Add Fabric Softener to Wash: Right Amount and Method

When it comes to laundry, we all strive for the perfect combination of clean, fresh, and super-soft garments. But can fabric softener achieve all that? Discover how to add fabric softener to wash and also the benefits of using softeners in this comprehensive guide.

Fabric softener is the secret ingredient that takes your laundry game to a whole new level. Not only does it enhance the softness of your clothes, but it also brings a myriad of other benefits to your laundry routine. From reducing wrinkling and static cling to preserving garment quality, fabric softener is a must-have addition to your wash.

But how exactly do you add fabric softener to wash? When do you add fabric softener to wash? How much fabric softener are you supposed to use? In this article, we're here to make the process of adding fabric softener to wash easier for you. We'll guide you through the steps and provide valuable insights to ensure you achieve the best results every time.

Table Of Contents

What Is Fabric Softeners?

Fabric softener is a conditioner used during the rinse cycle of the washing machine. The laundry product is designed to provide softness and fragrance to clothing, bedding, and other fabrics. Fabric softener comes in various forms, including liquid and dryer sheets.

Liquid fabric softener is a popular option for most people, and it’s typically added during the rinse cycle. The rinse cycle is the perfect time to introduce the softener because the water is clean and free of detergent, allowing the fabric softener to effectively penetrate the fibers.

Dryer sheets, on the other hand, are added to the dryer along with your laundry. The sheets release softening agents and fragrances when exposed to the heat of the drier, enhancing the softness and freshness of your clothes.

What Does Fabric Softener Do?

Fabric softener offers a range of benefits when added to the laundry. Here are some benefits of adding a fabric conditioner to your garments:

Makes clothes feel softer and more comfortable against the skin
Adds a pleasant scent to your garments
Helps prolong the life of your clothing
Helps prevent wrinkling
Makes ironing easier
Reduces static cling, thus making your clothes easier to handle and wear
Some help prevent color fading in your clothes

When to Add Fabric Softener to the Washing Machine?

If you are wondering when to add fabric softener to wash, the general rule is to add it during the rinse cycle. When you put your fabric softener during the wash cycle, it may not be as effective as during the rinse cycle. The wash cycle is primarily focused on cleaning your laundry and removing dirt and stains. So if you add the fabric softener, the wash cycle will end up cleaning it away.

However, if your washer has an automatic dispenser, it can simplify the process for you. You only need to pour the required amount into the automatic dispenser, and it will release the fabric softener at the right time during the wash cycle. This ensures that the fabric softener is evenly distributed among the clothes, thus effectively providing softness and reducing static cling, fading, and stretching.

How to Use Fabric Softeners?

Now that you know when to add fabric softener to wash, how about learning how to use it correctly? Honestly, using fabric softener is a simple and straightforward process that will take your laundry game to the next level. Here are steps on how to use liquid fabric softener:

Step 1: Carefully read the instructions provided by the manufacturer

Step 2: Measure the correct amount of liquid fabric softener

Step 3: Add the liquid fabric softener to the dispenser

Step 4: Load your laundry into the drum

Step 5: Adjust the settings

Step 6: Start the wash cycle

If your washer doesn't have an automatic fabric softener dispenser, don't worry. Just wait until the rinse cycle begins. You should then add the softener manually when the washing machine fills up with water for the rinse.

If you prefer a more convenient way, you can purchase a fabric softener dispenser ball. The ball is filled with fabric softener and is placed in the washing machine along with the laundry. When the wash cycle ends, the ball releases the fabric softener at the appropriate time during the rinse cycle.

How to Use Dryer Sheets?

Step 1: Here's how to use dryer sheets:

Step 2: Load your drier with the appropriate amount of clothes

Step 3: Take one dry sheet and put it at the top of the laundry

Step 4: Start the drying cycle

Step 5: Once the cycle is complete, remove the sheet

Step 6: Dispose of the dryer sheet properly

How Much Fabric Softener to Use？

Knowing how much fabric softener to use is crucial for achieving optimal results in your laundry routine. Using the correct amount ensures that your clothes are properly softened and static-free.

On the other hand, too much softener will actually damage your clothes and will cause your towels to repel water rather than absorb it. Excess softener also causes buildup in your washer and may end up leaving stains on your apparel.

So, how much fabric softener should you use per load? Generally, using one or two tablespoons of fabric softener per load is a good starting point. However, if you notice that your garments are not as soft as you'd want them to be, you should increase the amount of fabric softener you are using.

When Not To Use Fabric Softener?

While fabric softener offers numerous benefits for your laundry, there are several materials that may not be compatible with it. They include:

Sportswear

Many sportswear garments are made from moisture-wicking fabrics and will quickly draw sweat away from your body, keeping you dry during physical exercise. Unfortunately, fabric softener adds a lubricating coat to the surface of the fabric, which prevents them from effectively pulling moisture.

Towels

We all love our towels, soft and fluffy. However, excessive use of fabric softeners will negatively affect the absorbency of your towels. As a result, your towel may not be as efficient in drying you as it did before.

Microfiber

Microfiber is known for its exceptional absorbency and its ability to trap dust. Fabric softeners will leave a residue on microfiber, reducing its effectiveness in capturing moisture and dirt.

Water Repellant Fabric

We've learned that fabric softener can affect your garment's ability to absorb water, but did you know that it can also affect the clothing's ability to repel water? That's right. Fabric softeners will interfere with the water-repellent properties of water-resistant fabrics, thus hindering their ability to repel water.

Summary

Adding fabric softeners to your wash will elevate your laundry experience by providing softer, fresh, and more comfortable clothes. And with the above steps on how to add fabric softener to wash, you now have the knowledge and confidence to incorporate fabric softeners into your laundry routine. So, go ahead and add that touch of softness and fragrance to your laundry. Happy laundering!