Buzz
We’ve previously explained why you should ditch dryer sheets—now it’s time to eliminate another unnecessary laundry step: fabric softener. Sure, you might enjoy the way it makes your clothes feel (and smell). If you’ve been using it for years, you might worry that without it, your clothes will come out of the dryer stiff and rough. But that’s simply not the case. Let’s break down why this common laundry product is problematic—and explore some better options.
The truth about what fabric softener does to your clothes
Fabric softener, much like dryer sheets, doesn’t truly soften your clothes. Instead, it leaves a waxy coating that creates an illusion of softness. Unfortunately, this coating also hampers the fabric’s ability to absorb water, wick moisture, and, crucially, maintain flame-resistance. This is why fabric softener should never be used on baby clothes. (And what’s the point of soft towels if they can’t even do their main job: soaking up water?)
Why you should steer clear of fabric softener
Over multiple washes, the waxy residue accumulates, causing fabrics to lose their original texture and warmth (especially in the case of wool). Health-wise, the Environmental Working Group highlights that key ingredients in fabric softeners—such as “quats” (quaternary ammonium compounds), fragrances, preservatives, dyes, and phthalates—can aggravate asthma, provoke allergies, irritate skin, and potentially interfere with the endocrine system. Additionally, the buildup of this residue over time hinders water and detergent from penetrating the fabric, making it tougher to eliminate odors and stains. (On the topic of stains, the dyes in fabric softeners can sometimes leave a bluish or greyish hue on clothing.)
What can you use instead of fabric softener?
Make your own: For a simple DIY fabric softener, raid your kitchen. Adding a quarter cup of baking soda or a half cup of distilled white vinegar directly to the washing machine during the rinse cycle can leave your clothes not only softer but also brighter. (The Spruce explains, “The acetic acid in distilled white vinegar is gentle enough to avoid damaging fabrics but effective at breaking down residues from soaps and detergents,” leading to “vivid, fresher colors.” Similarly, baking soda enhances the brightness of whites and colors.)
Aluminum foil balls: While tin foil doesn’t soften fabrics, it tackles fabric softener’s other role—reducing static. As clothes tumble in the dryer, they exchange electrons, creating positive and negative charges that cause them to cling together. According to CNET, tin foil balls “neutralize static buildup and help separate clothes, which can also speed up drying.”
Wool dryer balls: Unlike fabric softener, which only pretends to soften, wool dryer balls deliver real softness. As they tumble with your laundry, they gently fluff fibers and prevent clothes from clumping, ensuring better heat circulation that cuts down drying time. (For a fresh scent, simply add a few drops of your preferred essential oil to the balls.)
Air dry: Drying clothes naturally not only minimizes static but also saves energy, prevents color fading and heat-induced shrinkage, and extends the longevity of your garments.
