More harm than good: 6 things you shouldn’t use fabric softener with
When not to use fabric softener (illustrative photo: Freepik)
Like laundry detergent, fabric softener is a key item for clothing care that helps keep garments in perfect condition. However, if misused, conditioners and softeners can sometimes damage certain fabrics, according to Martha Stewart.
How fabric conditioner works
Fabric conditioner coats the fabric, smooths the fibers, and makes it softer, leaving a light coating that you can feel to the touch.
The product creates a protective layer on certain fabrics, leaving your clothes fragrant and reducing friction between the fibers.
When not to use fabric softener
While it might be tempting to reach for a fabric conditioner every time you load clothes into the washing machine, it’s better to first check the type of clothing you’re cleaning.
Wool and delicate natural fabrics
If you're washing or drying delicate woolen items, it might be wise to skip the fabric conditioner.
The fibers in materials like wool, cashmere, and mohair provide lightness and fluffiness, but using conditioners can strip them of their texture and reduce their warmth-retaining properties.
Down jackets and feather-filled bedding
Since fabric softener creates a waxy coating, it’s risky to use it for down or feather-filled items like blankets, jackets, and coats.
Down and feather items need tiny air pockets between the feathers, and fabric conditioner can coat and flatten them. As with wool, these items are better washed with something that rinses out easily.
Swimwear
Typically made from elastic synthetic materials, swimwear should never be washed with fabric conditioner.
Swimwear made from fabrics like spandex, Lycra, elastane, nylon, and polyester does not absorb much water and dries quickly. Washing swimwear with fabric conditioner can cause it to retain more moisture, which can slow down drying and leave an unpleasant odor.
Sportswear
While it may be tempting to wash or dry workout clothes with fabric conditioner, it is not recommended. If the clothes are made from moisture-wicking fabrics, using conditioner can do more harm than good.
The coating left by fabric softener can reduce the moisture-wicking properties of these fabrics.
A better option is to use an enzyme detergent or a color-safe bleach to remove oils and keep the fabric as soft as possible without degrading the fiber properties.
Towels
Although fabric conditioners can make towels incredibly soft and pleasant to the touch, it can also reduce their effectiveness.
Most fabric softeners can build up in towel fibers and decrease their absorbency over time. This means you may need to wash towels more frequently, which can damage the fabric fibers and lead to wear and tear.
Microfiber
Microfiber is found in many common household items, such as pillows and blankets, and can also be part of fabric materials.
Similar to towels, fabric conditioner can accumulate on a microfiber fabric and create a waxy residue. Over time, this can damage the fabric and lead to its deterioration.
Recently, we wrote about how to refresh clothes without washing them.
Additionally, we discussed the best ways to sort clothes to remove all dirt.
