How To Use Fabric Softener
In the late fifties, fabric softener was invented to help condition fabrics so they’d feel softer to the touch, with less static and fewer wrinkles. Today, some fabric softeners can also provide fresh, long-lasting scents.
Many people out there love fabric softeners. Others have never thought to try it. To find out for yourself, here’s how to use it.
Fabric softener liquid vs. dryer sheets
There are two main types of fabric softener: liquid and dryer sheets. Liquid fabric softener is added to your washer during the rinse cycle or can be dosed automatically through the washing machine dispenser or fabric softener ball. Dryer sheets are tossed in the dryer along with the laundry at the start of each load.
There are differences in performance between liquid fabric softener and dryer sheets, especially in softness... and this will vary depending on the brand that you use.
Adding liquid fabric softener
The trick with liquid fabric softener is it has to be added during the rinse cycle, once the detergent is gone. Otherwise your detergent will wash all the fabric softener benefits away.
Washing Machine dispensers
Most modern washing machines have a dispenser that releases fabric softener automatically at the appropriate time. If you have a High Efficiency machine, you’re all set. Every high efficiency machine has this feature. It’s usually located in the same tray where you add laundry detergent or bleach.
Many top-load washers have a dispenser, too. It’s the cup-like device in the central column of your washer. Simply use the cap to measure the appropriate amount of fabric softener and pour into the dispenser. During the spin cycle, the fabric softener is released from the dispenser into the rinse. That’s how it works.
The Downy Ball
If your traditional machine doesn’t have an automatic dispenser, meet this one: The Downy Ball. Just measure the appropriate amount of fabric softener and toss the Downy Ball in with your laundry at the beginning of each load.
While your fabrics are cleaned, the Downy Ball floats on the surface. Then during the rinse cycle, the intense spinning motion of your washer pops the lid and ta-da! Automatic dispensing in your wash.
You can find the Downy Ball in the laundry aisle of most major stores. Note the Downy Ball cannot be used in High Efficiency machines.
The way your mom did it
You can also still add fabric softener the classic way. By hand.
When the rinse cycle begins, most machines will make a noise to alert you. Others will let you know by the dial. Open the lid of your washer and pour your liquid fabric softener in. Try to avoid direct contact with fabrics, as this can cause stains; instead, pour into the deeper pockets of water. And that’s it. All that’s left is to enjoy your fresh, wonderfully soft results!
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Tips & Tricks
Many stains are more likely to be removed entirely if soaked in cold water before it has had time to set.
If in doubt, test your color garment for colorfastness – apply warm water to an inconspicuous part (inside of the hem, for instance), then press this part with a warm iron between two pieces of white cloth.
To protect your favorite garments, try turning them inside out before washing.
Use a partitioned laundry basket to sort your laundry as you remove it.
Overloading your washing machine could mean that your clothes don’t properly get clean.
White streaks of powder left behind on your clothes due to undissolved detergent are usually caused by overloading your machine, and can be removed with an additional rinse cycle.
Washing much smaller loads on non-cotton cycles to give more freedom of movement in the drum and result in better cleaning.
Using too little detergent can cause whites to become dingy as there are insufficient ingredients to hold soils in the water so they don’t redeposit on the garments.
Overdosing in a soft-water area can lead to “oversudsing” which, in extreme cases, can mean suds come out of the machine.
Always check the fabric care label for the manufacturer’s washing recommendations.
Some dyes will bleed even in very cold water, so always sort your washing into light colors, dark colors, whites, and delicates.
To compensate for washing at lower temperatures, try using a Cotton (most agitation) or Synthetic cycle, if the garment care label allows. There are also detergents specially designed to work in cold water.
Whenever possible, dry your clothes outside on a line; you could see significant energy savings.
Make sure to close all zippers, fasteners, and hooks to prevent and reduce abrasion of fabric and consider placing delicate items into mesh laundry bags.
To pre-treat stains, apply undiluted laundry detergent directly onto stained areas. For best results, allow product to sit on stain for a few minutes, scrub product into stain, then wash.
When adding chlorine bleach, always use the bleach dispenser on your washer to ensure that it is added at the right time in the wash cycle. If your machine does not have a dispenser, add chlorine bleach at the end of the wash cycle.
Check garment care labels for recommended wash temperature.
For all HE washers, make sure to use a low-sudsing HE detergent.
Use the right amount of detergent. Follow package directions carefully. For heavily soiled and/or large loads, use more detergent.
If you do not have a detergent dispenser on your machine, add the detergent while the washer fills with water, ensure the detergent has dissolved, then add the clothes.
Keep your washing machine free of residues by running a monthly wash cycle with Tide Washing Machine Cleaner.
