sheets cheaper then liquid......oh well, ill just save the $ from NOT having a dryer and be content to know that linedrying works just as well

[gettinrevvin2007]

I know of frugal types that buy the liquid, and then apply it diluted, to a washcloth, and then toss in the dryer. This way, they aren't throwing away the sheets.

[loladooder99]

commerical softener is expensive period. But if your really cheap you can use vinegar. I personally love downy lilac and vanilla or is it lavender and vanilla. I saw on the duggar website that you can use washrags with softener in the dryer. You could always try that. I got a good deal on my softener at walmart with a 1.00 off downy coupon that i got through P&G.

[cantstopshopping]

Vinegar would be the cheapest, but if I buy the sheets (as I did yesterday, rarely do though), I immediately open the box, and cut the sheets in half, thus providing twice as many loads out of that box.
Sometimes, I even use the 1/2 sheet a second time (you can tell by the "feel" of the sheet) with no problems.

I use to be an "all liquid" kind of gal, but when they started making all this super-dooper concentrated stuff, I found that if it hit directly on the clothes, it seemed to leave what looked like grease spots, so I immediately quit purchasing any liquid softners.

I mainly use plain ol' vinegar, simply because the dryer sheets are so bad (not only for the dryer itself, but us too).....but I occassionly do buy the sheets for the added nice smell.
But I also make sure every week (especially when I use the dryer sheets!) to wash with warm soapy water the lint catcher.

[2mnyteens]

I only use liquid in the spring, summer and fall because I line dry everything. I always dilute the liquid so that makes it even cheaper because some of it is very thick.

Julie

[kval07]

Based on the deals I've gotten since I started couponing, dryer sheets are cheaper. I've stocked up on all mine at Kmart super doubles. I much prefer the liquid though. (So I'm stoked for today's inserts.) I use a Downy ball and I've been using Gain and Purex fabric softener. I've had no issues with stains on my clothes ever. I'm too lazy to actually cut my dryer sheets in half. I rip them in half when I'm putting a load in the dryer.

[thickbluebug]

I cut up sponges and put in a plastic tub ( I use and old cascade tub) - then put in fabric softener and lots of water. Ring the sponges out and toss them in the dryer with clothes.
I normally use 2 to 3 sponges a load, but we make double loads because of the front loader washer.
The sponges are like dryer sheets.
I haven't noticed any spots on the clothes.

Saw the tip in frugal living last year.

I also use vinegar in the pre-wash for odors.
Teenage son....what else needs to be said. LOL

Originally Posted by loladooder99 commerical softener is expensive period. But if your really cheap you can use vinegar. I personally love downy lilac and vanilla or is it lavender and vanilla. I saw on the duggar website that you can use washrags with softener in the dryer. You could always try that. I got a good deal on my softener at walmart with a 1.00 off downy coupon that i got through P&G.

[DebK1013]

Ive been using the Bounce Bar and love it. I dont think I will be buying sheets or liquid again.

[XUfan]

Originally Posted by DebK1013 Ive been using the Bounce Bar and love it. I dont think I will be buying sheets or liquid again.

I did get a Bounce bar about a month ago. (Sale price....$2.50 coupon...shortcut coupon...so it was a good price!). But, I rarely have $8 to spend at one time on fabric softener, even if it does last 4 months...so I probably won't get it again. It works ok...but I don't notice alot of scent from it.