Do I Need to Use Fabric Softener If I Have a Water Softener?
In the never-ending quest for soft laundry, people will try almost anything. The most common solution for soft, cozy clothes is to use fabric softener. But what if you have a water softener? Do you still need to use fabric softener to get soft, cozy clothes? To find these answers, let’s first take a look at different types of fabric softener and how they each work.
Types of Fabric Softener
According to Clotheslyne, there are three main types of fabric softener:
- Liquid Fabric Softener: This is the most common type of fabric softener. This easy-to-use softener is added to your washing machine in the fabric softener compartment, or it can be added during the rinse cycle. This type of fabric softener reduces static and leaves your clothes smelling fresh.
- Dryer Sheets: Dryer sheets are lightweight, and easy to use. Toss one in the dryer with your wet clothes and they work to both reduce static cling and add freshness to your clothes.
- Fabric Softener Balls: These use liquid fabric softener, but in an easier to use way. Add fabric softener to the balls and toss them in with your load. They will automatically release the fabric softener during the rinse cycle.
The Downside of Fabric Softener
Fabric softener works by coating the fibers of clothing with lubricating materials that help reduce wrinkles, static and pilling. This is also where the fresh fragrance comes from.
Certain fabrics don’t mix well with fabric softener though. Moisture wicking athletic material is one of them. When fabric softener coats the material, it makes it difficult for the moisture wicking material to wick away sweat and moisture. Elastic in clothing can lose its ability to stretch if washed with fabric softener.
Microfiber towels are another fabric that doesn’t work well with fabric softener. The fabric softener will loosen the threads, making it harder for them to pick up dirt, dust, and spills. You should avoid using fabric softener when washing baby clothes. The ingredients in fabric softener may irritate a baby’s sensitive skin.
You will also need to be sure to clean your washing machine regularly when using liquid fabric softener. It can build up in your drum, which can trap dirt and odors.
How to Soften Laundry Without Fabric Softener
Good Housekeeping offers several different ways to soften clothes without using fabric softener.
- Use the right amount of laundry detergent. Too much detergent can build up on clothing, leaving it scratchy and stiff.
- Fill your drum only about ¾ full. Laundry to be able to tumble freely while getting cleaned. This will help detergent be evenly distributed, clothes to be rinsed better, and clothes to get cleaner.
- Shake your laundry out before putting it in the dryer or hanging it to dry. This will loosen the fibers and help get rid of wrinkles.
- Use dryer balls. You can use wool dryer balls or even tennis balls. They bounce around and help fluff up the fibers of your clothing.
- Don’t over dry the load. Make sure you are not drying your clothes for too long. This can overheat the fibers and damage them.
- Soften your water. Softening your water will help prevent minerals like calcium and magnesium from building up on your clothing.
Other Benefits of Softening Your Water
A water softener will remove hard water minerals like calcium and magnesium from your water, leaving soft water. Soft water is beneficial throughout your entire home, not just with your clothes. Soft water will help prevent the buildup of limescale in your plumbing and on your faucets. Water-using appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines will run more efficiently and last longer. You will also notice your skin is softer and your hair is smoother. And you may even notice that you don’t need fabric softener anymore.
What Kind of Water Softener Should I Get?
WaterCare® offers a full line of CareSoft Series® water softeners. Your local WaterCare dealer can test your water and recommend the right solution, giving you great quality, soft water right at home!
