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Fabric Softener #1317881
01/09/13 01:40 AM
01/09/13 01:40 AM
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 22,749
80 acres of paradise in KS
Dancing Offline OP
Glideritis Anonymous
Dancing  Offline OP
Glideritis Anonymous

Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 22,749
80 acres of paradise in KS
Ok, I do not claim to know everything and I'm always learning new stuff on GC about gliders.

But I have had gliders around 14 years. I've had hundreds of gliders through my home in those years. And I've ALWAYS used fabric softener when I do their laundry. Never had any problems.

But now I'm seeing all sorts of posts saying it could hurt them.

So...Fact or Fiction?


620-704-9109
Judge not until you have walked in their shoes and lived their lives. What you see online is only part of the story.

I could have missed the pain
But I'd of had to miss the dance


The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears.
Re: Fabric Softener [Re: Dancing] #1317884
01/09/13 01:43 AM
01/09/13 01:43 AM
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,297
Quincy, IL
glidrz5 Offline
Serious Glideritis
glidrz5  Offline
Serious Glideritis

Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,297
Quincy, IL
I'd heard not to use dryer sheets when drying their stuff, but nothing about fabric softener. The only thing I can think of is the smell might be a bit strong for them, but that could go with any laundry detergent you'd use.


Chris
Illusion, Malcom, Isabell, Annabelle, Zach, Isis, Aly & Indy
AND Miss Emmy & Miss Chloe kitties

:rbridge: My Angels: You are always in my heart.

You've flown to the rainbow
and wait there for me
Someday I will join you
together to be


Re: Fabric Softener [Re: Dancing] #1317891
01/09/13 02:18 AM
01/09/13 02:18 AM
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,576
Kilgore, Texas
Cora Offline
Serious Glideritis
Cora  Offline
Serious Glideritis

Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,576
Kilgore, Texas
I havnt heard that been using them for almost 8 years

Last edited by Cora; 01/09/13 02:19 AM.

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Re: Fabric Softener [Re: Dancing] #1317918
01/09/13 09:53 AM
01/09/13 09:53 AM
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,511
Texas
Jackie_Chans_Mom Offline
Glider Addict
Jackie_Chans_Mom  Offline
Glider Addict

Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,511
Texas
Not sure about "hurting" them, but I can tell you that some gliders are very much allergic to fabric softener. In some of them, it causes pretty significant and serious reactions (respiratory distress, eyes swell shut, disorientation, etc).

This was one of the things that has been studied through the SUGAR Group's allergies & Intolerances survey/study and it was found that 2% of glider owners have one or more gliders in their home who have an allergy to fabric softener and/or laundry detergent. It is a pretty small percentage, but a significant issue (as are all allergies) when it does occur.


~~ Val B ~~ 806-803-0318
Daily giving the abused, unloved, unwanted and neglected SOMETHING TO BELIEVE IN

PLEASE COMPLETE YOUR SUGAR GROUP SURVEYS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Re: Fabric Softener [Re: Dancing] #1317951
01/09/13 12:39 PM
01/09/13 12:39 PM
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 4,182
Maine
IslandGliders Offline
Glider Addict
IslandGliders  Offline
Glider Addict

Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 4,182
Maine
I don't use it on the glider laundry just because I have found it leaves a film on stuff, and even seems to make items less absorbent. I don't think it'd "hurt" gliders but it's just a personal preference I have.

I do use fabric softener on my own clothes, but not on my towels.

Re: Fabric Softener [Re: Dancing] #1317959
01/09/13 01:33 PM
01/09/13 01:33 PM
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 22,749
80 acres of paradise in KS
Dancing Offline OP
Glideritis Anonymous
Dancing  Offline OP
Glideritis Anonymous

Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 22,749
80 acres of paradise in KS
Val, how many gliders were included in the study? Were there vet confirmations on these allergies? Because I have so many allergies myself yet I've not seen this in any of the gliders, I find it really interesting (honestly).

I know I've had dogs with various allergies and know that animals, like humans can suffer from allergic reactions to things. (lactose intolerance is a form of allergy).


620-704-9109
Judge not until you have walked in their shoes and lived their lives. What you see online is only part of the story.

I could have missed the pain
But I'd of had to miss the dance


The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears.
Re: Fabric Softener [Re: Dancing] #1317973
01/09/13 02:12 PM
01/09/13 02:12 PM
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 45
TN
Susan__71 Offline
Out of Pouch
Susan__71  Offline
Out of Pouch

Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 45
TN
I heard not to use it but I thought it was because of the smell. And gliders are so sensitive to smell.


