4 Reasons You Should Reconsider Fabric Softener

Fabric softener sheets and liquids are designed to make clothes smell great and feel soft and cozy, but there are some cons to using this everyday laundry staple. Sticky clothes, damage to laundry machines and potential environmental harm are just a few good reasons people shouldn't use fabric softener.

This May Also Interest You: What Do You Do With an Old Appliance? How to Recycle Fridges, Washers, Ovens and More

While it may seem hard to give up traditional fabric softener, the good news is that many alternatives are available that are good for your laundry and the environment.

What Is Fabric Softener Made Of?

Traditional liquid fabric softener mainly consists of water and softening ingredients called cationic surfactants. These substances coat fabrics during the wash cycle to give them a softer feel. Additional ingredients may include fragrances and preservatives.

Commercial fabric softener sheets are typically crafted with cellulose or polyester sheeting and coated with lubricants, softening ingredients and fragrance. When the softening coating on the sheets heats up in the dryer, it transfers both the softener and fragrance to the laundry.

• Some alternative fabric softener options include:

• Adding baking soda to laundry to soften fabrics

• Adding vinegar to laundry to soften fabrics

• Using a wool dryer ball to absorb moisture, soften fabrics and reduce static

• Adding aluminum foil to the drying cycle to reduce static

In addition to using home remedies, you can purchase eco-friendly dryer sheets and fabric softeners from most grocery and big-box retailers.

What Are Some Ways Fabric Softener Is Harmful to Your Home or Laundry?

Liquid fabric softener and fabric softener sheets can make your laundry smell nice and feel soft, but they also have many potential downsides. Some common issues caused by fabric softener include sticky residue buildup on fabrics, clogged drain lines and waxy buildup in your washing machine. Over time, fabric softener residue may actually weaken the fibers in your laundry and reduce the effectiveness of moisture-wicking materials. In individuals with sensitivities, the waxy buildup on clothing, towels and other materials that come in contact with the skin may cause irritation and allergic reactions.

More Related Articles:

• Should You Buy a Used Appliance? Weigh the Risks and Rewards

• 7 Ways Your Kitchen Will Evolve in the Next 10 Years

• What’s the Difference Between a Warranty and a Protection Plan for Appliances?

• When’s the Last Time You Replaced Your Appliances’ Hoses? Here’s How to Change All of Them

• How to Find the Serial Number on Your Appliances and Gadgets

4 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Use Fabric Softener

Commercial fabric softeners containing cationic surfactants can cause many potential issues. While softener alternatives and products labeled as eco-friendly are generally considered safer to use than standard fabric softeners, it's still important to read the labels carefully. Products that contain cationic surfactants, artificial fragrances, solvents or formaldehyde should be avoided if possible.

Here are some additional reasons you shouldn't use fabric softener with potentially harmful ingredients:

1. Appliance and Plumbing Damage

When liquid fabric softener or fabric softener sheets leave waxy residue on fabrics, they can also build up in the dryer's lint filter and other components. Over time, this may damage your dryer and prevent it from operating at maximum efficiency. The chemicals in your liquid fabric softener may also contribute to damaged washing machine drain lines. Leftover waxy residue following a wash cycle can eventually accumulate in the pipes, leading to frustrating plumbing issues such as clogs and blockages.

2. Damage to Fabrics

Fabric softener residue can build up on clothing and other fabrics to the point that it traps odors and bacteria and reduces the absorbency of washcloths and towels. As the waxy residue continues to build up, you may notice that certain pieces of laundry are harboring stains and odors no matter how many times you run them through the washer.

3. Septic System iIssues

If your home uses a septic tank and septic system, liquid fabric softeners can disrupt the balance inside the tank by killing off necessary bacteria. The bacteria in a septic tank are responsible for breaking down waste. When waste builds up, your septic tank can overflow. Unbalanced tanks can also lead to potential issues with proper drainage and drainfield damage.

4. Potential Health Concerns

The cationic surfactants that are responsible for softening your laundry may also cause adverse reactions in some people. Some research has shown that fabric softeners that contain certain preservatives may trigger allergic reactions and asthma symptoms. Fragrance ingredients in liquid fabric softeners are also linked to skin irritation and breathing difficulties in individuals with sensitivities.