Softener is an finishing agent that when applied to textile material improves its handle giving pleasing touch. As a general rule, the softening agents applied are lubricating agents, which facilitate the fiber sliding within the fabric structure, thus granting easier deformation and creasing of the fabric.

There are three main types of fabric softeners out there: liquid fabric softener, dryer sheets, and dryer balls.

Best overall: Bounce Fabric Softener Sheets Best liquid fabric softener: Downy Infusions Liquid Fabric Conditioner. Best eco-friendly liquid fabric softener: Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Fabric Softener. Best odor-eliminating fabric softener: Snuggle Plus Super Fresh Liquid Fabric Softener.

Cationic fabric softeners Rinse-cycle softeners usually contain cationic surfactants of the quaternary ammonium type as the main active ingredient. Cationic surfactants adhere well to natural fibers (wool, cotton), but less so to synthetic fibers.

The most worrisome preservatives in fabric softeners include methylisothiazolinone, a potent skin allergen and glutaral, known to trigger asthma and skin allergies. Glutaral (or glutaraldehyde) is also toxic to marine life. Among artificial colors, D&C violet 2 has been linked to cancer.

5 Green Alternatives For Fabric Softener

• Here are five green alternatives for fabric softener:
• Baking Soda. Yes, baking soda can actually soften your fabric!
• Dry Towel. Once you wash your clothes, throw them in the dryer.
• Crumpled Aluminum Foil.
• Air Dry.
• Tennis Ball.

You can replace fabric softener with vinegar. It can soften fabrics without using the harsh chemicals often found in commercial fabric softeners. Vinegar also prevents static, which means that lint and pet hair is less likely to cling to your clothing.

Mrs Meyer’s clean day Liquid Fabric Softener and Gain Original 240 Count Dryer Sheets rank as the best long-lasting fabric softeners.

1. Lavender Water. Put some lavender water into a spray bottle and give your laundry a quick spritz before throwing it into the washer.
2. Citrus Oils.
3. Peppermint Laundry Soap.
4. Reusable Lavender Dryer Bags.
5. Scented wool dryer balls.
6. Scented paper towels.

According to the health and wellness website Sixwise.com, some of the most harmful ingredients in dryer sheets and liquid fabric softener alike include benzyl acetate (linked to pancreatic cancer), benzyl alcohol (an upper respiratory tract irritant), ethanol (linked to central nervous system disorders), limonene (a …

A: Although they may make your clothes feel soft, be static-free and smell “fresh,” fabric softeners and dryer sheets will also make them toxic. Health problems can range from headache, lightheadedness and fatigue to serious organ and central nervous system damage, and even cancer.

Liquid Fabric Softener. Like fabric softener, dryer sheets contain oils that can coat towel fibers and destroy their absorbency. So, don’t use them when drying your towels.

You might have noticed on some tags, especially with performance clothing, they specifically say NOT to use fabric softeners. Fabric softeners can also stain your clothes, liquid softeners can occasionally leave blueish or grey stain spots on garments and overtime the waxy build-up can also cause yellowing on whites.

If your washing machine has an automatic fabric softener dispenser, clean it out regularly by flushing with heated distilled white vinegar or very hot water followed by a rinse cycle with no laundry in the washer. You will be amazed at all of the clumps of fabric softener residue that will fall out.

The Best Scented Laundry Detergents That’ll Keep Your Clothes Smelling Fresh

• The Laundress Le Labo Rose Signature Detergent.
• Gain Essential Oils Eucalyptus + Mindful Mint Laundry Detergent.
• Tide Original High Efficiency Laundry Detergent.
• Method Ginger Mango Laundry Detergent.