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02-25-2018 05:22 PM
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?
02-25-2018 05:30 PM - edited 02-25-2018 05:32 PM
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.
02-25-2018 05:31 PM
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.
02-25-2018 05:31 PM
@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.
02-25-2018 05:41 PM
I hate fabric softners, i use vinegar in the rinse cycle.
02-25-2018 06:06 PM
I use Tide with Downey in it already, and it leaves the towels nice and absorbent.
02-25-2018 06:10 PM
I never use fabric softner, I am allergic to the smell, I can not stand the smell on towels at all
02-25-2018 06:36 PM
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.
02-25-2018 06:54 PM
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.
02-25-2018 07:31 PM
No fabric softener. Use those wooly balls, throw them in the dryer. So far, I'm pretty happy with them.
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