When not to use fabric softener: advice from a laundry worker

The first time you should not use fabric softener is when washing wool items. “Cashmere, wool and mohair fibers are soft: that’s what makes our favorite sweaters so warm. The conditioner smoothes the threads, so the materials can lose their texture and properties. It is therefore best to use a product that washes out completely when washing wool clothes,” explains Patrick.

The second situation in which it is not recommended to use fabric softener is when treating down jackets and blankets with down filling: the waxy film that the product forms will only damage them. “Feathers contain tiny air spaces, and the product will block those spaces and your items will no longer protect you from the cold,” says Richardson.

Take another tip from the launderer about using fabric softener: don’t add it to the machine compartment if you’re putting a swimsuit in it. “Spandex, lycra, elastane, nylon and polyester react differently to other fabrics: they become stiff and lose their elasticity, so it is best to only use powder to wash bikinis,” explains the presenter TV host and travel expert Cheryl Nelson.

Towel washing also refers to situations where air conditioning can adversely affect the quality of laundry. You may like how soft the fabric feels after using the product, but cleaning company Katie Cohun explains that conditioner builds up in the material, making it less able to absorb water and dulling the color of light towels and the gray of white towels.

The benefits of certain types of fabrics disappear when using conditioner – this mainly applies to sports synthetics. One of its main properties is the ability to remove sweat from the body and absorb it instantly. Conditioner that builds up on the fibers will prevent them from performing their function. Patrick therefore advises washing the clothes you exercise in with an enzyme-based product which will help eliminate unpleasant odors, instead of masking them with perfumes.

The temptation to wash clothes with conditioner is great, especially if the item is new: this can make the fabric softer. But that’s a bad idea, says Nelson: Linen’s superpower is breathability, and the product will plug the tiny holes in the fabric that supply it. This is why you should not use conditioner on laundry or clothing.

There are two reasons not to wash baby clothes with conditioner. Firstly, Cheryl explains, it is very often made from flame-retardant fabrics and the product can rob cotton of this extremely important property that can save a child’s health, or even life. Secondly, the conditioner can cause allergic reactions, so it is better to choose fragrance-free powders or gels that disappear completely when rinsed.

Microfiber is an amazing material: its fibers are 100 times finer than a human hair, thanks to which the fabric is able to collect microscopic dust particles, leaving your home absolutely clean. Conditioner will build up on the threads and make them thick and slick, preventing your cleaning cloths from working as they should. So it is best to wash them with regular detergent.

Also read: What to do before washing to make your clothes smell good: 9 simple tips

If you run out of fabric softener, you can replace it with a homemade product.

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