Susan,

Bella :wfb: , Cricket :grey: , Boo :wfb: ,

And in another month ill have my 4th named Ziva


Re: Fabric Softener [Re: IslandGliders] #1318013
01/09/13 05:25 PM
01/09/13 05:25 PM
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,742
in my happy place
S
sugarlope Offline
Glideritis Anonymous
sugarlope  Offline
Glideritis Anonymous
S

Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,742
in my happy place
Originally Posted By: IslandGliders
I don't use it on the glider laundry just because I have found it leaves a film on stuff, and even seems to make items less absorbent. I don't think it'd "hurt" gliders but it's just a personal preference I have.


I'm like Hannah on this - I don't use it because I know it can reduce fabric's absorption and can leave a film. I like pouches over nest boxes because they absorb urine so they aren't sitting in a puddle (that's an exaggeration, of course, but you know what I mean).


~Gretchen

If we never loved, then maybe we would never feel pain. Love anyway. It's worth it.
Re: Fabric Softener [Re: Dancing] #1318025
01/09/13 06:14 PM
01/09/13 06:14 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
Feather Offline
Administrator
Feather  Offline
Administrator

Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
I don't know about fabric softener, I don't even use it with my laundry so there is none to use on the gliders laundry either.

But dryer sheets do leave a film on things, if you use dryer sheets your supposed to gently wash the lint screen with hot soapy water and a toothbrush.

If you run water on your lint screen and you have been using dryer sheets it will actually keep the water from going through the screen.

This will also inhibit the air flow in your dryer and you could burn out your dryer.


Kimberley
Feathers-Sweetie, Mister Peanut & Big Mack
Fur-Guinan, Mr. Spock, T'Mir, Cho, Toothless, Maverick & Maharet :bb: T'Pol, Elizabeth & Curzon :wfb: TY, TJ, Light Fury, Madison & T'Pring :rtmo:
Forever in my heart, Gizmo, Tucker, Khayman and the rest of my babies over the :rbridge:

Re: Fabric Softener [Re: sugarlope] #1318026
01/09/13 06:21 PM
01/09/13 06:21 PM
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,318
LittleRock, AR USA
KarenE Offline
Owner
KarenE  Offline
Owner

Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,318
LittleRock, AR USA
Owning gliders since 1998, I have always washed their pouches, blankies and repts the same as I do our laundry which included softener sheets.

Until a few years ago, I used whatever brand was on sale (not store brands), and I liked the fresh scent ones or as close as I could get.

Then the ole gal developed an irritation so I had to switch to the "Free" ones for both detergent and dryer sheets.

Didn't see any difference in the gliders.

All that being said, I see no reason gliders, just like people, could not be sensitive to anything that might bother us but I think sometimes we go overboard with our warnings.

Watch your gliders for signs they are in distress or sensitive. If that happens, then take steps to change.


Your Sugar Glider Resource Center
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Re: Fabric Softener [Re: Dancing] #1318067
01/09/13 09:50 PM
01/09/13 09:50 PM
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,511
Texas
Jackie_Chans_Mom Offline
Glider Addict
Jackie_Chans_Mom  Offline
Glider Addict

Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,511
Texas
Originally Posted By: Dancing
Val, how many gliders were included in the study? Were there vet confirmations on these allergies? Because I have so many allergies myself yet I've not seen this in any of the gliders, I find it really interesting (honestly).

I know I've had dogs with various allergies and know that animals, like humans can suffer from allergic reactions to things. (lactose intolerance is a form of allergy).


The allergies study included over 250 HOMES/owners reporting. I'm sorry, but I'm not sure how many gliders that represents.
In most cases, we WERE able to get confirmation of the allergic reactions - most were to dairy or medications, but there was that small percentage that recorded allergies to fabric softener or laundry detergent.

One of those gliders (Toast) lives in my home. He has such a terrible reaction to any fabric softener or fragrance of any kind that I have to have a special system to alert me to his laundry. (All things in his cage are frog themed). In only moments with contact with these things, his eyes swell shut, his nose starts running and he begins panting and wheezing.

To be honest, I didn't really believe his previous mom when he was surrendered. Until that time, I had not seen this either. I thought maybe she was exaggerating. I learned very quickly that she was not. I cannot even carry him in my bra, pocket or hoodie without him having this reaction - and I have to be sure that the sheet or blanket I use on the bottom of my tent has no fabric softener on it. So, yes, I do know for a fact that it can happen.


