When washing clothes, there are always two must-haves: a detergent and a fabric softener. That’s just the way it works.
What Does Fabric Softener Do?
There are two types of fabric softener. First is the liquid form, which everyone is accustomed to. They contain surfactants, which can come from animals, plants, or minerals, depending on the brand and formula. These surfactants are responsible for making the fabric feel softer.
The second type takes the form of fabric softener dryer sheets. These work by coating clothes with a waxy substance (in place of surfactants) to soften the clothes’ feel and texture.
What Are the Benefits of Using Fabric Softener?
There are plenty of advantages to using a fabric conditioner on your laundry, so consider these as you ruminate on spending the extra cash to add it to your arsenal. We listed out some of the better upshots that’ll leave you wondering why you didn’t start using it sooner!
1. It extends the lifespan of your clothes.
No one ever said that detergents are not enough to clean your clothes. They most definitely are, but some of them can be harsh on specific garments, such as delicates and woolen fabrics. Fabric conditioners take good care of the fibers and preserve the integrity of your clothes. If you use fabric conditioners regularly, your clothes look newer for longer.
2. It retains the colors in your clothes.
The best part is that a fabric softener does more than maintain your garment’s shape. Expect it to keep your clothes bright, as surfactants provide an extra layer to shield the fiber from the friction that’s standard in washing. As a result, your clothes won’t fade quickly. Another advantage is that there will be less pilling, so say goodbye to those stubborn fuzzballs.
3. It softens lines and clothes.
One of the most popular advantages of using fabric softener is making any fabric feel bouncier and pleasant to the touch. The coated fibers reduce the static that can otherwise irritate you as your clothes cling to your skin.
4. It’s perfect for people with sensitive skin.
Do you suffer from skin allergies? Does your skin dry easily? Using fabric conditioners can counter the dryness that laundry detergents can cause. If you don’t use it after washing your clothes, they’ll end up rough, irritating sensitive skin. This is particularly problematic for kids. Aside from using a fabric conditioner, you might also consider switching to a gentler laundry detergent.
5. It speeds up the ironing process.
Have you ever met anyone who thinks ironing is relaxing? Certain chores can keep your mind off things, such as washing dishes. For some reason, though, ironing is just plain exhausting to many individuals. By using fabric softeners, ironing is less challenging. Your clothes straighten out quickly because fabric conditioners decrease surface resistance. Some clothes won’t even need ironing anymore!
6. It accelerates drying time.
One of the perks of using a fabric conditioner is that it hastens the drying time. Suppose you forgot to wash your favorite top that you plan to use for your special date tomorrow night. You can add both the detergent and softener. It’ll dry faster than using detergent alone. Fabric softeners quicken water evaporation, so you don’t have to wash your clothes for longer. Some people even get away without using a dryer.
7. It leaves a lovely scent on clothes.
The smell of newly laundered clothes is one of the small joys in life. There’s something about using fresh-scented clothing, towels, and bedsheets that leaves everyone in a good mood.
Now that you’re sold on fabric softener, do you know how to use it?
When to Add Fabric Softener
Usually, you can add softeners to the load just as you would add detergent. However, this is not a good idea for specific materials. Here are some essential tips:
- Athleisure clothes don’t need detergent. In fact, it can be bad for them. Most fabrics for workout clothes wick moisture. It means the fabric transfers the sweat (or any moisture) to the outer layer to speed up drying and prevent saturation. Surfactants might clog the pores necessary for the process, rendering the product’s wicking abilities useless.
- Water-resistant and highly absorbent materials don’t also interact well with fabric softener. It reduces the porous quality of your towels, for instance. You’ll notice it after a few uses. There’s a remedy, so don’t worry if you’ve done this. Add one cup of white vinegar to your wash next time to bring back the feel of your worn-out towels.
Remember, the best way to care for yourself and your clothes is to know your laundry products and when to use them. If you need more advice or simply want someone to take care of it for you, visit us at Kelly’s, the best place for Dry Cleaning in Durango, CO.
