Remember, fabric softener is completely optional, and your garments will likely pop out of the dryer feeling fresh, clean, and soft without it. However, “For some, it might make doing their laundry a little more fun to use an extra product that smells very good and is colorful,” Fulford says.
Think of your fabrics as your hair and the fabric softener as the conditioner. A typical fabric softening liquid is full of lubricating chemicals that reduce friction and static cling, making your clothes feel softer than when washed with detergent alone.
So while it might make your sheets feel cozy and your shirts static-free, fabric softener is not an essential laundry product. There are natural, chemical-free alternatives that can save you money and avoid residue build-up.
Instead of using fabric softener or a dryer sheet, add vinegar to the rinse cycle in the washer. It will soften the fabric and reduce static cling. For those extra static clingy PJs (you know the ones), do the vinegar rinse in the washer AND add a foil ball to the dryer cycle for good measure.
Baking Soda: Baking soda is another natural alternative that can help soften fabrics and eliminate odors. Adding half a cup to one cup of baking soda to the wash cycle can help soften clothes and neutralize odors. Wool Dryer Balls: Wool dryer balls are a specific type of dryer ball made from natural wool fibers.
A simple way to describe fabric softener is that it is a conditioner for your laundry. It's made to lubricate your fabric fibers and add softness and freshness to your clothes. It also helps to reduce static, eliminate wrinkles, and keep your clothes from looking worn by preventing pilling and stretching.
“Where some may run into trouble with their washing machines is when they use too much fabric softener, which can cause buildup in your machine and result in mold,” he says. Mold exposure can be very dangerous, especially for children or people with allergies or asthma.
The Kitchen Concoction: Baking Soda & Vinegar
With a few items found in your kitchen pantry, you can mix up your own natural fabric softener. All you need is water, baking soda and vinegar, plus a few drops of essential oils if you'd like it scented. Stir until mixed and add in one-part vinegar (ex: one-half cup).
Detergents and stain removers do kill microbes, but you have to bear in mind that detergents are strong chemicals that will eventually damage your clothes. Soaking clothes overnight gives the detergents time to start breaking down not just the dirt, but the fabric of your clothes themselves.
"Add a cup of white vinegar or baking soda to your laundry cycle to help neutralise stubborn odours and freshen up your clothes. For extra freshness, consider adding a few drops of essential oils, such as lavender or eucalyptus, to your wash to leave your clothes smelling heavenly."
Vinegar: The Natural Alternative
Vinegar, especially white vinegar, has been a go-to natural cleaning agent for generations. When used in laundry, it acts as a fabric softener deodorizer and can even help remove soap residue. It's a natural way to soften clothes without introducing additional chemicals.
The short answer is no, fabric softener is not a necessary component of washing your clothes. It's an additional substance with lubricating ingredients that help coat and soften fabric fibers and reduce static cling.
If you have sensitive skin or allergies, you may want to avoid using dryer sheets. Chemicals and fragrances added to dryer sheets have been known to irritate skin, cause headaches, and even trigger asthma. Environmental concerns may also deter you from using dryer sheets.
Protects Your Machine
It can also leave an unsightly scale on your washing machine drum. Over time these mineral deposits build up and can eventually damage your machine and pipes. Using a water softener will help your washing machine to last longer.
Remember, fabric softener is completely optional, and your garments will likely pop out of the dryer feeling fresh, clean, and soft without it. However, “For some, it might make doing their laundry a little more fun to use an extra product that smells very good and is colorful,” Fulford says.
Vinegar. White vinegar is an excellent natural fabric softener that can help to remove odors and soften clothes. It works by breaking down detergent and mineral residues that can make clothes stiff and rough.
The acidity of vinegar can lead to corrosion and harm the rubber parts of the machine, which may result in leaks. It's important to avoid overdoing the use of vinegar as it can have a negative impact on your washer.
If you're looking for ease and combating static cling, dryer sheets might be the way to go. But if you want an all-around softening experience and are mindful of long-term costs, fabric softeners could be your best bet.
“Not only can it irritate sensitive skin, but it can also leave a layer of residue on your clothes and reduce the absorption of your towels,” he told us. Fabric softeners work by depositing a layer of electrically charged chemical compounds on fabric.