Fabric softener can leave your laundry feeling and smelling fantastic, and it can even improve the quality and lifespan of your fabrics. But to get the best out of your product, it’s important to know how to use it. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive guide full of tips, tricks and answers to all your fabric softener questions…
To work effectively, fabric softener needs to be released at a certain point in your wash cycle. To make sure this happens, always put your fabric softener in the designated compartment or dispenser of your washing machine if it has one.
For some machines, you can add the fabric softener at the beginning and it will be released automatically at the right time. But for others, you’ll need to manually add it yourself at the rinsing stage.
If you’re not sure where to put fabric softener and when, look at your washing machine manual or try to find a copy online.
Tempted to add extra fabric softener? Unfortunately that won’t lead to even softer clothes! In fact, it can leave your fabrics feeling heavy or waxy, and could even reduce the efficiency of your machine.
When it comes to fabric softener, a little usually goes a long way. That’s especially true if you’re using concentrated fabric softeners like Sta-Soft Ultra Concentrate, which gives you 4x the power in just a small capful. Always follow the directions on the bottle for best results.
Yes! Fabric softeners like Sta-Soft work just as well for handwashing your laundry. After you’ve washed and rinsed your fabrics, add the right amount of fabric softener to a tub of clean, fresh water. Add your fabrics, move them round the tub to distribute the softener evenly, and leave for 20 minutes. Then rinse and dry as normal.
Fabric softeners like Sta-Soft are suitable for hot or cold washes. The temperature of your wash will depend more on what you’re washing. For example, strong colours or natural fabrics may benefit from a cooler wash, while warmer washes can help to lift heavier stains and keep whites bright and fresh.
That depends.
Fabric softener works by coating fabrics with a smooth, lubricating film. This reduces friction against the skin, which can be helpful for people with sensitive skin.
However, if you hve sensitive skin, some of the ingredients commonly found in fabric softeners can cause you irritation. To be on the safe side, opt for a hypoallergenic fabric softener like Sta-soft® Ultra Concentrate Sensitive. The dermatologically tested formula contains a gentle floral fragrance, with no dyes or unnecessary fillers.
Yes! Your baby deserves to be wrapped in only the softest, most comforting fabrics. But as with sensitive skin, it’s important to choose a gentle, hypoallergenic product. Sta-soft® Baby Fabric Conditioner has been formulated especially for a baby’s delicate skin, with a mild formula and a light, soothing fragrance.
Fabric softener can be used on most fabrics. However, because it creates a thin, waxy film over the fibres, it can reduce the effectiveness of certain performance materials that depend on their absorbency or breathability to work. Examples include sweat-wicking fabric, often used in sportswear, or waterproof materials. It’s best to wash these materials without fabric softener, but check the label if in doubt.
Towels are another material that rely on their absorbency, so many people believe that you shouldn’t wash towels with fabric softener. However, we believe that you can still enjoy fluffy, fresh, heaven-scented towels without sacrificing absorbency! Simply alternate fabric softener in your towel washes, washing them with, then without, then with.
The right fabric softener for you will depend on a number of things, from the size of your household and the age of your children, to your skin health and fragrance preferences. Check out our Sta-soft® fabric softener range, with a huge choice of uplifting fragrances and options to suit every member of the family. You can also find more information in our in-depth guide, Choosing the Right Fabric Softener for Your Laundry Needs.
