Is Fabric Softener Necessary?

Fabric softener is an additive that interacts with clothing during a wash cycle. It contains lubricating ingredients that attach to clothing to make them feel soft to the touch.

Should you use it? The Environmental Working Group recommends skipping fabric softeners entirely.

Quaternary ammonium compounds found in softeners make clothes feel soft and wearable right out of the wash but they are known to trigger asthma and may be toxic to our reproductive systems.

Dangers of Fabric Softener:

1. Contains chemicals that can irritate your skin and trigger asthma or other health issues.
2. Fabric softener adds a coating to fabric that builds up over time, preventing water from penetrating your clothes during the wash cycle. 
3. It ruins some fabrics, including cashmere, wool, and microfiber. It can cause fabric to be less breathable and lose its absorbency.

Bottom line: fabric softener is not necessary and the cons far outweigh the pros. 

You can still have soft, static- and wrinkle-free clothes without the use of softener—use a quality detergent like NewLife™ Assure Liquid Laundry Detergent

Tips 

1. Sort your clothes by colour (separate whites and colours).
2. Sort your laundry by fabric type (i.e. jeans with jeans, towels with towels, delicate with delicate). This step is essential because heavy fabrics can damage lighter ones during the wash cycle.
3. When the wash cycle is complete, remove them from the washer promptly. Shake each item and hang them up to dry.