Interesting Facts to Know About Fabric Conditioner
WHAT IS A FABRIC CONDITIONER?
A fabric conditioner, sometimes known as a fabric softener, is a laundry product that is applied to laundry to reduce the harsh effects of the wash cycle to protect the fibres of clothes, and other items. As well as making your clothes and bed linen smell wonderful, it can also help them to keep their original shape. It can reduce colour fading, and it can also help to reduce bobbling, pilling, and ‘fuzz’.
Supporters of this laundry product claim that it can also improve the longevity of clothing, and other items. However, fabric conditioner doesn’t suit all clothing, and some critics maintain that it should be kept out of the wash cycle altogether. Whether you are a supporter or a critic of this laundry product, it’s a product worthy of discussion in the wonderful world of laundry services.
HOW LAUNDRY CONDITIONER WORKS.
Fabric conditioner was invented in the mid-1990s by the textile industry to reduce static and in an attempt to try to make clothes more comfortable to wear, such as newly made cotton fabrics. The first fabric conditioners were made from soap and oil that created a smooth coat over the fabric.
At present, there are three types of fabric emulsifiers used in the production of fabric conditioners. There are micro-emulsion, macro-emulsion, and emulsion polymers. Each one of these emulsifiers is added in accordance with the level of penetration and absorption required during the production process. Micro-emulsions allow for deep penetration into the fibres of fabrics, while macro-emulsions and emulsion polymers only coat the outer surface of the fibres.
HOW TO USE A FABRIC CONDITIONER.
For a relatively long time, fabric conditioner has been a familiar go-to laundry product used to soften clothes, and other items during the wash cycle. As a rule of thumb, fabric conditioner is placed into the washing machine prior to the wash, typically in the conditioner compartment of the washing machine. As most fabric conditioners come in liquid form, this makes it easy to pour the correct dosage. Set on a wash cycle, the washing machine automatically distributes the conditioner onto and into the clothing during the final rinse cycle.
Fabric conditioner can also be applied when hand washing delicate clothing and other items. This will act to protect such items from the harshness of the wash cycle. As with all laundry, it’s important to check care labels before starting this process.
Applying fabric conditioner to hand washed garments is a relatively simple process. After the clothing is hand washed, empty the sink of dirty water and refill it with cool, clean, rinsing water. Simply drop the garments into the clean water and add a cap full of fabric conditioner. Mix the solution with the clothing, and allow it to soak for a couple of minutes. Finally, empty the sink and then wring the clothing out, and dry it in accordance with the drying instructions.
WHEN TO USE FABRIC CONDITIONER.
Typically, fabric conditioner works best on synthetic fibres. It is also used in geographical areas where there is ‘hard’ water. The ingredients in the fabric conditioner complement the mineral composition within hard water, which then strikes a balance that unlocks a beneficial outcome to soften laundry.
WHEN TO AVOID USING FABRIC CONDITIONER.
It’s best to try to avoid using fabric conditioner on natural fibres and fabrics, such as linen and wool. The effects of using this laundry product on such items can cause bobbling and pilling, and can cause fabrics to stiffen in texture, which is quite the opposite of what we are trying to achieve!
THE BENEFITS OF USING FABRIC CONDITIONER.
There are at least six benefits of adding a fabric conditioner to your laundry cycle:
i) It can make clothing and bed linen soft to the touch and feel great against the skin when applied in the correct dosage.
ii) It can make laundry smell wonderful.
iii) It can help to prevent colour fading during the wash cycle.
iv) It can add protection against bobbling and pilling during the wash cycle.
v) It can make it easier to iron clothing and bed linen.
vi) It can add to the longevity of clothing, and other items.
THE DISADVANTAGES OF USING FABRIC CONDITIONER.
There are at least five disadvantages of adding fabric conditioners to the wash cycle:
i) Fabric conditioners can contain harsh chemicals, such as phthalate, which are responsible for the dispersal of the scents that we have long associated with our favourite fabric conditioners.
ii) Fragrance mixes may be responsible for causing allergies and skin irritations, such as dermatitis, and can cause difficulties in breathing.
iii) It has been documented that fabric conditioners can impact on the functioning of the reproductive system in humans.
iv) It can leave a layer of residue on clothing, and other laundry items.
v) Adding fabric conditioners to flame-resistant garments can interfere with the integrity of such garments by adding a waxy coating that makes the garments more flammable.
HOW TO MAKE A FABRIC CONDITIONER AT HOME.
Making your own fabric conditioner at home is a relatively cheap and cheerful way of softening your laundry, which is free from harsh chemicals and waxes. This would mean that the risk of skin irritation is reduced, as is the risk of build-up of fabric conditioner in your washing machine.
All you’ll need is a bottle of distilled white vinegar. This ingredient can be used to do everything from softening clothing and other laundry items to deodorising and removing stains from them.
Generally, all you’ll need to do is pour the distilled vinegar and water solution directly into your washing machine as it fills up with water. The next step is to add your laundry, then allow it to wash.
To soften clothing etc. use one cup of white distilled vinegar. When your laundry load reaches its final rinse cycle, pour the white vinegar into the washing machine. This will give you a simple but effective natural fabric softener.
We hope you find these interesting facts about laundry fabric conditioners useful!
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