Buzz
Laundry day often means dealing with piles of clothes, a bulky detergent bottle, and a fabric softener such as Downy or Snuggle. While some swear by it, others believe fabric softener doesn't impact the final result and view the Snuggle Bear as little more than a cuddly marketer. So, what exactly does fabric softener do?
Fabric softener is designed to keep clothes soft, reduce wrinkles, and leave behind a fresh scent to signal that your laundry no longer smells musty. It also helps minimize static cling by reducing friction between fibers, which can extend the life of your garments. This is achieved through lubricating chemicals that interact with the fibers. Earlier softeners used oils, but today, brands typically rely on synthetic chemicals like polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) or other silicone derivatives. Think of fabric softener as a conditioner for your clothes.
So why skip it? While fabric softener can offer benefits, it also has potential drawbacks. Similar to laundry detergents, some liquid fabric softeners may contain irritants that can affect sensitive skin. Dryer sheets, on the other hand, might clog your dryer's filter. Though dryer balls are a handy alternative, they can leave clothes feeling stiffer.
Whether to use fabric softener can depend on the type of clothing you're washing. For example, if you have athletic wear with moisture-wicking properties, fabric softener might 'clog' the fabric, impairing its ability to draw moisture away from the skin. It's also not ideal for towels, as it can reduce their absorbency. Additionally, fabric softener shouldn't be used on polyester, nylon, or baby clothing made from flame-resistant materials that may be altered by the softener.
If you're unsure whether fabric softener is worth using, try washing a small load with fabric softener and one without. Compare the results and see if you notice or feel a difference. If there’s no noticeable change, you might be able to skip the additive altogether.
