Fabric Softener: 20 Important Things You should know

Fabric Softeners are extensively used these days to soften the fabric, add fragrance and enhance the lifespan of your clothes.

But Wait!!

Things may not always be as it’s advertised, there’s more to it.

Softeners can be a double-edged sword. If it’s not used the right way it can have negative consequences.

Here are 20 important questions you should ask before using it.

What is Fabric Softener?

Fabric softener is also known as a fabric conditioner is a liquid composition that contains conditioning agents, emulsifiers, fragrance, and color that softens the fibers in the fabric and adds fragrance. Depending on the washer and the softener type, it is applied to laundry during or after the rinse cycle. It is often used as an after-laundry treatment to keep the clothes soft and protect from harshness.

In simple terms, Fabric Softeners contain lubricating ingredients that soften the fibers.

Almost all Fabric Softeners these days have positively charged ions that stick to the negative ions found on the fabric which helps to make the clothes feel softer.

Most modern-day washing machines have a separate compartment for Softeners. Therefore, you simply need to make use of that compartment to use it the right way.

If you don’t have a washer with a dedicated compartment for the softener, you can follow the instructions mentioned below which have been covered in detail.

What does Fabric Softener do?

Since fabric softener contains lubricating ingredients that deposit into the fibers, it not only makes the fabric soft but also adds fragrance and reduces wrinkles up to a certain extent.

Furthermore, it also protects the clothes from stretching and fading.

What are the ingredients of fabric softener?

Most Fabric softeners are made up of any one of the following as an active ingredient mentioned below, combined with emulsifiers, preservatives, color and added fragrance.

• Dihydrogenated tallow dimethyl ammonium chloride (DHTDMAC)
• Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)
• Diethyl ester dimethyl ammonium chloride (DEEDMAC)
• Triethanolamine quat (TEAQ)
• Distearyldimethylammonium chloride (DSDMAC)

Added emulsifiers, preservatives, Fragrance and color to the above-mentioned chemical makes the softener complete.

Depending on the brand you use and the cost you pay, the active ingredient may differ. Some brands choose to use Triethanolamine quat (TEAQ) as an active ingredient while others may choose to use Polydimethylsiloxane.

READ: 11 things you should know about High-Efficiency Detergents

Is Fabric Softener same as detergents?

No, Fabric Softener and detergents are two different things. Detergents are meant to clean stains, dirt and soil whereas Fabric Softeners are used to make the fabric soft and smell good after the washing cycle.

Softeners can’t clean stains and dirt, it simply softens the fabric, protects the fiber, and adds fragrance.

READ: 15 things you must know about washing detergents

Is Fabric Softener Necessary?

Fabric softeners are optional, you can always opt to not use it.

A good HE detergent should suffice as most detergents these days not only clean clothes but also leaves a decent fragrance after the wash.

While fabric softeners make your clothes soft and smell good, you can’t ignore the cons. It contains chemicals that can trigger skin allergies and other health concerns, as it tends to add a lubricating coating. If it’s overused, it will not only ruin the clothes but also affect health.

So, if you want to use softeners, use it wisely. Using it every time for all types of clothes may not be a good idea.

Is vinegar a good fabric softener?

Vinegar is an excellent alternative to chemical-based fabric softeners. Using White Distilled vinegar will not only clean stains but also reduce odor, prevent static and soften the fabric. Furthermore, Vinegar does not leave unwanted residue behind and it is easier on your washing machine.

So, if you have hyper-sensitive skin and if your allergies are triggered easily, using vinegar may just be the right thing to do.

Vinegar also has antibacterial properties and removes the odor without smelling like vinegar, hence it makes an ideal choice for someone looking for safer alternatives.

READ: Can Vinegar Damage your washing machine?

Common Fabric Softener mistakes

While softener is an excellent tool to keep your clothes soft and smell good, there are mistakes that can come with a heavy price.

Two of the most common mistakes that pretty much everyone makes is:

• Using softeners on any type of clothes
• Pouring softeners directly on Fabric

Using softeners on any type of clothes:

The most common mistake is to use the softener solution every time you run the washing cycle.

That’s right, fabric softeners are not meant to be used with any type of clothes.

Using fabric softeners for towels, wicking sportswear, water-resistant wear, baby items, and synthetic fabrics should always be avoided. While your clothes may smell good because of the added fragrance in the softener, it may reduce your fabric’s effectiveness, primarily due to the ingredients used in the softener that works opposite to your clothing design.

You may feel like the softener will make your towels soft and fluffier, and while that’s true, it also reduces the absorbency capacity of the towel.

Likewise, most clothes for babies are made with flame-resistant material which does not go well with fabric softeners, as it reduces the effectiveness.

Fabric softeners not only reduce the effectiveness of flame-resistant material but it may also cause skin irritation since babies have sensitive skin.

Pouring softeners directly on Fabric

Pouring Fabric Softener directly on fabric will leave oily stains and spots as its not meant to be used that way. Most fabric softeners contain waxy ingredients that may not go well if it’s poured directly on clothes.

Instead always use a dedicated compartment for softeners, which most modern-day washers have.

READ: How to troubleshoot portable washing machines

Pros and Cons of Fabric Softener

Just like there are two sides of a coin, fabric softeners too have their pros and cons.

Here are the pros and cons of softeners that you must consider before you use it.

