Weekends while at home mean vacuuming the house and doing laundry. The fabric indeed feels better when we include softeners during laundry. Not only does it make you look beautiful; it also gives you self-confidence when out there.
Sadly, not everyone knows the importance of using it. If you were brought up when fabric softener was standard, then it will remain a mystery. However, if you grew up after the detergent craze went down, you know fabric softener is a must-have in your home.
But before you dwell any further, you need to ask yourself these few questions;
- What is a fabric softener?
- What does a fabric softener do?
- When should you use fabric softener?
- Do all clothes require fabric softener?
- How do we use the fabric softener correctly?
To appease your thoughts, we have put together the basics of fabric softener. Read on!
What is a Fabric Softener?
A fabric softener is a conditioner that softens the linen, eliminating the roughness and static against the skin. Since it also has fragrance, it leaves the clothes smelling fresh.
What Does a Fabric Softener Do, and What are the Benefits
- Maintain your garments- when you use the clothes over time, they will tear and wear. By using a fabric conditioner, every fiber on the linen will be softened, leaving it looking good for a long time. The softening process also makes the fabric easy on the skin.
- It saves you time– if you loathe ironing, then fabric softener is your new best friend. Clothes that have been conditioned generally have soft fibers, allowing the creases to drop quickly during ironing.
You should always include fabric softener in a towel laundry. Since towels have moisture-wicking tendencies, they tend to come out rough after drying. Therefore, using a fabric conditioner leaves the laundry process pleasurable.
When to Add Fabric Softener
Now that you know the benefits of using a fabric softener, why not consider using it? While Fabric softeners work well on most clothes, you should avoid using them on delicate garments such as; baby clothes or people with fragrance allergies.
Nevertheless, people who have pre-existing skin conditions may benefit from not only essential oils but also fabric softeners that eliminate the clothes’ roughness after a good wash.
We recommend the use of a fabric conditioner during the rinse cycle.
Can You Use Fabric Softener on all Clothes
Many people associate fabric softeners with towels only, but is it safe for other fabric types? It is entirely safe to condition all types of linen.
However, some types of fabrics perform better than others. Since the conditioner leaves a silky film on the material, it may affect its ability to absorb moisture. You may need to read the care label on quick-dry sportswear before rinsing them with a fabric conditioner.
How to Use a Fabric Softener?
When fabric softener is used correctly, it infuses the clothes with sublime softness and freshness. Besides, it is so easy to use. However, how you should use fabric conditioner entirely depend on the type of washing you are using.
Since this is the moment you have been waiting for, let us jump straight to the step-by-step guide on how to use fabric softener;
1. Using a front loader washing machine
- Check the care label on your clothes to make sure they are machine washable and suitable for fabric softener.
- Using a detergent dosing cup, measure the recommended amount of fabric conditioner as per the packaging.
If you are not sure, weigh the laundry in kilograms, subtract 1, then multiply the total by 10. The answer will be the number of milliliters of softener to use.
- Pour the fabric conditioner into the washing machine’s softener drawer. That is the little compartment with a flower or a star icon. The location of the icon may vary from one washing machine brand to another. So if you are not sure, consult the user manual.
Fabric softener is added at the same time you add the detergent. However, it is used during the wash cycle’s final rinse as it needs to be diluted.
- Run the machine on a normal wash cycle and sit back and enjoy
2. Using a top loader washing machine
- Check if your top loader has a fabric conditioner dispenser. This is usually at the center of the drum column.
- Pour the recommended amount of fabric softener on the dispenser simultaneously to the detergent, as you would do on a front loader.
As the water rises during the spin cycle, the softener will be dispensed evenly.
- If your machine does not have a dispenser, worry not! The good news is that you can add the softener right after the wash cycle before the rinse cycle begins.
- Always wash your hands after handling fabric softeners to avoid the risk of irritation.
Conclusion
It is essential to dry your fabrics meticulously. Drying clothes on a hanging line is the best way to keep the scent for longer. When your garments are ready, iron or fold them neatly and enjoy the feel and smell until the next wash.
