2023-09-18 22:00:27
We point out the reasons why you should not use fabric softener and give you suggestions so that when you wash your towels, they are clean, soft and pleasant to the skin.
Last update: September 18, 2023
We use towels to dry our body after bathing, cleaning our hands, face or even to cover our hair. There is a product that has these characteristics: fabric softener.
Fabric softeners are added chemical agents that, during the washing process, seek to provide a soft touch to clothing. What is its mechanism of action and why is its application on towels not recommended?
Let’s explore how these products operate and the reason behind avoiding them in towel care.
What are fabric softeners and how do they work?
These substances have conditioning components, such as silicones, waxes or oils, which attach to the textile fibers, creating a protective barrier.
They contain fragrances and dyes that give clothes a more pleasant aroma and appearance. Some have antibacterial and anti-allergic properties that may be beneficial for some people.
They have negative effects that we must take into account, in especially when it comes to towels.
Why shouldn’t you put fabric softener on towels?
Towels are made of absorbent fabrics, such as cotton or microfiber, which have the ability to retain water and dry our skin. When we use fabric softener when washing towels, we are interfering with this function.
This is because the layer of softener that forms on the fibers of the towels prevents water from penetrating them and causes the towels to lose their absorption power and become less effective at drying us.
By preventing water from circulating through the fibers, the softener promotes moisture, dirt and microorganisms in the towels.
Use may damage the structure and appearance of the towels. The layer of softener can cause the fibers to clump and lose their volume and fluffiness.
This can react with chlorine in water or other chemicals and cause discoloration or deterioration of towels.
How to wash towels without fabric softener?
To keep your towels in perfect condition without using fabric softener, it is crucial to follow some tips:
It is advisable to wash them, selecting a suitable temperature and using detergent and bleach to take care of their fibers. During rinsing, add a moderate amount of white vinegar, this serves to eliminate bad odors, disinfect and enhance its softness. When you dry them, it is ideal to expose them to fresh air or in a dryer with gentle heat, and if you decide to use the dryer, place wool balls or tennis balls to increase their volume and fluffiness. Refrain from ironing them, rather shake them or glue them after drying to preserve their structure and absorbent capacity.
What to do with the leftover fabric softener?
After considering the idea of not using fabric softener on your towels, you’re probably wondering how to use the remaining product you have.
One of its applications is the cleaning of different surfaces. Whether it is wood, metal or plastic, when you mix softener with water, you obtain a solution that gives renewed shine and fragrance to the treated objects.
In the home environment, it acts as an odor neutralizer. A spray of fabric softener diluted in water on carpets and curtains will combat undesirable odors and freshen the room.
In situations where hair is tangled or dry, a mixture of fabric softener and water can act as an improvised conditioner, leaving hair revitalized after application and subsequent rinsing.
What other products can you use to soften towels?
If you want your towels to be soft without resorting to fabric softener, there are natural or homemade alternatives you can consider. Some options are:
White vinegar: add a measure of vinegar to the rinsing process of your washing machine, or if you prefer, pre-soak the towels in a mixture of water and vinegar, for about an hour, before proceeding to wash. Baking soda: integrate half a cup of baking soda into the wash cycle of your washing machine, or, as with vinegar, do a pre-wash by leaving the towels in water with baking soda for an hour before washing. Wool balls or tennis balls: Put some wool balls or tennis balls in the dryer when drying the towels.
How to prevent towels from getting damaged?
To keep your towels in good condition and prolong their durability, avoid using bleach or abrasive substances, opt for vinegar, baking soda or hydrogen peroxide to whiten or disinfect.
It is advisable to wash the towels to prevent them from releasing lint or getting tangled with other fabrics, be sure to group them by color and similar material.
Do not iron them, excessive heat can affect the absorbency of the towels. In this case, shake or fold them after drying.
Extend the life of your towels without using fabric softener
When using fabric softener on towels, We are reducing its absorption capacity, favoring dirt and microorganisms, and deteriorating its structure and color..
We recommend that you avoid using fabric softener when washing towels and opt for other natural or homemade products that take better care of them, such as vinegar, baking soda or wool balls. Remember that towels are important for your hygiene and comfort, and that they deserve good care.
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All cited sources were reviewed in depth by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, validity and validity. The bibliography in this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
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