On Sun, 25 Jan 2009 19:16:05 -0600, Sqwertz wrote:

> Steve Pope > wrote:
>
>> Sqwertz > wrote:
>>
>>>Just don't store it in the same cabinet as the fabric softener
>>>sheets (was running out of kitchen space). Afdetr two muths there
>>>it completely perfumated and it the smell and flavor was still there
>>>after only about a month in that cabinet. Make the food taste like
>>>Bounce.
>>
>> An even better idea: don't use fabric softener sheets in the
>> first place. I long ago learned the fewer scented products
>> around the house, the better.
>
> Nobody in my house is allergic to fragrances.
> Do they cause cancer?
>
> -sw

some folks say they're bad for you *and* your clothes:

Does Fabric Softener Break Down Clothing?

There is a commonly held belief that fabric softener will break down the
fibers in your clothing over time. While this particular belief has been
disproved, there are other issues with fabric softeners that you may want
to know about.
How Fabric Softeners Work

Static electricity occurs when there is low humidity, when two surfaces of
different material touch and then separate, and when both surfaces are made
of insulating materials. Whether you recognized it or not, the previous
sentence described the conditions found in a clothes dryer. Fabric
softeners give clothing a chemical coating that stops their real surfaces
from touching, thereby preventing static cling.

Beyond the static issue, most people will admit to using fabric softener to
enhance the smell of their clothing.

Will it Ruin My Clothes?

It depends on your definition of ´ruin¡. Fabric softener will not break
down the fibers in your clothes. However, the chemicals used in the
softeners do build up over time. This buildup can cause yellowing in
clothes and can reduce the absorbency of fabrics. The latter problem may
explain why your old towels donÿt soak up water like they used to.

What Chemicals, Exactly?

Here we get into the controversial aspects of that fragrant blue liquid and
innocuous looking white sheet. There is science to back up the claim that
fabric softeners are among the most toxic product designed for daily
household use. Some ingredients are listed on the Environmental Protection
Agencyÿs Hazardous Waste list. The list of chemicals in fabric softeners
also includes some rather alarming potential side effects: some substances
are carcinogenic (cancer-causing) and some can cause disorders of the
central nervous system. Other ingredients can cause headaches, respiratory
problems and skin irritation.

(more, and suggestions for substitutes, he

<http://www.professorshouse.com/your-home/cleaning/fabric-softner-clothing.aspx>
)

your pal,
blake