Is fabric softener necessary for your linens?

Adding fabric softener to your laundromat’s offerings can bring numerous benefits. It enhances the softness of clothes and linens, reduces static electricity, and helps smooth out wrinkles while imparting a pleasant fragrance. However, there are both advantages and disadvantages to consider before introducing this service to your customers.

What is fabric softener?

Fabric softeners typically contain fatty compounds, which can be derived from tallow or wax. These compounds serve multiple purposes; one key function is reducing static cling. Since they carry a positive charge, they bond with the negatively charged fibers in fabrics, creating an electrostatic effect that disperses the buildup responsible for static. This interaction also makes the fibers stand upright, giving fabrics a softer and fluffier texture. Additionally, the waxy nature of these compounds lubricates fabrics, contributing to a smoother feel.

Modern fabric softeners often incorporate silicone-based ingredients. Besides enhancing softness and reducing static, these additives minimize wrinkle formation during washing and facilitate easier ironing. Fragrances and colors are commonly added to fabric softeners to improve their aesthetic appeal.

When to use fabric softener

There’s no denying that fabric softeners offer significant advantages, as highlighted above. That’s why they’re widely favored. But should they be used on every type of fabric? The quick answer is no. Below are some surprising reasons that might apply to both you and your customers.

When not to use fabric softener

Sportswear and stretchy materials

Fabric softeners work by forming a waxy coating on fabrics through the binding of their fatty compounds. While this makes fabrics feel softer, it also blocks fibers, impairing the fabric’s ability to absorb moisture. Thus, it’s unwise to use fabric softeners on moisture-managing garments like sportswear, swimsuits, and underwear.

In particular, sportswear is designed to draw sweat away from the body and keep you cool. Applying fabric softener to these fabrics traps sweat inside the material, preventing it from drying, and retains bacteria, leading to persistent odors. Similar issues arise with swimwear, bras, underwear, and other garments containing stretchy fibers such as elastane, nylon, and spandex, as these materials degrade under the influence of fabric softeners.

Towels

Although fabric softener makes towels feel soft and cozy, it diminishes their absorbency. Conversely, skipping fabric softener can leave towels feeling slightly rough and stiff. What should you do in such cases? Whether you’re offering laundry services to customers or advising them on their own laundry practices, this is an important topic to address.

Cleaning items

For similar reasons, fabric softener should not be used on cleaning tools where absorbency is crucial, including mops, cleaning cloths, wipes, sponges, or chamois cloths.

Microfiber and fleece

Particularly noteworthy is the recommendation to avoid using fabric softeners on microfiber or fleece items. Microfiber consists of tiny, intricate threads, and once exposed to the waxy residue of fabric softeners, it essentially becomes waterproof.

This residue also impacts fleece. Fleece is designed with numerous air pockets to retain warmth. Fabric softeners can block these air pockets, thereby reducing the material’s insulation properties. Additionally, fleece may feel greasy after exposure to fabric softeners.

Children’s clothing and pajamas

Many infant and child sleepwear items contain fire-retardant chemicals. The fats present in fabric softeners can compromise these fire-resistant qualities, making the fabric more prone to catching fire since fat burns more easily. For the same reason, fabric softeners should be avoided in non-fire-resistant children’s clothing.

Special care must be taken with baby items. Babies’ skin is highly sensitive and may react adversely to the chemicals found in certain fabric softeners.

Linen

Can you use fabric softener on linen? The short answer is no. Linen naturally softens over time, and introducing fabric softener can disrupt this process. Like other fabrics mentioned earlier, fabric softeners create a coating on linen that can hinder its absorbency. Many care instructions specifically warn against using fabric softeners because of their potential to damage the integrity of the linen.

Why Use Fabric Softener?

When applied appropriately, fabric softeners can significantly enhance the laundry experience. They soften fabrics, reduce static cling, make ironing easier, and shorten drying times. They’re also valuable tools for preserving colors and extending the lifespan of certain fabrics such as:

• Cotton
• Synthetic materials
• Wool
• T-shirts and casual wear
• Bed linens
• Curtains and drapes

Always refer to individual garment care instructions.

Cost

Clearly, offering fabric softener as part of your laundromat’s services incurs additional financial costs. Less apparent expenses also exist for laundromats. Many people tend to use excessive amounts of fabric softener, leaving a sticky residue in washing machines. Due to its fat content, this residue can become a breeding ground for bacteria, resulting in unpleasant odors in the machines. Time and resources must be allocated to clean and maintain the equipment.

On front-loading washing machines, fabric softeners can erode the rubber seals. Over time, this adds another expense for the laundromat.

Conclusion

If you provide laundry services to your customers, it might be worthwhile discussing the pros and cons of using fabric softener with them. You could even consider displaying some of this information in your laundromat. Sharing this knowledge benefits both you and your customers.

The takeaway isn’t to stop using fabric softener altogether, but rather to use it thoughtfully. If you’d like further guidance or assistance with managing your laundromat, Aqualogic is here to help. Call us at 1300 222 119 or reach out via our online inquiry form.