Using fabric softener can ruin your favorite clothes and other items.
Fabric softeners are designed to make textiles feel softer, reduce static electricity, and make ironing easier. However, the consumer protection organization Which? warns that there are several items that should never be washed with fabric softener.
These include towels, sports gear, and delicate woolen items.
Jas Rai, a senior scientific advisor at Which?, noted: “Fabric softeners contain emulsifiers that coat the fabric with a thin layer that repels water and acts as a lubricant, making the fabric feel soft to the touch. They also contain cationic surfactants, or positively charged compounds, that neutralize the static charge that builds up during washing. Regular use of fabric softener leads to the accumulation of these substances, which can negatively affect certain fabrics.”
Over time a waxy buildup forms on those fabrics. This buildup can make clothing less soft and comfortable, and sometimes even crunchy as the fibers harden.
And that’s not all
The layers of accumulated coating also make it harder for detergents to penetrate the fabric during regular washing.
Most ingredients in fabric softeners are softening agents, fragrances, stabilizers, and preservatives, which can cause skin irritation and damage textiles.
Fragranced fabric softeners are often a particular problem for people with sensitive skin, as reported by Daily Mail.
Washing towels with fabric softener reduces their ability to absorb water and slows down their drying time. This means you’ll have to wash towels more frequently, which shortens their lifespan.
Since fabric softeners contain a lot of fats, they can even make clothing more flammable. Which? warns against using these products on items labeled as flame-resistant. This includes: curtains, upholstery, children’s clothing, and many children’s products.
Sportswear and swimsuits, often made from high-tech fabrics, have water-repellent properties. However, washing them with fabric softener can strip away these qualities.
Natural fibers, such as wool, can also be damaged due to the buildup of waxy residue.
According to laundry experts at Which?, there are plenty of natural ways to keep your clothes in top condition. Use clear vinegar or baking soda to pre-treat particularly dirty clothes before washing them in the machine.
Soak clothes in a mixture of vinegar and water or a mixture of baking soda and water. Rinse the items thoroughly with water before placing them in the washing machine. This hack not only helps reduce static electricity and remove stains but also aids in softening the fabric.
Do not mix baking soda and vinegar, as they neutralize each other’s effects.
So, what should never be washed with fabric softener?
Towels
Sportswear
Swimsuits made of Lycra
Woolen items
Children’s clothing
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