what does fabric softener do

Fabric softener is a laundry additive that is formulated to smooth and coat fibers to help fabrics feel softer, combat wrinkles, reduce static, and add a fresh fragrance to your laundry. It works by depositing a layer of electrically charged chemical compounds on fabric, which lubricates the fibers and neutralizes the charge, ultimately protecting your laundry from damage and lending to a softer feel. Fabric softeners contain lubricating ingredients that help coat and soften fibers in your fabrics when added to your laundry load in the form of liquid, powder, or dryer sheets. The ingredients in fabric softeners are deposited onto fabric fibers to help fight wrinkles, reduce static, and add a soft touch and fresh scent to your laundry. However, some fabrics don’t respond well to fabric softeners, and the lubricants used in fabric softeners are designed to coat fibers and may leave behind a film that affects the safety and effectiveness of certain materials. Therefore, fabric softener is an optional addition to your laundry routine that should only be used on fabrics made with natural fibers.