Why use fabric softener? There are some obvious reasons why fabric softeners are great … and some not-so-obvious ones. We've put together a list of nine reasons to help you decide whether the fragrant laundry aid should be part of your laundry routine.
What does fabric softener do? The number one purpose is obviously to soften fabrics. You may live in a hard-water area and hate the roughness of freshly washed towels, you might dislike the way your cotton T-shirts feel when they've been dried on the line or maybe you simply prefer the smooth touch of sheets that have been washed with softener. Whatever your reasons, if you prefer your clothes, home textiles and bathroom terrycloth to be smooth and soft, then fabric softener literally does what it says on the bottle. Simple.
What does fabric softener do? The number one purpose is obviously to soften fabrics. You may live in a hard-water area and hate the roughness of freshly washed towels, you might dislike the way your cotton T-shirts feel when they've been dried on the line or maybe you simply prefer the smooth touch of sheets that have been washed with softener. Whatever your reasons, if you prefer your clothes, home textiles and bathroom terrycloth to be smooth and soft, then fabric softener literally does what it says on the bottle. Simple.
Even though it isn't the main task the product is designed for, scent is one of the top reasons why people use fabric softener. One of the best explanations is related to the deep emotional roots of our sense of smell. A pleasant fragrance, or one that is associated with a positive memory, triggers feelings of well-being and can make us feel right at home, even in a new environment. A familiar and enjoyable smell can contribute to relaxation. Fabric softener delivers long-lasting scents and once you've found your favourite, you can lend your entire home and wardrobe a signature smell.
Fabric softener doesn't just make your clothes feel and smell nice, fabric softener is good for clothes in a more fundamental way. The conditioning effect that makes fibres soft and smooth to the touch also protects them. This protection starts in the machine, so the laundry process itself causes less damage. It lasts until the next wash, so textiles experience less wear and tear with daily use.
Similarly, fabric softener is good for clothes that are dark or colourful. The protective, smoothing particles in a fabric softener prevent the colour from fading, so you can enjoy your favourite little black dress, pink blouse or yellow sweater for longer.
Some people are wary of using laundry aids because they have been told that fabric softener is bad for clothes. As a blanket statement, this is simply untrue. The trick is to figure out which of your clothes should be washed without fabric softener. Only use it on the fabrics that will benefit and you'll get great results every time. Always check the label and see our detailed guide to which items you should – and shouldn't – use fabric softener on before you get going.
First and foremost, you should always pay attention to the laundry label to avoid shrinking your clothes in the wash. Once they have shrunk, it's almost impossible to return an item to its former condition. You can, however, use fabric softener to unshrink clothes enough that they will fit again. Fill a bucket or sink with warm water, add a cup of fabric softener and soak your shrunken garment over night. Wring it out and stretch gently while still damp. Spread out to dry and rejoice when it returns to its old form.
When you use fabric softener, your laundry dries faster. The hydrophobic quality imparted to fibres helps water spin out of garments more efficiently, leaving less dampness after you remove them from the machine. This means you save time and – in case you're using a tumble dryer – money and electricity.
Is fabric softener necessary? Maybe not in the strictest sense. Does fabric softener make life – and laundry day – a lot easier? Yes, indeed! No matter how much you tell yourself that you enjoy ironing, you're hardly going to complain about a laundry aid that makes the task a little easier. The fibre-smoothing properties of fabric softener make wrinkles less pronounced, so you can either skip ironing altogether or cut down the time it takes significantly. That way, you don't just save time, but also electricity.
Fabric softener makes your laundry soft and fragrant, prevents static, is good for clothes, and so on … Most importantly, it's your laundry, your choice, so find out which Vernel laundry softener is your favourite and add the most important reason to the list:
10. Use fabric softener because you love it!
Soft, fragrant laundry – what more could you ask for? How about 7 additional reasoners to add fabric softeners to your laundry routine … 💁