6 Items You Should Never Use Fabric Softener On
Ditch the extra step for these specific fabrics.
Fabric softener is pretty a self-explanatory laundry add-in—its purpose is all in the name. And while plenty of people swear by the product, throwing it in with all their loads, laundry pros say that there are a handful of items fabric softener should not be used on.
For certain materials, fabric softener could cause damage (like reducing a fabric’s ability to wick away moisture). For others, it could simply leave residue or lead to discoloration over time.
We spoke to Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Reviews Analyst Noah Pinsonnault for the inside scoop on when you should skip fabric softener. Still, you should always make sure to check the fabric’s care label beforehand.
Towels
While you may have guessed that fabric softener would simply give your towels a softer feel, it could actually reduce their ability to soak up water.
“Fabric softener leaves a lubricating coating on fibers that can reduce a towel’s absorbency over time,” says Pinsonnault.
Flame-Resistant Clothing
Fabric softener can damage flame-resistant clothing—for example, children’s sleepwear.
“Fabric softener can reduce the effectiveness of a fabric’s flame-resistant finish, so it’s important to follow the garment’s care label,” says Pinsonnault.
Microfiber Cloths
If you want your microfiber cloths to keep doing their job, it’s best to avoid fabric softener, according to Pinsonnault.
“The coating left behind by fabric softener can interfere with the fine fibers that make microfiber effective at picking up and holding onto dirt and moisture.”
Athletic Wear
Most pieces of athletic wear have a moisture-wicking property that could be negatively affected by the liquid add-in.
“Fabric softener can coat moisture-wicking synthetic fibers, which may interfere with their ability to move moisture away from the body,” says Pinsonnault.
Performance Gear
Not all waterproof or performance gear is affected by fabric softener, but you should check your garment’s care label beforehand.
“Care instructions vary, but fabric softener can interfere with some of the finishes and membranes that give performance outerwear its water-repellent properties,” says Pinsonnault.
White Clothing
If keeping whites as bright as possible is your priority, Pinsonnault recommends skipping the fabric softener.
“Fabric softener can leave residue on fabric, and overuse may contribute to yellowing, graying, or discoloration over time.”
Laura Millar (she/her) is a freelance lifestyle journalist for Good Housekeeping. She holds a degree in Film, TV & Media from the University of Michigan, and was previously the assistant lifestyle editor for GH, where she covered home design. Her byline has appeared in NBC's TODAY.com, PEOPLE, Real Simple, and Business Insider.
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