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Fabric softeners do more than add fragrance to your laundry (or not, since there's usually a fragrance-free option). There are many advantages to using fabric softeners, but you'll only experience them if you use these products correctly. We've got the facts.
Benefits
Fabric softeners, regardless of type, can offer these advantages:
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Decrease static cling (especially helpful with permanent-press and synthetic fibers)
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Make fabrics soft and/or smooth
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Reduce wrinkling
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Make ironing easier
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Add a pleasant fragrance (or no fragrance at all)
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Types
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Liquid — Use this type of fabric softener for deep conditioning of your fabrics. It goes into the washer at the final rise and can be used in your washer dispenser, added by you at the right time or put into a Downy Ball at the beginning of the wash.
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Sheets — Use this type of fabric softener if you don't like adding fabric softener to the wash. These go into the dryer at the start of the drying cycle and are activated by heat.
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While both types do a thorough job of softening and freshening, Downy liquid softener also helps to gently protect fabrics from rinse water impurities that can cause fading and Downy sheets provide static control.
How They Work
Remember your science class in eighth grade? Well, here goes. The most common active ingredients in fabric softeners are based on long-chain molecules, which are positively charged in nature. The molecules usually contain at least one hydrophobic (water-resisting) group, and a positively charged nitrogen atom, which is attracted to the negatively charged fabric surface. The result is a loose ionic bonding and absorption of softener compounds onto the surface of your fabrics.
In other words, fabric softeners — whether dispensed in the washer or dryer — are absorbed to produce the benefits mentioned above. Whew!
Techniques for Effective Use
While product labeling, manufacturer's instructions and garment care labels should be your first resource for finding out how to properly use fabric softeners, here are some general guidelines:
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When adding liquid softener, avoid pouring it directly on fabrics. Direct contact may cause staining or spotting. Add to your rinse water (you can dilute softener by mixing with a quart of water first), use a product dispenser (such as the Downy Ball) or use the machine's automatic dispenser. |
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You should not use a ball-type dispenser in a tumbler-style washer (such as a high efficiency or HE washer) as the tumbling action causes the softener to release before the rinse cycle.
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When using sheets, add right before you start the dryer. Leaving a dryer sheet under wet clothes may cause stains.
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Use dryer sheets with a full load. If you want to soften one item, add a damp bath towel in the dryer to more effectively disperse the softening agent.
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Follow the care labels on all fabrics.
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Fabric softeners may reduce the flame retardancy on some fabrics, especially children's sleepwear. So, read the care label first.
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Fabric softeners may also reduce the water absorption of some fabrics. So, read the care label first.
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 Advancements
The brands of the Tide® Fabric Care Network are always improving the advantages of laundry additives, like fabric softeners, for use with Tide detergents.
This article was used with permission from Tide.com.
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