The simple answer to this question is: no. You don't need to use fabric softener in your wash. Fabric softeners don't contribute to the washing and cleaning of your clothes, so you don't need to worry about stain removal or lingering odors if you leave it out.
Fabric softener isn't needed in your wash. It doesn't wash or clean your clothes, so it's better left out entirely. It's not going to remove stains or lingering odors. Fabric softener is supposed to soften your fabrics but it doesn't necessarily do that over time.
The Benefits of Fabric Softener
Softener helps maintain fabrics in better condition for longer periods of time, preventing colors from fading and fibers from becoming matted or frayed. Fabric conditioners can also help improve absorbency, allowing clothes to dry faster, and saving energy and money on drying costs.
Here's the problem: The ingredients in fabric softener may not be completely soluble in water. “If too much fabric softener is used, or overdosed, some of the ingredients in fabric softeners may precipitate and leave a layer of residue in the drum and/or drainage tube after the rinse cycle,” Dr. He says.
Your fabric softener may contain phthalates, which disperse scent; synthetic musks such as galaxolide, which accumulate in the body; and much more. Fragrance mixes can cause allergies, skin irritations such as dermatitis, difficulty breathing and potential reproductive harm.
There is a valid reason manufacturers put this on the label. Both liquid softener and dryer sheets "coat" fabrics and diminish the wicking (moisture-moving) ability of the fabric, even 100 percent cotton. Use minimal detergent so the soap rinses out well, and tumble dry.
Skip using fabric conditioner when washing cashmere, moisture-wicking activewear, and more. Caroline is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com.
Use vinegar as a natural fabric refresher
If your clothes are getting a little musty—especially items that are frequently damp, like sports equipment or bath towels—try adding vinegar to the wash. "I know it sounds crazy, but it really works!" says housekeeping pro Melissa Maker of Clean My Space.
Using fabric softeners each time you wash your sheets is a no-no. Fabric softeners coat a fabric's fibers and reduce the fabric's air permeability, leaving behind a film that can start to feel heavy and slimy.
Add 1 cup (200 g) of baking soda to a bowl and pour in 7 cups (1.7 liters) of white vinegar. Stir the mixture well until completely combined. Add 1/3 cup (80 ml) of the mixture to the fabric softener dispenser of the washing machine or add it during the wash cycle to soften clothes.
Baking soda is another natural fabric softener that can help to soften clothes and remove odors. It works by regulating the pH level of your laundry water, making it less alkaline and more neutral. To use baking soda as a fabric softener, add half a cup to a cup of baking soda to the wash cycle of your washing machine.
Dermatologist Alok Vij, MD, says you should wash your sheets at least every two weeks — maybe more, depending on factors like whether you live in a warm climate and whether your pet sleeps in your bed. Dr. Vij talks dead skin, dust mites, bed bacteria and how to keep your skin safe when you lie down to sleep.
Why do we even need to change our bedsheets? To cut to the chase, Dr Browning says we should be changing our sheets once a week, or every two weeks at the most. Hygiene is a big factor, and one of the reasons is sweat. If you've ever tried sleeping in a heatwave, you'll know how difficult it can be.
Most towel experts would agree that it's a bad idea to use fabric softener on towels regularly, as it will decrease their absorbency over time.
Try lavender water.
Add lavender water to a spray bottle and give your laundry a quick spritz before throwing it into the washer. Just enough scent will remain after drying to keep it smelling fresh for a long time.
If you use too much or too little detergent, your clothes won't smell clean. Too much detergent creates an opportunity for dirt and mold to stick to the fabric and cause an odor. Too little detergent doesn't adequately clean the dirt off the fabrics.
Soak your clothes with a cup of vinegar to a basin of water for at least 30 minutes, or longer if they are particularly dirty. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to your pre-soak solution to give it a nice scent.
Washing Machine
Vinegar is sometimes used as a fabric softener or for getting rid of stains and odors in laundry. But as with dishwashers, it can damage the rubber seals and hoses in some washing machines to the point of causing leaks.
White vinegar is an all-natural and affordable fabric softener that can make your clothes feel softer and fresher than ever before. Simply add a cup to your washing machine's rinse cycle or create a pre-wash soak for extra stubborn stains.
“Overuse of fabric softeners over time starts to build a film and deposits [that] start to slow down drain time. It can actually start to fill the drain lines and then you get other dirt, debris, grime and things from the clothes that we pick up from the environment [that] start to cling even more,” Copeland explains.
Unfortunately, fabric softeners have a variety of potentially harmful chemicals in them that are associated with many adverse health affects. A few of these chemicals are listed below: Glutaraldehyde: a regulated chemical that can cause respiratory problems and skin reactions and conditions like eczema.
For your everyday clothing, which will mostly be made from natural fibers like cotton, fabric softener should work just fine. You can enjoy the benefits of reducing static cling and improving the smell of your clothes, and any negative side effects should be minimal.
Is it okay to change your bed sheets once a month? While your specific sheet changing habits might vary a little bit depending on your lifestyle, your body, and your preferences, most experts agree you should change your sheets every week or every two weeks.
Without regular cleaning, dirty sheets can contribute to allergies, skin breakouts, asthma, and more.