What Does A Fabric Softener Do? And Do You Need It?

We often adopt habits simply by observing those around us. Using fabric softener is a great example of this. Do you remember when you started using it? Or who introduced you to the world of fabric softeners? You probably saw your parents using it. Or maybe a friend or a partner? Anyway, the real question is: Do we need to use a fabric softener?

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What Does Fabric Softener Do?

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Fabric softeners make our clothes feel soft and smooth by coating the fabric fibers, which reduces the friction between them. Many contain fragrances that make clothes smell fresh and clean. Some also include anti-static agents that reduce wrinkles and make ironing easier. They come in the form of wash-in liquids or powders or heat-activated dryer sheets.

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But these fabric softener benefits come at a cost!

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Is Fabric Softener Bad?

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Similar to other laundry products, fabric softeners also contain petrochemical-derived ingredients that are harmful to the planet. Most of these softeners also come in plastic packaging that ends up in landfills or incinerators, adding to the waste problem. These concerns are just the beginning. Fabric softeners also pose several other problems:

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• Fabric softeners leave harmful residue on clothes that reduces their absorbency and moisture-wicking ability. Fabric softeners also create a buildup on clothing, making it harder to clean over time.
• The softeners can also leave a residue on the drum, dispenser, and other parts of the washer and dryer, reducing their efficiency. Over time, this can lead to malfunctions and costly repairs.
• The chemicals in fabric softeners may trigger skin irritation in sensitive individuals and can cause respiratory problems or headaches.
• Most concerning, fabric softeners can compromise the flame-retardant properties of clothing meant for high-risk environments, creating serious safety hazards in case of fire.

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But there are alternatives to have that fresh, soft, and static-free laundry without using these fabric softeners.

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Sustainable Alternatives to Fabric Softeners

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There are natural fabric softeners that are safe for the planet and are affordable to make:

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Vinegar

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White vinegar is a great homemade fabric softener that can help you eliminate odor and reduce static and wrinkles without using any harsh chemicals. All you need to do is add half a cup of white vinegar to your wash cycle.

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Baking Soda

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Baking soda is another great natural fabric softener. Similar to vinegar, you need to add half a cup of baking soda to your wash cycle, and it will leave your clothes feeling soft and fresh.

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Air Drying

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If you live in an area where you can air dry your clothes, it can naturally help you get rid of the stiffness and static, resulting in soft and wrinkle-free clothes.

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Wool Dryer Balls

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If you are comfortable with using wool, you can invest in wool dryer balls. Simply toss a few wool dryer balls into your dryer, and they will soften fabrics, absorb moisture, reduce static cling, and help your clothes dry more quickly.

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To add a pleasant scent to your laundry, add a few drops of essential oil to the wool dryer ball or any other cloth in the dryer.

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