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Is Fabric Softener Bad for Workout Clothes?
December 29, 2023
-
By
Sophia Grant
Fabric conditioners are great for those who want to soften their clothes. Not only will they prevent your garments from fading, stretching, and accumulating lint, but they will also eliminate static and wrinkles.
Depending on the type of softener that you’re using, you can either add them during the rinse cycle or at the beginning of the dryer cycle.
How many types of fabric softener are there? Which should you use? Can you add these products to workout clothes? For the answers, be sure to read on. We’ll be digging into the topic in detail below.
The Different Types of Fabric Softeners
There are two main types of fabric softeners: liquid softeners and dryer sheets.
Liquid fabric softeners:
– Will permeate into your clothing fibers
– Will lubricates your clothing with special chemicals
– Does not mix well with laundry detergent
– Frequent cleaning is required as it tends to build up in the machine
– Can make bath towels less absorbent
Dryer sheets:
– Placed in the dryer with your clothes
– Reduces static by balancing out loose electrons
– Coated with stearic acid, which helps make fabric feel softer
– Can stain clothes if not used properly
– Can get clogged in the lint trap if not removed after every use
How does Fabric Softener Work?
These laundry products will leave your clothes soft by coating the fabric with a layer of lubricating chemicals. In addition to that, they also impart anti-static properties to fabrics, which helps to prevent wrinkles, dust, and lint from accumulating.
Most fabric softeners will also leave your laundry smelling fresh and clean.
Is Fabric Softener Bad For Clothes?
Like most things, fabric softener is associated with a few risks. For one thing, it’s not uncommon for fabric softeners to cause irritant dermatitis – something that is also common with soaps and detergent.
To prevent irritation, many manufacturers opt to produce them without perfumes and dyes.
Another thing is that liquid fabric softeners tend to increase the flammability of garments, something that can be attributed to its fat content. Because of this, clothing with fabric conditioner will burn much more quickly.
When to Use Fabric Conditioner
Despite the risks, they are relatively safe to use. Still, it’s always a good idea to double check whether or not a material is compatible with a softener before using it. For the most parts, though, it’s no problem.
As far as workout clothes go, it depends. In the end, it depends on the type of fabric that is used.
Is Fabric Softener Bad for Gym Clothes?
Gym wear is often made out of technical fibers such as polyester and nylon, all of which are capable of pulling moisture away from the skin. Not only will this allow you to keep a comfortable body temperature but it will also prevent skin irritation by ensuring that sweat is not left on the body for too long.
How does it work? These fabrics are highly permeable, which allows moisture to pass through to the outside, where it can then evaporate.
Because of these properties, it’s not recommended that you use conditioner on activewear. The coating left behind by softeners will prevent the moisture from getting through to the surface.
So skip the fabric softener when you’re washing your gym clothes.
ACTIVE Laundry Detergent
Have your gym clothes been gunked up with fabric softener? Deep clean them with our detergent!
Does Fabric Softener Harm Regular Clothing?
As long as you’re not dealing with technical fabrics such as polyester, there is no harm in using a bit of fabric softener in the wash.
And remember, you don’t have to use liquid fabric softener. If you want, you can also opt for a dryer sheet.
Should You Use Fabric Softener on Wool and Cotton?
It’s not a good idea to use softeners on wool or smart wool. While wool is not moisture-wicking like polyester, it does have a core that absorbs moisture.
If you add fabric softener, it will be absorbed into the core and that will prevent the fibers from removing moisture from your skin. This will leave you with a greasy mess.
Cotton, on the other hand, can be safely softened with fabric softener. With that said, there are a few things to keep in mind.
For one thing, there’s always a chance that it will cause skin irritation. After all, you never know when a certain chemical will cause a reaction. So for those with sensitive skin, it may be a good option to skip it altogether.
Is Fabric Softener Bad for Leggings/Yoga Pants?
Leggings are made from a variety of materials, however, cotton, lycra, and polyester combinations tend to be the most common. Some also have spandex added, which provides stretch.
As a general rule, you do not want to use softeners on leggings. For one thing, lycra and polyester are both considered to be moisture-wicking materials.
If you add fabric softener, moisture will accumulate in the core of the fabric, which will lead to a noticeable ‘laundry smell’. Over time, it can also destroy the structure of the material.
Alternatives for Fabric Softener
Fortunately, for those who want to avoid softeners and dryer sheets, there are other ways to soften your clothes.
1. Using White Vinegar
While vinegar won’t prevent static like fabric softener, it will soften clothes to a certain degree.
Step 1: Measure the Vinegar
Measure half a cup of white vinegar. Its mildly acidic properties will dissolve any soap residue that has build up on the fibers, softening the fabric in the process.
Step 2: Add Essential Oils
For those who would prefer their laundry to have a scent, you can add a few drops of essential oil (e.g. lavender) to the vinegar.
Step 3: Add It to the Machine
Pause the washing machine before the last rinse cycle and add the vinegar to the fabric softener compartment.
Supply:
- White vinegar
- Essential oils (optional)
Alternatively, you can soak your garments in a white vinegar and water solution.
Using Aluminum Foil Balls
Did you know that aluminum foil can help with your laundry? Here’s what you want to do.
Supplies:
- Aluminum foil
Step 1:
Tear a few strips of aluminum foil and scrunch them into balls.
Step 2:
Throw the aluminum foil balls into the dryer, along with your clothes. While they won’t soften your clothes per se, they will help decrease static.
Remember to take out the aluminum foil balls once the cycle is finished.
Using Wool Dryer Balls
Dryer balls are typically made of 100% wool, which makes them super soft. Unlike fabric softeners and dryer sheets, they’re also reusable so you can use them again and again.
Supplies:
- Wool dryer balls
Step 1:
Throw a few wool balls into the dryer with your laundry.
Step 2:
Run a regular cycle. The wool balls will not only soften your clothes but will also help reduce drying time.
Hypoallergenic dryer balls are a great option for those who are allergic to wool. They are made from non-toxic materials and will both soften clothes and reduce static cling.
Using Baking Soda
Baking soda is another great alternative. The best part is that most of us probably already have some in the house.
Supplies:
- Baking soda
Step 1:
Measure 1/4 a cup of baking soda and pour it into the washing machine drum.
Step 2:
Run a regular wash cycle. The baking soda will automatically soften your clothes.
Using Fabric Softeners – FAQs
What’s the main point of fabric softener?
Fabric softener is designed to soften your clothes. It does this by coating the fabric with special chemicals. Not only that but it will also decrease static cling by neutralizing electric charge.
Can I add liquid softener if I have sensitivities?
Many fabric softeners contain fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin. Fortunately, there are safer alternatives such as using dryer balls or white vinegar.
Why do my clothes smell bad after washing?
Using too much fabric softener over time will cause it to lock in dirt and odors. That’s why it’s so important not to add too much during the washing process.
How do you use dryer sheets?
Once you’ve put your clothes in the dryer, add one dryer sheet to the top of the load. It will automatically work its magic once the drying cycle begins.
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Sophia Grant
Sophia Grant brings her extensive knowledge of laundry and clothing care to the masses with her intensive cleaning guides. Her thorough understanding of fabrics, detergents, and washing techniques helps readers master the art of maintaining their wardrobe. Sophia's advice ensures that anyone can achieve professional-level results at home, keeping their garments looking pristine and lasting longer.
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