What should you not use fabric softener on?

Author: Luigi Kuphal  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 4, 2025

  • 01 of 07. Wools and Delicate Natural Fabrics. If you're using fabric softener when washing or drying your delicate wools, you may want to reconsider. ...
  • 02 of 07. Down-Filled Coats and Comforters. ...
  • 03 of 07. Swimwear. ...
  • 04 of 07. Towels. ...
  • 05 of 07. Workout Clothes. ...
  • 06 of 07. Baby Clothes. ...
  • 07 of 07. Microfiber.

Do you use fabric softener on everything?

It's not that necessary but it does enhance your laundry especially your towels and sheets. It makes them smell nicer for longer and they do feel softer. There are certain items I would not use it on like athletic wear and intimates. The fabrics don't work well with the softener.

What are the cons of fabric softener?

But it comes at a cost: Fabric softener can reduce flame resistance on children's sleepwear, and the residue buildup in the machine can create a healthy environment for mildew to grow in. It can even diminish workout clothes' wicking ability.

What fabrics can I use fabric softener on?

If your clothes are made of cotton and natural fibers, you should use fabric softener. You'll get the benefits of minimal wrinkles and pilling without worrying about whether your clothes are ruined. But the key is not to overuse fabric softener — less is more in this case!

Where not to use fabric softener?

Synthetic and water-resistant materials.

Fabric softener can wear down the effectiveness of water-resistant materials and synthetic fabrics such as polyester. A garment made with elastane, like spandex, can lose its ability to stretch and reshape itself.

When And When NOT To Use Fabric Softener

Is it worth using fabric softener?

Fabric softener has many benefits. In addition to enhancing the softness and smoothness of clothes, the product can also reduce static cling and minimize wrinkles, providing an overall pleasant and comfortable feel to laundered items, says Cohoon.

What is a good alternative to fabric softener?

Simply add half a cup of white vinegar to your laundry during the rinse cycle, and your clothes will come out smelling clean and fresh. Baking soda is another effective natural fabric softener that can help to eliminate odours and leave your clothes feeling soft and fresh.

Why are people against fabric softener?

Unfortunately, fabric softeners have a variety of potentially harmful chemicals in them that are associated with many adverse health affects. A few of these chemicals are listed below: Glutaraldehyde: a regulated chemical that can cause respiratory problems and skin reactions and conditions like eczema.

Why shouldn't you use dryer sheets?

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.

Can you use vinegar instead of fabric softener?

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.

What is the best smelling laundry detergent?

Our top picks for the best-smelling laundry detergents of 2025
  • Best Overall. The Laundress Signature Detergent Classic. Read more.
  • Coolest Laundry Care Brand. Dedcool Dedtergent Xtra Milk. Read more.
  • Best Woody Scent. Snif Rain Check Everything Wash. Read more.

What is the best fabric softener?

Our best overall pick is Downy Ultra Liquid Fabric Conditioner, which has a robust formula that offers seven different benefits (like wrinkle reduction, color protection, and freshness).

What is the best laundry detergent?

The Best Laundry Detergent
  • Top pick. Tide Ultra Oxi Powder Laundry Detergent. ...
  • Top pick. Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent. ...
  • Runner-up. Persil Original Liquid Detergent Everyday Clean. ...
  • Best for... Tide Pods Free & Gentle Laundry Detergent. ...
  • Best for... Dirty Labs Free & Clear Bio Laundry Detergent.

Should you use dryer sheets with towels?

Should I use dryer sheets? It depends on the load. Dryer sheets work well for most everyday items made of natural fibers, such as cotton shirts, pants and socks, but it's best to avoid using dryer sheets on athleticwear & microfiber, towels, flame-resistant clothing and water-repellent fabric.

What 3 things does fabric softener do for your laundry?

fabric softener may be a good addition to your laundry routine. Fabric softeners smooth and coat fibers to help fabrics feel softer, combat wrinkles, reduce static and add a fresh fragrance to your laundry. Always check the care label of each clothing item before use.

What should you not use fabric softener for?

  • 01 of 07. Wools and Delicate Natural Fabrics. If you're using fabric softener when washing or drying your delicate wools, you may want to reconsider. ...
  • 02 of 07. Down-Filled Coats and Comforters. ...
  • 03 of 07. Swimwear. ...
  • 04 of 07. Towels. ...
  • 05 of 07. Workout Clothes. ...
  • 06 of 07. Baby Clothes. ...
  • 07 of 07. Microfiber.

How to make laundry smell good without fabric softener?

Distilled white vinegar has become our go-to natural fabric softener that also tackles laundry odours with ease. As a green alternative, it softens our clothes without the need for the harsh chemicals found in commercial fabric softeners.

Do Millennials use fabric softener?

Millennials are being blamed for the drop in sales of fabric softener. Our survey found that 53.9% of Millennials do not purchase fabric softener for themselves or their household, with the main reason (35.8%) being that they simply do not find fabric softener necessary for doing their laundry.

How can I make my clothes softer without fabric softener?

There are a few things you can use to soften your clothes without using fabric softener. One is to add a cup of vinegar to the wash cycle. You can also add a half cup of baking soda. Another option is to use a dryer sheet.

What is the most non-toxic fabric softener?

Wool dryer balls could be considered the most non-toxic fabric softener. They are suitable for towels too. Since they do not contain fragrance or chemical ingredients, they're perfect for people with sensitive skin.

Why you don't need fabric softener?

Softeners are not even good for clothing. They can stain whites and leave residue in machines. The soft coating builds up over time, impeding absorption, which is why athletic wear should never be laundered with a softener. Fortunately, you can get soft, fluffy laundry without fabric softener.

Is vinegar better than fabric softener?

For Preventing Buildup: Fabric softeners can build up in your machine over time and cause parts to break down. Conversely, vinegar can help remove soap residues, making it a better choice if you're concerned about buildup.

Can you put fabric softener in the toilet tank?

'Some products are created to target specific jobs and fabric softener is one of those. It's made for clothing, not bathrooms. We understand from plumbing experts that fabric softener can harm your toilet tank and pipes, that's why we don't recommend this as a freshener.

What do dryer balls do?

Dryer balls are most commonly made of tightly compressed wool, but can also be made of plastic or rubber. They help prevent laundry from clumping together in the dryer by tumbling between layers and separating fabric.

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