Fabric softener is a laundry additive that is formulated to smooth and coat fibers in fabrics, helping them feel softer, combat wrinkles, reduce static, and add a fresh fragrance to your laundry
. It is available in the form of powder, liquid, or dryer sheets
. The main purpose of fabric softener is to provide protection to the integrity of your fabrics by coating the fibers and making them feel more comfortable on the skin
. Fabric softeners work by depositing a layer of electrically charged chemical compounds on fabric, which causes the fibers to fluff up and makes the fabric feel softer and gentler on the skin
. They also neutralize electric charge, which is what makes your clothes shock you or cling together
. However, fabric softeners can reduce flame resistance on children's sleepwear and leave a residue buildup in the machine, which can create a healthy environment for mildew to grow in
. To use fabric softener in your washing machine, you can add liquid fabric softener to the full tub of your washer's final rinse cycle
. Alternatively, you can add dryer sheets or dryer balls at the start of the cycle
. It is not recommended to use both fabric softener and dryer sheets since they serve similar purposes
. Fabric softener is an optional addition to your laundry routine and should only be used on fabrics that need extra care, such as pillowcases, bedsheets, and blankets
. If you don't feel your clothes are "rough" or stiff after washing, you may not need to use fabric softener
. Instead of fabric softener, you can try using a piece of aluminum foil compressed into a ball and tossed into the dryer with your clothes
. This method can help reduce static and make your clothes feel softer without the need for fabric softener.
