Fabric Softener - Varieties

Varieties

Many modern washing machines have a dispenser which can add liquid fabric softener to the load of laundry automatically on the final rinse; in launderettes one may need to add it manually. Some brands of washing powder have fabric conditioning mixed in which is claimed to save money when compared to buying ordinary washing powder and fabric softener separately. Some manufacturers claim their products make ironing easier and/or make clothes dry faster. All liquid fabric softeners are designed to be added to water - either by adding the product directly to the final rinse water or by 2:1 (water:softener) dilution in an automatic dispenser. Even diluted fabric softener will cause spotting when poured directly onto clothes and can ruin them.

Dry fabric softeners typically come in the form of dryer sheets, which are added to clothing in the tumble dryer to soften the fabric and prevent build up of static electricity in susceptible fabrics. Many alternative uses of dryer sheets have been suggested by users such as dusting, removing hair from clothes, and removing dead bugs from external automobile surfaces.