Opinions differ on the subject of fabric softener: some love the flattering feeling on the skin and the scent of fresh laundry; others think it’s a waste of money and are offended by what they see as the penetrating perfume smell.
These things speak against fabric softener
It is clear that fabric softener also has other useful properties: laundry is easier to iron and, according to the manufacturer, fabric softener is even supposed to protect the color and fibers of clothing – not to mention the numerous applications in the household. Nevertheless, the Federal Ministry for the Environment considers fabric softener to be at the “top of the list of household products with questionable benefits”!
Here are 6 arguments and disadvantages that speak against the use of fabric softener. Will they convince you?
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Fabric softeners cause skin problems
Fabric softener can be a blessing for people with neurodermatitis. The sensitive skin is less irritated by the fluffy clothes. Conversely, fabric softeners contain many substances that are known to trigger contact allergies. The pleasant feeling of wearing clothes can then turn into a real plague of itching. Dermatologists strongly advise against using fabric softeners, especially for baby clothes.
Not suitable for every wash
Laundry becomes negatively charged during washing. This results in so-called drying rigidity, which makes the clothes feel brittle. Fabric softeners contain positively charged surfactants that form a film around the fibers and remove the drying rigidity. However, this film has side effects and is not suitable for every material:
- Terry cloth and cotton lose their absorbency, which is particularly undesirable for hand towels and tea towels.
- Sports and outdoor clothing is no longer breathable. The special membrane incorporated into the fabric becomes clogged.
- Synthetic fibers are attacked by fabric softener. Stretch jeans bulge out more quickly, elastic bands lose their elasticity. Textile manufacturers point out that fine lace underwear loses its shape due to fabric softener.
- Wool, fleece and silk feel greasy with fabric softener. Their fibers stick together. Down jackets and pillows should also never be washed with fabric softener for this reason.
Fabric softener can cause smelly washing machines
Yes, it’s true: fabric softeners are one of the most common causes of smelly washing machines. Fabric softener is only added to the laundry at the end of the wash cycle. Bacteria settle in the residue. Anyone who confronts a smelly washing machine with fabric softener fragrance is therefore caught up in a vicious circle. Instead, regular cleaning of the household appliance is even more important when using fabric softener.
They also cause environmental damage
Fabric softeners were heavily criticized in the 1980s. A lot has happened since then. Since 2005, only biodegradable surfactants may be used. However, this does not apply to other ingredients such as fragrances, solvents, dyes and preservatives. These are still a burden on the environment. Not to mention the fact that the 200,000 tons of fabric softener that Germans use every year generate a whole lot of plastic waste and greenhouse gases.
They may contain animal waste
A very specific ingredient in fabric softeners is often responsible for making the sweater feel so cozy. If you read “Dihydrogenated Tallowoylethyl Hydroxyethylmonium Methosulfate” on the packaging, this is nothing other than beef tallow. It is usually obtained from the waste products of slaughtering. This is very cost-effective for manufacturers, but rather disgusting for some customers. Products bearing the “vegan” logo do not contain beef tallow.
In a way, they are generally unnecessary
“You can safely leave fabric softener on the store shelf,” advises the German Federation of Consumer Organizations. There are several inexpensive and environmentally friendly alternatives:
- If you use a tumble dryer, you can do without fabric softener: The drying rigidity is shaken out of the laundry; the antistatic effect of fabric softener is achieved with a ball of aluminum foil, which is placed in the dryer with the laundry.
- Laundry can also be made smooth by pouring 125 ml of vinegar into the fabric softener compartment. Don’t worry, the laundry will NOT smell of vinegar afterwards! The fabric and machine are also not damaged by the acid at this dosage; on the contrary, the vinegar dissolves harmful limescale residues.
- For a fresh scent, there are scented pads that you can hang in your closet. You can buy them or simply make them yourself. The detergent is also usually already scented.
The disadvantages of fabric softener are manifold. For some, the personal benefits may outweigh the concerns. How you feel about the subject is entirely up to you. At least now you know.
Sources: wunderweib, forum-waschen, t-online
