Or from having rusty pipes/washing machine, or accidentally having added an article of clothing with heavy dye to a load. However, fabric softener is a product that is designed to be diluted in water before being applied to clothing. Tissues left in pockets, lint, and other organic material can lead to. Use the right detergent—and the. It depends on several factors such as the type of fabric softener used, the length of time the product was left on the garment, the temperature of the water used to wash the garment, the type of wash cycle or cycle time used, and the amount of agitation during the wash cycle. 2. I fill the fabric softener dispenser with vinegar (about 1/2 a cup) and a small amount of Snuggle (about a tablespoon) Wash on the heavy cycle and dry as normal. . 1. . Fight Underarm Odor. Here are a few easy tips on getting the smell out of sweat out of your workout clothes. More is not always better. Many types of athletic wear have wicking technology to absorb sweat from your skin and keep you cool when you're working out. According to their website, Downy's Fabric Conditioner keeps clothes soft and fresh but also keeps colors from fading and reduces fuzz. Just don't make any of these 7 laundry detergent mistakes that could cost you. Put sports bras in protective mesh washing bags. Hand towels should be changed every couple. Fabric softener produces a waxy film that can get caught on top of certain fabrics, such as down-filled comforters, coats, and blankets. Fabric softener: Starts to break down and separate at around 6-12 months, unopened softener can last 2-3 years. Sheet-style fabric softeners emit a wax-like substance that adheres to the fabric, making it feel softer and reducing static build-up. 13 min read. The vinegar will help cut through perfume residue in the fibers. I recommend using this only when it's needed on workout clothes, athletic clothing, work clothes, smelly sweat socks, Barn chore clothes, etc. Watch on. You can’t use fabric softener on polyester because the fibers are synthetic and don’t respond well to the chemicals, which can make the fabric feel stiff and scratchy instead of smooth and soft. Wash your polyester in cold water to prevent shrinkage. Avoid Fabric Softener At All Costs. You can use fabric softener to help shrink your clothes in a couple of different ways. If you are looking for a quick way to make your workout clothing smell nice, try adding lemon juice to the wash cycle. It can make clothes lose their shape by coating the fibers and breaking down the elastic. Like your hair, your clothes pick up sweat and dirt throughout the day. The 9 Best Washer and Dryer Sets of. The formula is organic, safe for sensitive skin, and lightly scented with essential oils for a fresh, natural smell. Fabric softener will reduce the effectiveness of flame-retardant coatings on children's clothing. Fabric softener contains lubricants that can reduce the absorbency and elasticity of spandex, lycra, and other moisture-wicking materials. (Image credit. Give your wool or cashmere at least 10 minutes so the fibers can soften and stretch more easily. Avoid fabric softener. 2. Instead of reaching for a fabric softener when washing your gear, add a half cup of white. If you still want to use the dryer, wool dryer balls can help reduce static. But we also want. You should only put liquid softener in the machine via the correct fabric softener dispenser detergent compartment for the washing machine to wash clothes correctly. "Or for a fuller rinse, manually pause your machine right before the final rinse cycle and add a 1/2 cup of diluted white vinegar to the load. There is some debate on whether or not to use fabric softeners on towels, but it comes down to their material. Fabric softeners, whether in liquid form or dryer sheets, contain various chemicals that can have a significant impact on the environment if not disposed of correctly. To eliminate tough odors, add one cup of white vinegar and one tablespoon of baking soda to the washer. If you are looking for a quick way to. However, it works well to keep clothes supple and wrinkle-free. "After treating, you can add white vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser in your washing machine," says Cohoon. The issue with fabric softener and high tech athletic clothing is the fabric softener coats the fibers and prevents absorption. Wash gym clothes in cold water using the delicate or gentle cycle. The obvious reasons for using fabric softener are valid. Do not mix vinegar with bleach or other cleaning products. To avoid this, Campbell uses vegan products like The Laundress Fabric. While fabric softener can lend to a soft, wrinkle-free finish, ongoing