PROS	CONS
Provides Long-Lasting freshness	Irritating chemicals may trigger skin sensitivity
Designed to protect color	Quaternary ammonium compounds may trigger Asthma
Softens the fabric	Not Environment friendly as they contain Petroleum-based ingredients
Fights Stretching	Overuse may add a coating to fabric, thereby making it difficult to clean
Reduces Wrinkles	Ruin clothes if poured directly on clothes
Anti-Static	Not at its optimum best in cold water
Anti-Fuzz	It May thicken if its unused for a long time
Protects fading	Not Compatible with all types of Fabric
Reduce Drying time	Not Recommended if you want something natural
Increases the lifespan of clothes	Does not work well with Towels, flame-resistant clothes, baby wear, and sportswear

How long to Soak clothes in Fabric Softener?

It’s not recommended to soak your clothes and fabrics in fabric softener. Soaking clothes in fabric softener can stain your clothes. Instead, the right way to use it is to place the fabric softener in the dedicated fabric softener compartment of your washer.

If your washer does not have a dedicated compartment, it’s best to pour the softener during the rinse cycle. While doing so make sure you pour it on water and don’t pour it directly on clothes to avoid staining.

READ: How to clean Portable washing Machines

Is Fabric Softener good for clothes?

Yes, it is good for your clothes and fabric when used wisely.

Having said that, extensive use of chemical-based fabric softeners can have negative consequences. Softeners that are made up of chemicals tend to add lubricating coating in long run. These lubricating coating can trigger allergies and skin irritation.

If you are looking for a safer option, it’s best to use white distilled vinegar. It’s not only safe but also keeps your clothes and fabric in good condition in long run.

Can too much Fabric Softener ruin your clothes?

Excessive use of fabric softeners will not only leave the unwanted stains behind but also ruin your clothes by making them difficult to wash the next time due to the lubricating coating. Furthermore, it also makes your clothes yellowish in long run.

Lastly, don’t forget, that most commercial softeners make extensive use of chemicals that sticks to your clothes, thereby easily triggering allergies and skin irritation.

READ: How to use a Portable washing machine effectively

Is fabric softener bad for towels?

Fabric Softeners do not go well with towels as it reduces the towel’s absorbency capacity. It contains lubricating ingredients that coat the fabric, thereby affecting the absorption capacity. While it may make your towel feel fluffy and smell good it actually does not do any good.

Instead, try using white distilled vinegar if at all there’s a need.

Is fabric softener bad for washing machines?

Chemical-based fabric softeners are not good for your washing machine in the long run as it damages the plumbing system.

Even though your washer has a dedicated compartment for the softener, that does not mean it’s good for the washing machine.

Most fabric softeners are petroleum-based and contain lubricating ingredients that can not only damage the washer’s drainage and plumbing system but also ruins the clothes and other fabrics in long run. Furthermore, as the blockage builds up, it encourages the growth of molds and bacteria.

READ: How to Hookup a Portable washing machine

Can you use fabric softener in cold water?

Fabric softener works best with hot water. So, to get the optimum results, it’s best to use warm or hot water. Most Fabric Softeners contain lubricant ingredients that may not mix well with cold water.

If the softener does not blend well, it may leave the stains behind and make your clothes yellowish over a period of time.

What happens if you don’t use fabric softeners?

It’s absolutely fine if you don’t wish to use fabric softeners. You can still get a decent wash by simply using good-quality detergents in your washing machine.

All most all detergents these days give quality wash and fragrance. Softeners are only used if you absolutely want your clothes to be soft and fluffy. Having said that you can still achieve this by using distilled white vinegar.

What can I use Instead of Fabric Softener?

Distilled white vinegar is the best alternative to a chemical-based fabric softener. Vinegar is a safe option as it is less likely to cause skin irritation and allergies. Furthermore, vinegar is highly effective in removing adamant stains and odor from the fabric.

How do you make homemade softener?

Making a fabric softener at home is easy and anyone can make it. You can make it by simply using distilled white vinegar, water, and a hair conditioner.

Here’s how to get make it.

DIY Homemade Fabric Softener Recipe:

• Take ½ cup distilled white vinegar
• 1 cup water and 1 tablespoon hair conditioner
• Mix it thoroughly and make sure you don’t shake it to avoid foam
• Your homemade softener is ready

Can you use hair conditioner instead of fabric softener?

Hair conditioner alone cannot replace the conventional softener. It’s always best to combine distilled white vinegar along with water and conditioner to get the desired results.

Does Fabric Softener Shrink Clothes?

No, Fabric softeners do not shrink clothes, on the contrary, it has wrinkle-free properties that reduce wrinkles. However excessive use of softeners can damage your clothes due to build-up lubricant coating.

READ: Best portable washing machines

How to Remove Fabric Softener from the washing machine?

If your washing machine has a dedicated compartment for the softener, you can clean it by using distilled white vinegar OR hot water. All you need to do is put vinegar OR hot water in the softener compartment and run the cycles without any laundry.

Final Thoughts

Using Softeners once in a while can be an excellent strategy to enhance the lifespan of your clothes and washing machine.

Avoid regular use of chemical-based softeners as it will not only clog your washer’s drainage system but also promote the build-up of bacteria and mold in long run.

I personally use chemical-based softener, maybe once a month or two times a month as I get the desired results using white distilled vinegar.

If you have any more questions you can always refer to our Portable washing machine FAQ section, chances are we may have already addressed your questions there.