8 Times You Should Never Use Fabric Softener in Your Laundry

clothes in washing machine — Credit:
Cris CantÃ³n / GETTY IMAGES

Like detergent, fabric softener (aka fabric conditioner) is a laundry staple that many people rely on to keep their clothes in peak condition. Whether it's liquid conditioner added to the wash or sheets tossed in the dryer, the product is used to soften clothes and reduce wrinkles. But despite the many benefits of fabric softener, when used incorrectly it can wreak havoc on certain fabrics, according to the experts we spoke to. From delicate cashmere wools to moisture-wicking workout fabrics, the list of materials you should never wash or dry with fabric softener is more extensive than you might think.

What Is Fabric Softener?

"Fabric conditioner coats the fabric to smooth down the fibers and make it feel softer while leaving behind a conditioning agent that you can feel when you touch it," says Patric Richardson of the Laundry Evangelist. The product creates a protective layer over certain fabrics, which doesn't just leave your clothes smelling fragrant but also reduces friction between the fibers. When used on the right materials, fabric softener is an effective way to improve the longevity of your garments.

Fabric Conditioner vs. Fabric Softener

You may be wondering: Is fabric conditioner the same as fabric softener? The two terms are used interchangeably and mean the same thing. "Fabric conditioners (or softeners) come in a variety of different forms, including liquids, dryer sheets, and even beads," says Brian Sansoni of the American Cleaning Institute. No matter what form it comes in, fabric conditioner and fabric softener perform the same functions when it comes to cleaning your clothes.

When Not to Use Fabric Softener

While it's tempting to reach for a fabric conditioner every time you do a load of laundry, it's best to consider what type of garments you're cleaning first. Some fabrics, including microfiber and wool, can be damaged when they are coated with the substance, Richardson says. Ahead, our experts explain which types of garments and fabrics you should avoid washing or drying with fabric softener.

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Wools and Delicate Natural Fabrics

If you're using fabric softener when washing or drying your delicate wools, you may want to reconsider. "The loft in fabrics, such as wool, cashmere, and mohair, are what give them their lightness and fluffiness, but when you coat them with conditioner, they lose their texture and their warmth," says Richardson. "Instead of conditioning, wash with soap that will rinse out completely to let their natural feel come through."

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Down-Filled Coats and Comforters

Since fabric softener creates a waxy film that's designed to soften your laundry, it's not safe to use on down or feather-filled items like blankets, jackets, and coats. "Down and feather garments rely on the tiny air spaces between the feathers, and using a conditioner coats the feathers and flattens them out," says Richardson. "The best thing to do is treat them like wool and wash with something that will rinse clean."

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Swimwear

Typically composed of stretchy synthetic materials, swimwear should never be washed with fabric softener. "Swimsuits made of fabrics like spandex, Lycra, elastane, nylon, and polyester don't absorb very much water and, therefore, dry quickly," says Cheryl Nelson of Prepare with Cher. "Washing or drying swimwear with fabric conditioner can cause it to attract more moisture, which can slow down the drying process and leave them with a musty smell and, in some cases, lead to mold growth."

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Towels

Although you likely enjoy how soft your towels feel after using fabric conditioner, the substance may cause them to lose their effectiveness. "Most fabric softeners can build up within a towel's fibers and make towels less absorbent over time," says Kathy Cohoon, the director of franchise operations of Two Maids. "This can lead to washing towels more, thus breaking down the fabric fibers and leading to wear and tear."

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Workout Clothes

While it may be tempting to wash or dry workout clothes with fabric softener, don't. If they're composed of moisture-wicking performance fabric, it may do more harm than good. "The coating that fabric conditioner leaves behind can harm the ability for these fabrics to wick," says Richardson. "A better option is to use an enzyme detergent or a color-safe bleach to pull out any oils so they can be as soft as possible without compromising the wicking properties."

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Baby Clothes

Of all the laundry items you should never use fabric softener on, the most important to remember is baby and children's clothes. "The waxy buildup from fabric softener can cause baby clothes (and other children's items labeled as flame-resistant) to become less flame-retardant, and thus more flammable," says Nelson.

Avoid using fabric softener on baby clothes and children's sleepwear labeled as flame-resistant, as it can reduce their flame-retardant properties and increase flammability risks.

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Microfiber

Microfiber makes up a lot of common household items like pillows and blankets, and can also be part of a fabric blend. "Similar to towels, fabric softener can cause build up on microfiber fabrics and create a wax-like coating," says Cohoon. "Over time this will break down the fabric and lead to damage."