What fabric softener leaves on the fibre
Short answer: Fabric softener puts a thin film of fat-like substances on the outside of the fibre. The film makes the surface smoother, so clothes feel soft and slide against each other more easily. The softness sits in the layer and not in the fibre itself, and that affects how the clothes behave.
The softness is a surface
The fibre does not become softer in itself, and the fabric is the same as before. It is the layer on the outside that changes how the fabric feels against the skin. Much like a cream on a hand makes the surface smooth without changing the skin itself. So the softness can seem large at first and still be a surface effect.
The film stays put
Softener is made to stay on the fibre after rinsing. That is the whole point of the product, since otherwise it could not give clothes a smooth surface. The film therefore stays in the fabric, even when the clothes are dry. See bamboo nightgowns for women for clothes worn close to the skin every night.
The layer builds up
If you use softener every time, the layer grows thicker over time and changes the properties of the fabric. It can affect how the fabric takes in and gives off moisture. See sleepwear and Nordic Weaving for clothes worn close to the skin, where moisture handling matters.
Moisture and absorbency
Softener changes moisture transport and absorbency, and that is rarely an advantage. A fabric meant to take up moisture has a harder time when its surface is covered by a greasy layer. You notice it most on towels and on clothes worn close to the skin all night. So it is worth asking whether you need it at all.
Static electricity
Softener reduces static electricity, because the smooth surface means the fabrics rub less against each other. Air drying often does the same, and clothes dried in the air rarely get as static. If you want to avoid static, you can simply hang the clothes to dry, without adding a layer to the fibre.
Dirt and odour
A layer can also make clothes hold on to dirt and odour differently than before. Things stick more easily to a greasy surface than to a clean fibre. It does not happen from one wash to the next, but builds up over many washes with the same routine. It may explain why clothes sometimes seem less fresh despite a new wash.
How to remove the layer
The layer can be partly removed. Wash the clothes a few times without softener, and add a little vinegar to the rinse water if your machine tolerates it. Choose a low temperature and a programme with good rinsing. Always follow the machine's manual and the care label. After a few washes you will usually notice the fabric behaving more naturally again.
Doing without softener
If you want to do without softener, you can air dry the clothes and shake them out before hanging them up. That loosens the fibres and makes the fabric nicer to touch. Use a suitable amount of detergent so no residue is left to make clothes stiff. Many find that clothes become soft enough over time without anything extra in the rinse.
If you keep using it
If you want to keep softener for some items, choose those where absorbency does not matter. Leave towels and clothes close to the skin without it. Use a small amount and not every time. And read the care label, since the maker's advice is what counts for the item you are washing.
Frequently asked questions
Is fabric softener harmful to clothes?
Not directly, but it changes moisture transport and absorbency, and that is rarely an advantage. Towels and clothes close to the skin lose some of their ability to take up moisture if the layer builds up over time.
What about static electricity?
Softener reduces it, but air drying often does the same. If you hang clothes to dry instead of using a tumble dryer, you can often skip softener and still avoid most of the static.
Can I remove the layer again?
Partly, with a few washes without softener and a little vinegar in the rinse water. Check first that your machine tolerates vinegar, and follow the care label so you damage neither machine nor fabric.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
