5 Things You Shouldn’t Do With Fabric Softener
Fabric softener can help with your laundry, but it also poses several harmful effects not just on your clothes, but even on the environment
Fabric softeners are commonly used in laundry, because they can make clothes feel softer and better to touch, and also make them smell more pleasant. However, did you know that fabric softeners may not always be safe to use? You may be surprised to learn that fabric softeners actually pose a variety of disadvantages, from negative effects on clothes to harmful consequences on the environment. Here are five things you should never do with your fabric softener.
Don’t pour it directly onto your clothes
When you pour fabric softener directly on your clothes, there’s a possibility that it will leave permanent stains on the fabric, as well as waxy spots that trap stink and dirt and that are difficult to remove. Instead, you should add the recommended amount of the fabric softener to your load, so that it can do its job properly.
Don’t use it on specific fabrics
There are certain types of fabric that don’t react well to fabric softener and the chemical properties it contains. These fabrics include microfiber (its effectiveness can be destroyed by the fabric softener), sportswear (the softener can prevent it from being able to draw away sweat when you’re exercising), and even your regular bath towels (the softener can cause them to be less absorbent).
Don’t use it on your baby’s clothes
When you buy new clothes for your baby, it’s important to wash them before putting them on your child. However, when you wash the clothes, it might be better to skip the fabric softener, as it can negatively impact the flame-resistant qualities of the fabric and even cause irritations on your baby’s skin. Want something gentle? Use baby-safe detergent instead, like Tiny Buds.Â
Don’t use it on your socks
Many of us may think that fabric softener is essential when washing items of clothing to help prevent stink, that’s not necessarily the case, especially with socks. When you use fabric softener on your socks, it leaves a waxy coating on the fabric, making it unable to absorb water or detergent. This therefore causes your socks to wear down and to retain the unpleasant odor.
Don’t use it if you want to help the environment
In this time when mending the environment is extremely important, it is helpful to stop using products that will only prevent us from being able to help Mother Earth. One of those products is fabric softener. Most fabric softeners comprise of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) which don’t easily degrade, especially in water, and which can also be toxic to aquatic creatures.
Source: Apartment Therapy
