madpiano's Profile

For those of you that dry clothes inside - mildew spores are much more dangerous than anything that comes off dryer sheets. Damp clothes create moisture in the house/flat and unless you open the windows once a day for an hour or more (yes, even when it's cold outside), small areas of mildew and damp will form. Those spores are nasty and can cause asthma attacks and long term health damage. Wiping a skirting board with an old dryer sheet is much safer.
Saying that - although these things are cheaper in Europe - we never use them. They are pretty pointless? So I rarely have them at home (they do work as wardrobe fresheners though).
Stearic Acid is mostly made from Palm Oil as it is cheaper and a by-product of bio-fuel-making. I don't think I have seen Stearic Acid made from animal fats for a while.
Our washing powder and conditioner in Europe is the same and a badly looked after washing machine in Europe will also start smelling. We don't have waster softeners installed here very often. Those can cause havoc with washing machines, but nothing that a vinegar rinse doesn't clear.