topic Re: Dumb question about fabric softener in Home

Dumb question about fabric softener

depglass — Sun, 25 Feb 2018 22:22:07 GMT

For 10 years I've had a machine that has a cup for fabric softener. So I use it all the time, but I got to wondering if fabric softener affects the absorbability of cotton towels. Instead of using a paper towel like normal to wipe up a water spill, I grabbed a cotton dish towel. It did nothing. Maybe the fibers get sealed in cotton like they do microfiber?

Re: Dumb question about fabric softener

ALRATIBA — Sun, 25 Feb 2018 22:32:12 GMT

Yes ... fabric softener "coats" the fabric with a substance that makes it feel softer.

It also can ruin some synthetics by leaving what looks like oily spots that are impossible to remove. I stopped using fabric softener about 30 years ago. I add a bit of Arm and Hammer Washing Soda with the liquid detergent. It softens w/o coating the fabric.

Re: Dumb question about fabric softener

Mj57 — Sun, 25 Feb 2018 22:31:01 GMT

I think they say you shouldn't use fabric softener on towels . I don't seems it supposed to make less absorbent.I don't use fabric softener much but we have a water softener.

Re: Dumb question about fabric softener

NickNack — Sun, 25 Feb 2018 22:31:15 GMT

@depglass You are never supposed to use fabric softener with towels. It blocks the absorbency. You aren't supposed to use it with microfiber cloths either.

Re: Dumb question about fabric softener

goldensrbest — Sun, 25 Feb 2018 22:41:37 GMT

I hate fabric softners, i use vinegar in the rinse cycle.

Re: Dumb question about fabric softener

QVCkitty1 — Sun, 25 Feb 2018 23:06:57 GMT

I use Tide with Downey in it already, and it leaves the towels nice and absorbent.

Re: Dumb question about fabric softener

I am still oxox — Sun, 25 Feb 2018 23:10:56 GMT

I never use fabric softner, I am allergic to the smell, I can not stand the smell on towels at all

Re: Dumb question about fabric softener

Carmie — Sun, 25 Feb 2018 23:36:56 GMT

Fabric softener doesn’t actually soften fabric. It coats the fabric with an oily substance that makes it feel smooth and slick.

There are a lot of bad chemicals in it. I no longer use it.

Re: Dumb question about fabric softener

summerwind — Sun, 25 Feb 2018 23:54:43 GMT

I stopped using fabric softener in the mid 70s when I started breaking out (or getting hives, I forget which) everywhere I had clothes on. Only bottle I ever bought. I don't think they make the brand anymore, but I've never wanted to try another.

Re: Dumb question about fabric softener

Mustang Shar — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 00:31:38 GMT

No fabric softener. Use those wooly balls, throw them in the dryer. So far, I'm pretty happy with them.

Re: Dumb question about fabric softener

Rockycoast — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 12:55:36 GMT

@Mustang Sharwrote:
No fabric softener. Use those wooly balls, throw them in the dryer. So far, I'm pretty happy with them.

I haven't used fabric softener in over 10 years. No need to. I also use the Wool dryer balls. Got them on Amazon. They work great. No chemicals, no static and soft towels.

Re: Dumb question about fabric softener

wagirl — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 15:31:25 GMT

another vote for the woolly balls on Amazon--got 6 of them for under $10. Have been using them for a year now---are just great!! If you like scent, you add a few drops of essential oil on each one, throw them in the dryer alone and let them run for about 15 minutes so to set the oil. Works great too!!!

Re: Dumb question about fabric softener

Imaoldhippie — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 15:34:22 GMT

Yes it most certainly does. I never use fabric softener on my towels or rags or anything I use to absorb liquid. Notice if you spill something on your clothes how it beads thats fabric softener at work.

Re: Dumb question about fabric softener

ID2 — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 15:40:25 GMT

I never thought you were supposed to use fabric softerner on towels.

Re: Dumb question about fabric softener

Mominohio — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 16:06:01 GMT

Yes indeed TOO MUCH fabric softener will reduce and almost eliminate the absorbency of towels.

But I'm not a "hater" of fabric softener. The problem with it is that people use way too much.

Following label directions, or what your mother did, is most likely excessive.

The quality of your water will determine a lot, as well as the brand of softener, but liquid fabric softener can be used to keep towels soft, keep clothing static free, yet not cause the problems all the vendors on Q want you to think it will.

First, let's make clear that microfiber doesn't tolerate softener at all. So it should never be used for those.

But in all cotton towels, a full load in a full fill washer, I find using about a teaspoon (and I mean an actual unit of measure, not just some random spoon full) of high quality softener diluted with water in my dispenser gives me just enough softness, good smell, and anti static, without reducing the absorbency. I know back in the day, many softeners were advocating an entire cap full in the wash, and that is waaayyy too much.

Many of my towels are from the 1970's and 1980's and look and perform well, just like when new.

I've tried the balls, the vinegar and none of it works for me, especially for the static, which gets really bad here in the winter especially.

I never use dryer sheets, they are terrible for coating everything, even harmful to certain cycles of the dryer that sense dryness.

But fabric softener gets a bad rap from people who simply over use it.

Allergy issues aside for those with super sensitivities.

Re: Dumb question about fabric softener

GingerPeach — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 19:09:31 GMT

Excellent explanation, @Mominohio

For many years I've been unhappy with fabric softener since I'd only been using it according to "label directions" but now may add it back in per your instructions.