Translation result.
Fabric softener cuts towel absorbency
Stops sweat wicking in performance wear
Choose by material and function
Fabric softener makes fabrics feel softer, reduces static, and adds fragrance, so many people use it frequently. But using softener on every item can actually damage clothing, so you should be careful. If you want your laundry to stay in top condition longer, learn which materials you should avoid treating with fabric softener.
A recent survey by U.K. consumer group Which? found one in five people use fabric softener every time they do laundry. Use of softener is also common in South Korea.
Towel absorbency drops
Surface becomes stiff
The most typical example is towels. Using fabric softener on towels can shorten their lifespan. That happens because emulsifiers in softeners form a thin film on fibers, repelling water and adding lubrication so the fabric feels softer.
Because of that coating, softener actually reduces a towel’s absorbency and makes it harder to remove dirt and stains. Repeated use lets these residues build up, and the towel’s surface can become stiff.
Encourages bacterial growth
Try vinegar instead
When that coating cuts absorbency and towels don’t dry well, bacteria and mold are more likely to take hold. Trying to mask odors with fragrance can actually backfire and make towels smell worse.
If repeated coatings reduce absorbency and prevent towels from drying properly, bacteria and mold can grow more easily. Using softener for scent can backfire and cause unpleasant odors.
When you’re worried about smells or bacteria, use an oxygen-based bleach like sodium percarbonate or add a small amount of vinegar instead of fabric softener. Vinegar’s acidity helps disinfect and suppress bacterial growth, and it neutralizes the mildly alkaline residues left by softeners.
That helps remove leftover residues and preserves towels’ absorbency and softness. But because undiluted vinegar can discolor fabric, dilute 1–2 teaspoons in water before use. Also avoid using vinegar and sodium percarbonate together, since the combination reduces their effectiveness.
Avoid on performance wear
It can damage function
Second, functional garments made from synthetic fibers—like workout clothes—along with outdoor gear and water-repellent jackets should skip fabric softener. The coating left behind can interfere with moisture-wicking and water-repellent finishes, reducing the pieces’ intended performance.
Also be careful with flame-resistant garments. Applying fabric softener can leave an oil-based coating that undermines the garment’s flame-resistant properties. Curtains, upholstery, baby clothes, and many children’s products commonly have such treatments and deserve extra caution.
If you have sensitive skin, be careful
Adjust washing methods
Also, the softening agents, fragrances, stabilizers, and preservatives in fabric softeners can irritate skin. It’s best not to use them on clothing for people with sensitive skin or atopic dermatitis.
Experts warn that treating every load with fabric softener as a habit isn’t a good idea. They also advise caution with detergent amounts, because using too much can damage fibers.
Check garment labels and adjust washing methods to fit each item’s care requirements. Small changes in habits can have a big impact on how well your clothes hold up.
Most Commented