What Does Fabric Softener Do? (And How to Use It) (2024)

Certain products can enhance the quality of your clothes and linens when you're doing laundry—and fabric softener is arguably one of those products. Heralded for its ability to make your laundry smell great and feel super soft, fabric softener is a laundry room staple. But how does it work? And are there any drawbacks to using fabric softener? We asked experts about the benefits, considerations, and alternatives.

Benefits of Fabric Softener

Fabric softener can make clothes feel softer. “Fabric softener formulas contain fatty acids, which ultimately impacts the way your fabric feels,” explains Jessica Ek of the American Cleaning Institute. Ek explains that the “positively charged” fatty acids are naturally attracted to the “negatively charged” garments swirling around in your washing machine. The fabric softener lubricates these fibers and neutralizes the charge, which ultimately protects your laundry from damage and lends to a softer feel.

The result is fewer wrinkles, less static, and soft-to-the-touch fabrics. Scent is another perk, but you can also find fabric softeners formulated without fragrance if that’s your preference.

Considerations for Using Fabric Softener

Fabric softener isn’t bad, per se, but there are definitely some dos and don'ts to know before using this laundry additive. And ultimately, some people find that they don’t need fabric softener at all. Below are some considerations to keep in mind before adding fabric softener to your routine.

It Can Affect Moisture-Wicking Fabrics

Fabric softener shouldn’t be used on towels, sportswear, athleisure apparel, or other garments known for wicking moisture. “The fabric softener can break down the fibers in these materials,” warns Laurie Fulford, a laundry expert with Poplin.

This effect can also negatively impact the breathability of certain fabrics and garments. “Softeners run the risk of making clothes less breathable by removing the ability for a garment to pull moisture from the skin,” notes laundry expert Rechelle Balanzat of Juliette Cleaners. For a safer alternative, you can use distilled vinegar to soften these fabrics instead.

Fabric Softener May Irritate Sensitive Skin

Scented fabric softeners can potentially irritate sensitive skin, Fulford notes. Be sure to check the label on the fabric softener for any allergens, especially if you have allergies to any specific fragrances. Opt for a scent-free formula, or skip it altogether. You can find other methods to soften your laundry below, such as with distilled white vinegar or wool dryer balls.

It Can Dull Texture Over Time

While fabric softener can lend to a soft, wrinkle-free finish, ongoing usage may negatively impact the feel of your fabrics over time. “They can potentially alter the state of the garment, making it less fluffy and more flat,” notes Balanzat.

Consider fabric softener a “once-in-a-while” deep-conditioning treatment for non-moisture-wicking garments, including t-shirts, jeans, undergarments, and bedding. Aim to use it one out of every four to six washes of a particular garment.

How to Use Fabric Softener

Fabric softener is always added to the rinse cycle—never the wash cycle. When in doubt, follow the on-label instructions. Generally speaking, though, you can follow the below steps.

Step 1: Load Your Washing Machine

Place your laundry in the machine, making sure to avoid any textiles that aren’t suitable for fabric softener. Fabrics to avoid include terry cloth, microfiber, moisture-wicking,flame-resistant, and UPF.

Step 2: Add Fabric Softener to the Dispenser

Most washing machines have a dispenser for softener that releases it at the correct time. “If this is not the case, make sure to manually add fabric softener during the rinse cycle, as this is when it is most effective,” says Balanzat. Balanzat adds, “The softener must be poured into water pockets in order to avoid staining.” Don’t pour directly onto any fabrics. An alternative option is to use a fabric softener dispenser ball.

Step 3: Transfer to Dryer

Once your washing cycle is complete, transfer your garments into the dryer and dry per usual. Note that there’s no need to use a dryer sheet if you’ve already used fabric softener (and vice versa) since both serve a similar function.

Remember, fabric softener is completely optional, and your garments will likely pop out of the dryer feeling fresh, clean, and soft without. However, “For some, it might make doing their laundry a little more fun to use an extra product that smells very good and is colorful,” Fulford says. And there’s definitely something to be said for making this ongoing task more enjoyable.

Alternatives to Fabric Softener

If you're looking for an alternative to fabric softener, fortunately, you're spoiled for choice of options. Beyond opting to hang your laundry to air dry, you can try these alternatives:

• Add distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help soften clothes and reduce static. Vinegar can also help to eliminate odors.
• Sprinkle some baking soda directly onto the clothes or items you are washing before tossing them into the laundry. It can help soften fabrics and neutralize odors.
• Place dryer sheets or wool dryer balls in the dryer with your laundry. These can help soften your clothing and reduce static.
• Add a few drops of essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus to a dryer ball or damp washcloth, and toss it in with your laundry in the dryer.