Fabric Softener vs. Detergent: What Sets Them Apart?

OK, so laundry may be rote enough that we probably don’t have to think too hard before running a load. Although, at some point or another you may have asked yourself if both fabric softener and detergent are necessary. If you have too, well then this is the perfect place for you! So: on to the differences between these two laundry heavyweights Two key areas where understanding the differences could massively improve with longevity and resistancy of your garments.

Fabric Softener

Let me explain with fabric softener 🙂 Their primary role is to provide softness in your fabrics. Though a material such as satin will obviously be soft, it is not always an everyday practical choice. The more that fabric softener adds a luxurious feel to additional materials, the softer and irresistibly smooth they become.

A fabric softener gives a lovely fragrance to your clothes and helps in making them soften after the wash. In that, it is just detergent but then what makes this stand out from other detergents and why do we exclusively use both? It is an important step since the main point of fabric softener by its lonesome is not cleaning. Fabric softener makes your clothes feel good and smell nice, but it does not actually remove dirt.

How Fabric Softener Works:

Fabric softener is like the conditioner for your fabrics, sort ofHow conditioner works on hairs. These lubricating chemicals in fabric softening liquids reduce the friction between different yarns of a laundry article such as; clothes, allowing them to become less stiff and softer, thus avoiding static charges. In addition, the use of fabric softener provides a soothing fragrance to your laundry. When you set aside the difference in smell, have you washed a load without fabric softener?

Why Use Fabric Softener?

Not just something that makes your clothes softer and smell nice, fabric softener also helps extend the life of all of your clothing. The protective properties of this molecular structure work as a detergent supplement to prevent the fabric from wearing out during washing. The more you use fabric softener, the longer your fabrics will keep its desired texture.

Although it seems a non essential as fabric softener does not exactly clean clothing for real, the difference is already worth discussing. That being said, there are situations in which forgoing fabric softener is smart.

When to Skip Fabric Softener:

Even though fabric softeners are usually safe for most fabrics, they were specifically made with cotton and linen in mind. Not to mention that some fabrics like microfiber, moisture wicking materials used in work out clothes, fleece and velour (also called terry cloth which is similar to a towel) don’t even absorb fabric softener. Here, we are better off avoiding the usage as a whole.

Importance of Fabric Softener

In conclusion of fabric softener:

Do not use fabric softener on some cloths.

Both clean clothes without the use of fabric softener. Fabric softener does not do any cleaning, it just makes your laundry feel softer and smell lovely.

Fabric Softener- Increases the life of fabrics.

Key Takeaways on Fabric Softener:

Now that we’ve covered fabric softener, here are the main points to remember:

Avoid using fabric softener with certain fabrics.

Fabric softener doesn’t clean clothes; it enhances softness and scent.

Fabric softener can help extend the lifespan of fabrics.

Laundry Detergent

Let’s talk about laundry detergent now. Fabric softener is kind of like if conditioner = detergent: shampoo Think of this synergy as the effect shampoo and conditioner can have on hair care, detergent is to fabric softener what clothier power suits are to gluttonous bald eagles tussling glamorously in mid air.

The detergent is what actually washes the clothing in this cycle, while fabric softener acts as a lubricant and adds scent.

How Detergent Works:

There are also a range of natural to synthetic forms in which laundry detergent may be made (liquid, powder or sheets) No matter what it is, the ultimate purpose of laundry detergent whether liquid or powder – which have variations in name and form like washing powders and tablets – stays constant.

It is priced right and it has a smell It contains surfactants which are long molecule with head/tail. The head attracts to the water, while its tail grabs on to the dirt in your clothes and rinses it away during cleaning. This interaction makes the dirt and grease easier to be removed by rinsing once we wash it.

When Not to Add Laundry Detergent

Unlike fabric softener, you should NEVER skip out on using detergent. As far as skipping fabric softener, sure things may not be a fluffy but how loose you choose is entirely up to your own personal preference (or yours…and well no comment). And the point of detergent all together would mean your laundry won’t even get clean in its entirety. Fabric Softener Does Not Wash Your Clothes(StringUtils)

Fabric softener is important when it comes to the feel and smell of your laundry, but detergent will continue being a key resource for clean clothes. That is why the use of a reliable and healthy detergent should be the first priority for us when cleaning.