Fabric Softener

Fabric softeners are products added to clothes while laundering. Different types of fabric softeners are available in the market. While some of them are liquid laundry products that are adding to the fabric during laundering, others are available in the form of dryer sheets, that are attached to the dryer of the washing machine. There are certain brands of washing powders that claim to have fabric softeners in it.

Fabric Softener Uses

These are products that are meant for softening clothes and also to get rid of the static cling (light materials like clothing hold together due to static electricity that is produced as they rub together). If there is no static cling, the clothes will not stick together after drying. This reduces the wrinkles and creases on them and you may do away with ironing. Certain clothes like bath towels have a tendency to get stiff once they are washed. This can be avoided by using fabric softeners while washing them. So it is used as a static cling remedy as well as a softener.

These products contain certain chemicals that form a thin coating over the surface of the clothes. This coating acts as a lubricant and is also capable of conducting electricity. These properties of a fabric softener result in preventing build up of static electricity as well as static cling. It makes the fabric feel softer and much more stain resistant. Another advantage is that nowadays fabric softeners have additives like perfumes, especially those with long-term release property.

Some people even use it to remove wallpaper. All you have to do is add fabric softener and water (1:4 ratio) in the steamer and apply it on the walls. You may also mix this product with hot water and apply the mixture on the walls with a sprayer. After some time, the wall paper will start peeling on its own.

Disadvantages of Fabric Softeners

They may sometimes leave stains on your clothes. Such stains can be done by washing it with laundry detergent. You may use hot water for this purpose. But check whether the stain is removed completely before drying, as this process may set the stains. While fabric softener is claimed to be advantageous, there are speculations regarding its safety. It is said that these products contain various chemicals that can enter the body through the skin. It has been reported that long-term exposure to these chemicals may cause skin rash, headaches, memory problems, etc. However, there is no solid backing to prove these reports. Another concern is that people with allergies or sensitive skin may develop problems after using this product on clothes. This can be remedied by using organic those with no added perfumes.

In short, fabric softeners are effective in making your clothes feel soft, fresh and fragrant. But if you are concerned about the health aspects, then go for organic ones or avoid using such products. You may also try any homemade fabric softener, that can be made by combining six cups of water, along with three cups of vinegar and two cups of hair conditioner. Even vinegar can be added to the rinse cycle, so as to make the clothes soft and to avoid static electricity to some extent.