SaveComments We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing. Ah, fabric softener. If you haven’t heard of it (like
most millennials, apparently), you may be missing out. From the more straightforward use of softening and scenting your laundry to less conventional uses like unshrinking sweaters, removing wallpaper, or dusting
baseboards, fabric softener is a proven—and cost-effective—multitasker. But like its cousin laundry detergent and its second cousin dish soap, there are a few things you definitely shouldn’t do with fabric softener. For more content like this follow Have some fabric softener burning a hole in your laundry room but not quite sure how to put it to
work? Here are a few ways not to use it. We get it: There’s nothing as annoying as getting out of the shower and reaching for a stiff, brittle towel. While a little fabric softener can help keep your towels smooth and fluffy, too much of it can also reduce their absorbency (which kind of defeats the purpose). To refresh your towels or soften brand new ones,
try adding a cup of white vinegar to your next load instead, plus a half cup of baking soda during the rinse cycle. Due to its chemical properties, fabric softeners can rough up (or wreak havoc on) certain materials. Avoid using it on microfiber since, like towels, it can impact the effectiveness of its absorbency. You’ll also want to skip the fabric softener on specialty
fabrics like wicking sportswear, flameproof children’s clothes or pajamas, or water-resistant items, and synthetic fabrics like polyester or anything containing elastane and nylon (think skinny jeans or leggings). Along the same lines, it might be best not to use fabric softener on baby clothes. For one thing, many baby pajamas are made with flame-resistant materials, and fabric softener could reduce
their effectiveness. Babies also have more sensitive skin, which might become irritated with harsh chemicals like fabric softeners or regular detergents. To keep baby’s clothes soft without adding unnecessary risk, try a “free and clear” detergent paired with some vinegar in the load. Unlike stain remover, fabric softener is meant to be used in your actual load of laundry.
Applying it directly on clothing can leave stains and oily, waxy spots that might be difficult to remove. To prevent fabric softener from getting all up on your clothes, make sure you’re not overloading the machine so water can circulate and dilute and distribute the softener and detergent. It’s hard to give up on laundry staples you’re used to, but if you’re eco-conscious
or into green cleaning, you may want to consider dumping the fabric softener altogether. According to the Environmental Working Group, an organization that rates the safety of household goods and food, many fabric softeners contain harmful chemicals that can negatively impact our bodies, from aggravating asthma to irritating skin.
Some experts link the BPA in fabric softeners to a higher risk of cancer. Looking for a more natural alternative to fabric softener? Try
wool dryer balls or use the tried-and-true trick of white vinegar in the wash (don’t worry, your clothes won’t smell—but if you want them to, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil). What’s the difference between fabric softener and laundry detergent? Are they interchangeable? Does fabric softener clean clothes, or do you always have to use laundry detergent to get the job done? In this comparison of fabric softener vs. laundry detergent, I’ll answer all of these questions and more. You’ll find out how fabric softener and laundry detergent work, how they’re different, when to use each, and what to do when you accidentally use one without the other. Read on to find out everything you need to know. Use the links to navigate this article:
To put it simply, laundry detergent is formulated to clean fabrics by removing dirt, stains, oil, sweat, and other debris. Fabric softener is designed to reinforce, protect, and soften your clothes, keeping them in good condition throughout multiple washings. They each fulfill an important but different role in properly caring for your clothes. Detergent is a mix of chemicals and enzymes that remove dirt, buildup, and bacteria from fabrics. It’s formulated to remove stains from textiles and preserve the color of your garments over time. The key ingredients in laundry detergent are:
Fabric softener, sometimes referred to as fabric conditioner, protects clothing by strengthening the fabric fibers and reducing friction during the washing process. The main ingredients in fabric softener include:
A helpful way to think about laundry detergent vs. fabric softener is to view the former as “shampoo” for clothing, while the latter is “conditioner.” Strictly speaking, fabric softener isn’t necessary for effective laundering. However, it can extend the lifetime of clothing and makes the fabric smoother and better-smelling than it would be without. Can You Use Fabric Softener as an Alternative to Laundry Detergent to Clean Clothes?The short answer to this question is no; you can’t use fabric softener as an alternative to laundry detergent. Fabric softener doesn’t include the cleaning agents, such as the enzymes and alkalies previously mentioned, necessary to remove dirt and stains. It’s harmless to use fabric softener on its own, but it won’t actually clean your clothes. If you run out of detergent, your best option is to handwash your clothing until you can get more. Using softener without detergent will make your clothes feel softer and smell better, but it won’t remove dirt, stains, and oils. Another alternative is to use baking soda or borax in the washing machine, as these do a decent job of removing dirt and stains from fabrics. It’s important to note that you should never use dishwashing liquid, hair