If you are asking yourself how to use fabric softener, you have come to the right place! As well as keeping your clothes as fresh as possible, there are a whole host of benefits that come with using fabric softeners, so continue reading to find out more.
How To Use Fabric Softener: A One Stop Guide
Fabric softener and fabric conditioner are two phrases of the same thing: the product protects the fibres in your beloved clothes and makes them smell and look fantastic! Softening is just one component of this product, but there are several other reasons why using fabric softeners is advantageous. Below, we have devised a whole guide to using fabric softener.
- What Does Fabric Softener Do?
- Benefits of using Fabric Softener
- Is Fabric Softener Necessary?
- When To Use Fabric Softener
- Steps To Using Fabric Softener
- The Best Fabric Softeners
What Does Fabric Softener Do?
A fabric softener is a conditioner or liquid you pour into your washing machine during the rinse cycle of washing your clothes. Keep in mind, though, that it does not clean your clothes!
If you don’t use fabric softener, your washing machine will squash and fray the fibres on the fabric’s surface level, leaving a harsh and rough feel to your clothes. Incorporating a fabric softener will help keep them soft, lively and as good as new; on top of making them smell lovely, fabric softener can help to fight wrinkles and reduce static!
Benefits Of Using Fabric Softener
Even though fabric softener is typically known for making your clothes feel nice and soft, they do so much more than that! The average family does 520 washes every year, but what are the benefits? Let’s take a closer look:
1. Makes ironing SO much easier
Easier to iron, so you can keep looking sharp 24/7. It does this by lowering the fabric surface resistance, meaning the iron can slide easily across your clothes. This makes it much faster and takes less effort to do so. Your clothes will hang much nicer when you wear them and reduce the chance of a dreaded ‘wrinkle’.
2. Protects colour and keeps them bright
It protects your clothes from colour fading by creating a layer that protects the fibres. As a result of reducing abrasion while washing, there is less colour loss in the process, and the fibres remain protected and smooth. It adds protection against bobbling, so no more picking bits off of your favourite jumper. It makes sure the items you love stay looking brand new!
3. Reduces the drying time
With fast-drying times, there is no need to wait to put on your favourite top or lucky socks. By speeding up water evaporation, it allows clothes to dry much faster than washing them with just detergent alone. This means you can spend less time doing washing and more time with your family or friends. You can also reap the benefit of not having to invest in a dryer!
4. Decreases the static cling
It ensures that your clothes do not stick to you all day long. By decreasing the static cling, it neutralises the charged particles in scratchy, harsh fabrics and reduces the friction between the fibres. Detergent releases negative ions that create static energy in the clothing; the softener then neutralises this by releasing positive ions. As you do not have to worry about your clothes clinging to you, you can feel comfortable all day long.
5. Helps clothes maintain their shape and last longer
Your clothes will last much longer as the fibres in the items become smooth, reducing friction in the wash, which means less wear and tear! It strengthens the fabrics and helps them keep their original shape and size, allowing you to wear clothes for much longer. Your clothes will stay soft, which is good for all of you with sensitive skin and most are dermatologically tested, so make sure to check when purchasing.
6. Smells lovely too!
Fresh scents keep your clothes smelling amazing for longer! Scented softeners intertwine themselves with the fibres in your clothing, ensuring that long-lasting fragrance. It’s perfect for linen and towels to keep that fresh scent throughout your home!
Is Fabric Softener Necessary?
For all the positives about a product, there will always be a few negatives – fabric softeners coat our clothes in a slimy layer full of chemicals, making them feel much softer.
The most common softening chemical is called ‘quats’. Quats can cause asthma in healthy people, with nearly 1 in 10 American children being affected by this. Quats carry antibacterial properties, which can sometimes be good as they will prevent germs and keep clothes clean.
However, overuse can cause development in antibiotic-resistant superbugs, gross! If you want to reduce exposure to these unnecessary chemicals, add 1/2 a cup of white vinegar to a rinse cycle, as this is a natural softener. You can then hang it out to dry and let the natural air work its magic!
Leave the fabric softener out when washing sportswear or any other item of clothing that is designed to absorb sweat. This will trap the grime, stink and sweat in the clothing when it gets coated in that waxy layer. Always check the label of what you are washing beforehand, as fabric softener is not suitable for all types of material.
Towels absorb water but to keep them soft and fuzzy, alternately wash them with a softener. Make sure you check the back of the label on the fabric softener bottle, too, for more advice on where to use it.
When To Use Fabric Softener
Understanding when to use fabric softener will ensure that your clothes stay in immaculate condition for longer. Here are the most common instances:
- If you are in a hard water area – If the mineral content in your water is high, fabric softener can then be essential when wanting to wear comfortable clothing. It makes the fibres much more elastic and helps them last much longer.
- If you enjoy the feeling of soft, fresh bed sheets – Who doesn’t? It’ll leave your sheets smelling fabulous, and we are sure you’ll realise if you forget to use it.
- If you like to have clothes that constantly look new – Fibres in clothing over time can end up looking worn and tired-looking, especially if it is a wool product or any softer material. These fibres are left looking much more elastic and, therefore, much newer for longer.
- If you have a newborn and want to protect their skin – Babies must have soft, gentle and breathable clothing. It should be hypoallergic to ensure it does not cause illness. Also, dermatologically tested, so it’s delicate on their sensitive skin.
Alternatively, if you have delicate clothing or want to take the hassle out of washing, take your beloved clothing to our dry cleaners in Milton Keynes and ask for advice in our laundry services in Milton Keynes
Steps To Using Fabric Softener
Here is our guide on how to effectively incorporate fabric softener into your washing routine:
Adding fabric softener to your wash has never been so easy!
- Check the care labels and check for machine washable.
- Check the bottle to see the recommended amount per kg; depending on your load, pour out the appropriate amount into the measurement cap.
- Pour the softener into the detergent drawer before you begin your wash, along with your usual detergent. This compartment in the drawer may have a star or flower on it; it always needs to be dilated, so never directly put it into the drum.
- The machine adds this product just before the rinse cycle.
For hand washing, follow the instructions below:
- Fabric softener can be used when hand washing. Use around 20ml per 10l of water. After washing with detergent, add the softener.
- Swirl in the softener with your hand to mix it. Rinse your clothing in the solution for a soft finish.
- You MUST wash your hands after handling fabric softener as it can irritate the skin, especially if you have sensitive skin.
The Best Fabric Softeners
As we all know, there are thousands of products! Here are a select few that are dedicated to being a high-quality, safe product.
For an eco alternative – The Eco Egg.
A trialled and tested Vegan brand – The Method Fabric Softener.
Baby-safe for the little ones – Attitude Baby Softener.
And biodegradable too – The Jasmine Eco.
LONG.LIVE. CLOTHES.
Fabric softener is formulated to prolong the life of the stylish clothes we own and can effortlessly bring a new lease of life to older clothing items. The benefits of using fabric softeners are further confirmed by a study which found a direct correlation between the clothes we wear and our sense of well-being. People who wore a jumper that had been washed with fabric softener brought higher levels of confidence and happiness. This did not happen to those who wore the unwashed jumper. So don’t forget this, next time you want to make a good impression!
Not only does it change the way that we think about what we wear, but you’ll also have no more awkward-sized t-shirts or bobbly jumpers. Just you and your beautiful wardrobe, full of amazing outfits that will last longer!
Make sure to contact our experts in dry cleaning in Milton Keynes for more information and for our excellent help!