~~ Val B ~~ 806-803-0318
Daily giving the abused, unloved, unwanted and neglected SOMETHING TO BELIEVE IN

PLEASE COMPLETE YOUR SUGAR GROUP SURVEYS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Re: Fabric Softener [Re: Dancing] #1318090
01/09/13 11:07 PM
01/09/13 11:07 PM
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 22,749
80 acres of paradise in KS
Dancing Offline OP
Glideritis Anonymous
Dancing  Offline OP
Glideritis Anonymous

Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 22,749
80 acres of paradise in KS
Wow. I was going to ask next about how gliders react to their owner's clothes. Guess you answered that. Honestly, that's sad!

So, is it the "fabric softener" that is causing the reaction or the perfumes in the fabric softener/detergent?

I know there are some perfumes that trigger my allergies. Some don't.


620-704-9109
Judge not until you have walked in their shoes and lived their lives. What you see online is only part of the story.

I could have missed the pain
But I'd of had to miss the dance


The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears.
Re: Fabric Softener [Re: Dancing] #1322332
01/27/13 01:34 AM
01/27/13 01:34 AM
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 738
Columbia, TN
StowawayGliders Offline
Glider Guardian
StowawayGliders  Offline
Glider Guardian

Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 738
Columbia, TN
I have never had an issue with the gliders, but we use free and clear because my daughter has allergies and I don't put any glider fleece in the dryer, it air dries so quickly, I don't see a point in putting it in there. Poor babies with allergies. frown

Re: Fabric Softener [Re: Dancing] #1322353
01/27/13 05:36 AM
01/27/13 05:36 AM
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 248
Texas
Countryncrafty Offline
Glider Explorer
Countryncrafty  Offline
Glider Explorer

Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 248
Texas
Val, would/could eucalyptus and/or lavender be a option*? Made from true plant oils not the "pefume" type found in store bought (both fabric softener and detergent)?

Last edited by Countryncrafty; 01/27/13 05:38 AM. Reason: changed wording

Danielle E
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Re: Fabric Softener [Re: Dancing] #1322379
01/27/13 10:44 AM
01/27/13 10:44 AM
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,511
Texas
Jackie_Chans_Mom Offline
Glider Addict
Jackie_Chans_Mom  Offline
Glider Addict

Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,511
Texas
Originally Posted By: Dancing
So, is it the "fabric softener" that is causing the reaction or the perfumes in the fabric softener/detergent?



To be honest, this is a question for more study. The SUGAR Group's study was initially aimed at identifying what is really being seen in gliders so that we can tailor more detailed studies.

I can tell you that for my little guy, it is fabric softener specifically. I can wash his items in any ol' detergent with no issues.


~~ Val B ~~ 806-803-0318
Daily giving the abused, unloved, unwanted and neglected SOMETHING TO BELIEVE IN

PLEASE COMPLETE YOUR SUGAR GROUP SURVEYS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Re: Fabric Softener [Re: Dancing] #1322424
01/27/13 02:14 PM
01/27/13 02:14 PM
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,008
Williamsburg, VA & Whg, WV
P
Paula0442 Offline
Glider Addict
Paula0442  Offline
Glider Addict
P

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,008
Williamsburg, VA & Whg, WV
I use it because the fleece shocks me when it's dry, if I don't. I have a real thing about being shocked. :o(


Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming
WOOOO HOOOO, WHAT A RIDE!!!


Re: Fabric Softener [Re: Dancing] #1324100
02/02/13 12:09 PM
02/02/13 12:09 PM
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 171
Maryland
SLHamil Offline
Glider Explorer
SLHamil  Offline
Glider Explorer

Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 171
Maryland
You can use 3/4 cup of vinegar as a fabric softener. I have super sensitive skin and use either vinegar or dryer balls instead of dryer sheets and softeners.


~Shannon
mommy to 2yo daughter, 5 yo son, 2.5 yo bunny, and a 1yo mutt :-)
Proud owner of Grace, Cort, and Ari smile
Re: Fabric Softener [Re: Paula0442] #1365817
03/18/14 09:27 PM
03/18/14 09:27 PM
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 132
BFE, Texas
6ftGlider Offline
Joey Member
6ftGlider  Offline
Joey Member

Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 132
BFE, Texas
Paula0442: Your sig is funny.


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