shampoo, or conditioner to wash fabrics. They will wreak havoc on your clothes and can severely damage or destroy your washing machine. And never, under any circumstances, wash your clothes in the dishwasher (here’s why). What to Do If You Accidentally Use Fabric Softener Instead of Laundry DetergentIt’s easy to mix up laundry detergent and fabric softener since the packaging for both is usually similar in size and color. If you accidentally put fabric softener in the detergent slot when doing your laundry, don’t panic — it won’t damage your clothing or washing machine. The only thing you’ll have wasted is a little bit of fabric softener, some water, and an hour or so of your time. Simply re-wash your clothes, and this time make sure you add detergent in its proper place. When You Should and Shouldn’t Use Fabric SoftenerFabric softener is formulated for use on cotton and linen fabrics, and it’s usually a safe bet to use softener when it comes to textiles made from these materials. However, there are a few situations when you should avoid the use of fabric softener. Here are a few to keep in mind. Don’t use fabric softener when:
It’s always a good idea to review the labels on products’ packaging before you use it. Fabric softener is no exception. How to Properly Use Laundry Detergent and Fabric SoftenerModern washing machines make using detergent and fabric softener simple and easy. Generally, there is a separate, labeled section for each, and you simply fill the correct compartment with its respective product. Double-check the compartment labels so the detergent and softener release at the right time. The detergent will release during the wash cycle, and the softener will release during the final rinse. With older machines that require the manual addition of laundry products, start with the detergent and then stop the load during the final rinse cycle and add the fabric softener before continuing. Another option is to use a fabric softener ball, such as the Downy Ball. With these products, all you have to do is fill the ball with fabric softener and place it in the washer with the load. The spinning action during the rinse cycle causes the ball to release the fabric softener, so you don’t need to stop the load at any point. If you’re handwashing, first wash the clothes with water and detergent. After rinsing the detergent away, add fresh water and a small amount of softener before a final rinse. Again, it’s important to read the product labels and follow the instructions on the packaging to avoid mishaps. Laundry Detergent and Fabric Softener CombosIf you want your clothes clean and soft but don’t want to buy separate products, there are several laundry detergents that include fabric softener in their formulas. Some examples include Tide Plus Downy and Arm & Hammer Plus Softener. You simply pour these formulas in the detergent compartment or directly into the washer’s drum (depending on the washing machine), and they do the rest. Just because these combo formulas exist doesn’t mean you should try to create your own. Tide, Arm & Hammer, and other companies have specially designed these products so that the cleaning ingredients do their job first and the strengthening and softening ingredients kick in after. Related: Check out my comparison of Tide vs. Arm & Hammer. By simply combining laundry detergent and softener on your own, the softener will rinse out with the detergent during the first rinse cycle, and you won’t reap the benefit from the softener. Final ThoughtsWhile fabric softener and laundry detergent are often packaged similarly and sold together, they serve different functions. Detergent is meant to thoroughly clean fabrics by removing dirt, oils, buildup, and stains, while fabric softener is formulated to reinforce and protect the fabric during washing. If you run out of detergent and are seeking an alternative product to use in its place, fabric softener, unfortunately, won’t do the job. You’re better off handwashing your garments, or you can look up effective alternatives like baking soda or borax. Accidentally using fabric softener in place of laundry detergent won’t damage your clothes or your washing machine, but it also won’t get your fabrics very clean. If this happens, simply redo the load of laundry using the appropriate products. This article should have answered all of your questions about fabric softener vs. laundry detergent, and hopefully, you’re now better prepared to avoid mishaps and use both products correctly.
What happens if you mix detergent and fabric softener?Detergent and softener are like water and oil – they do not mix. The chemical reaction between the two would render one of them useless.
Can you throw in fabric softener in with detergent?If your top loader has a dispenser (it's usually on the center column in the drum), just drop there the recommended amount of fabric softener at the same time you pour or place your laundry detergent on the drum and wash as you normally would.
What should not be added to fabric softener?5 Materials You Shouldn't Use Fabric Softener On. Microfiber. What's great about microfiber is that its intricate threads have the ability to trap dust and absorb spills. ... . Sportswear. ... . Towels. ... . Flame-resistant clothing. ... . Water-repellent fabric.. What happens if I put a laundry pod in the dispenser?Adding Pods to Washing Machines
Washers with automatic detergent or fabric softener dispensers don't mix well with pods. Therefore, never place pods in dispenser drawers, only in the drum. Single-dose pods dissolve completely in both warm and cold water. However, the weather can affect the pod's ability to dissolve.
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What happens if i put detergent in the fabric softener
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