28 Jul How to Use Fabric Softener

Some people may think using laundry or liquid powder is enough when washing clothes in the machine, but this idea is entirely wrong. It’s better to use fabric softeners to have soft and delicate clothes. Fabric softeners not only make the fabric soft and supple, but they also add a delicious and long-lasting smell to your clothes. In this article, we will describe the function of fabric softeners and examine the correct method of using them.

What is fabric softener for?

As a result of repeated washing with detergents, especially detergent powders, towels and clothes become rough and create an unpleasant feeling for the consumer. Also, the presence of static electricity on the surface of natural fibres or a mixture of natural and synthetic fibres causes dust absorption, wrinkles and electric sparks on the surface of the fibres, which isn’t desirable for anybody. Fabric softener is used to create desirable properties such as softness, eliminating static electricity, easier ironing, increasing the lifespan of fabric and creating a suitable scent in clothes.

Important points when using fabric softeners

• Fabric softener has no detergent properties and is used only to make towels and clothes soft and smooth. Therefore, you should use softeners in the last step of washing.
• You shouldn’t mix this softener with any other detergent. In this case, the effective material of the softener will lose its properties by forming sediment and leaving the washing environment.
• The softener’s action is based on the absorption of the softener on the clothes, so you shouldn’t rinse the dresses again after using it.
• The uniform distribution of the softener is of great importance to prevent the formation of stains. All softeners can have the possibility of staining if they aren’t entirely dissolved and accumulate in a region. Therefore, you should avoid pouring any softener directly on the clothes.
• It’s vital to spread and dissolve the softener in the washing water; otherwise, the softener won’t be effective. Therefore, manual use should apply the softener well in the water, then place the clothes in it. In machine use, it’s better to dilute each measure of softener with one or two measures of water before use.
• The high concentration of softeners isn’t the reason for the existence of an effective substance and greater softening power. The thicker the softener is, it will be removed by water without entering the absorption process on the clothes and loses its effectiveness. In addition, it increases the possibility of staining on the fabric.

Making fabric softener at home

If you don’t have access to fabric softener, or if you’re staying in a place where chemical detergents aren’t allowed (camps and nature lodges, for example), that doesn’t mean your clothes shouldn’t be soft! You can make a simple but good softener with a series of simple and available ingredients!

Things you need

• Half a litre of white vinegar
• One litre of mineral water
• Two tablespoons of baking soda

Mix one litre of water and white vinegar, and then pour baking soda into the diluted vinegar. Wait until the reaction is complete and mix. That’s how accessible your home fabric softener is ready to use!

Properties of softeners

• Softeners make towels and clothes softer and easier to use and wear.
• These products can also prevent the absorption of dust particles by eliminating static electricity and reducing fabric wrinkles.
• Among their other properties, we can mention the care of the colour and texture of the fabric, which, if used continuously, will increase the garment’s lifespan.
• Another remarkable property of some softeners is the stabilization and longevity of the essential smell on the fabric.
• One of the best features of fabric softener is that it keeps fabric fibres smoother and makes ironing easier. This property will save the time and energy of the consumer.
• One of the most important reasons for using fabric softener is to remove the dryness and roughness of fabric texture. Using fabric softeners makes your clothes softer and smoother and always remain flexible.
• The use of this product protects the fabric of clothes from wear.
• It reduces the adhesion and static electricity of clothes.
• Rough clothes washed with detergents can irritate delicate skin, especially in children. Fabric softener helps soften clothes against sensitive skin.

But most people only use conditioners for three important reasons, which we describe in detail below.

Fabric softeners extend the life of clothes.

As you know, washing the clothes we wear daily is much more frequent than washing dresses and clothes we wear a few times a month or a year. We wear clothes such as t-shirts, blouses, pants and even coats. These clothes are wet due to body sweating; they are also in contact with our skin and absorb skin fat. Therefore, we wash them a lot and sometimes expose them to sunlight. This issue causes the texture of these clothes to wear out much faster, and their lifespan is much shorter than other clothes. Using fabric softener makes the texture of fabrics less damaged, and their lifespan increases.

Iron your clothes easily using fabric softener.

The use of washing powders and some detergents causes roughness and dryness of the fabric of the clothes. This problem causes deeper folds and wrinkles to be created on the clothes. As a result, ironing clothes becomes more complex and takes more time. A softener can prevent deep wrinkles and make ironing clothes much faster and easier.

Getting rid of static electricity

One of the people’s biggest problems is the creation of static electricity in the surface fibres of clothes. Static electricity causes clothes to stick to the body and the feeling of electric shock in dry weather, which absorbs all the dust particles in the air and causes dirt and contamination of the appearance of our clothes. Softeners have materials that prevent the accumulation of static electricity on the surface of the clothes, thus reducing the wrinkles on the surface of the clothes and the problems caused by the accumulation of static electricity in the clothes.

Using fabric softeners in the washing machine

Before washing all the clothes, read the information label and ensure you can wash the clothes in the machine. To clean them in the washing machine, add the required amount of softener to the special compartment and at the same time add washing powder or liquid. Note that you shouldn’t put more than the standard amount of softener in the machine because it may not wash well and damage your skin. The standard amount is 35 ml for every 4-5 kg and 55 ml for every 6-7 kg. After adding the liquid, choose the right washing program and have peace of mind about the clothes.

Using softener in hand washing

Some people think that the use of fabric softener is only for machine washing. But it’s also common to use softener in hand washing. So, dissolve 15-18 ml softener in 10 litres of water. Soak the clothes in this solution after washing with laundry powder or liquid.  Before the final, rinse and wash the clothes entirely after a few minutes. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after working with the softening liquid so that it is removed from your hands and your skin isn’t damaged.

Using softener to wash towels

One of the most critical questions about washing towels is whether it’s good or bad to use fabric softener for towels. Evidence has shown that we shouldn’t use fabric softener when we wash towels. We suggest using softener once after two or three regular washes. This process will prevent the fibres of your towel from sleeping, and its water-absorbing power won’t decrease.

Important points while using fabric softener

• Never pour fabric softener directly on the clothes, as it will stain them.
• Fabric softener damages spandex, primarily used in sportswear, and reduces its ability to stretch and change shape. It’s better to avoid fabric softener to wash this type of clothes.
• Also, the fabric softener reduces the flame retardant property of some clothes. Some children’s nightgowns are fire resistant, So avoid fabric softener for such garments.
• It’s better to always check the garment care label for fabric softener.

To wrap up

The heat makes us change and wash our clothes quickly in the hot seasons. Frequent washing of clothes causes their texture to weaken, diminish or gradually lose coherence. It happens in addition to the useful life of the clothes. It reduces, makes them look ugly, and makes them more difficult to iron. If you don’t have the opportunity or patience to wash your clothes, you can count on the specialized NeatEx team. With the most advanced tools and the latest knowledge, we will deliver your clothes of the best quality as soon as possible. Don’t damage your valuable clothes with improper washing. NeatEx washes your clothes in the best way and ensures you have clean and tidy clothes.