usage may negatively impact the feel of your fabrics over time. But considering some fabric softeners don't even perform as well as water, consider lower-cost alternatives. They fluff your clothes as you dry them and the result is softer than fabric softener, has zero chemicals, and creates zero waste. Best Unscented Fabric Softener: Seventh Generation Fabric Softener Sheets, Free and Clear at Amazon. Spray 10-15 squirts of the mixture into the dryer (on wet clothes) before drying. Sweat X Sport Laundry Detergent. It depends on several factors such as the type of fabric softener used, the length of time the product was left on the garment, the temperature of the water used to wash the garment, the type of wash cycle or cycle time used, and the amount of agitation during the wash cycle. Soak Them in White Vinegar First. There is some debate on whether or not to use fabric softeners on towels, but it comes down to their material. Add the said amount to a bucket of water. Get softer clothes without being a plastic-waste abuser with this Grove Co. Whatever you do, however, make sure you wash on the highest temp you can and use a. The number of wool dryer balls you add depends upon two things: the size of the load and the quality of wool dryer balls you are using. Step 3: Drain the liquid, but DO NOT rinse the sweater. Jump to Review. This sounds more like abrasion damage than anything to do with fabric softener. Fill a bucket or sink with cold water. just re-wash them. To soften your clothes, add 1/2-1 cup of vinegar to the softening dispenser or to the final rinse cycle. This will help to remove soap residue and leave your linens feeling soft. The vinegar helps remove residue and excess soap from your laundry, which can leave your clothes feeling clean and soft. Now, add 1/2 a cup of vinegar to your fabric softener dispenser. – lubricates clothing with special chemicals. If you combine this property with a heat source, it can cause a fair bit of shrinking! You can use this technique in two ways. If you accidentally put fabric softener into a detergent dispenser, take out any clothing that has already been washed and start over with just detergent – otherwise you may end up with stained or damaged clothes! Ultimately, understanding when and where to use fabric softener is key for achieving great results from your washing machine. Do not combine with a commercial fabric softener. Like your hair, your clothes need a conditioner to soften your fabric. More on this:First, soak your clothes. ew! 2 years ago. They contain optical brighteners and conditioners that actually coat fabrics to make them “whiter than white” or “snuggly soft”. Don’t use too much detergent. The softener will coat the clothing fibers and prevent them from wicking away moisture and ruining the effect of your sportswear. Brighten and Whiten Clothes1. Laundry scent boosters and fabric softeners are not the same thing. Bottom line: Consider fabric softener a “once in a while” deep. Add at least 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle and stop the cycle. All you need is some fabric softener or hair conditioner. BUT, after awhile, it left an awful smell, similar to cigarette smoke. And when you clean them, you should not use fabric softener. The Colors of the Fabric Will Fade. Soak the mat for 5 to 15 minutes before scrubbing it with a sponge or rag. Whatever you do, however, make sure you wash on the highest temp you can and use a powdered. Here are some tips on how to use vinegar correctly: Add 1/2 to 1 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle of your washing machine. If the compartment is filled past capacity, then the laundry. Immediately you add the soap, give the machine time to clean the garments. g. Collect all of your sweaty workout clothes and place them in the washing machine. I will also. Waxy coating on clothes. The temperature will depend on the material of your clothes: cotton items can be washed regularly at higher temperatures to get rid of bad smells, whereas synthetics are more sensitive to higher. "Steps. Type: Liquid︱Amount: 65 ounces per bottle︱Number of Loads: 45 loads per bottle︱Scent: Original︱Safe for High-Efficiency Machines: Yes. There are a few things that try to help reduce the sweaty smell and keep the clothes fresh: Wash the clothes after each use. It Can Affect Texture Over Time. Shake well before using. Avoid fabric softener, which impairs the breathability of the. Avoid using fabric softener or bleach. The advantage of using fabric softener is that it reduces pilling, stretching, and pulling of clothing. Softeners and detergents serve two different roles in the laundry room. The 8 Best Fabric Softeners of 2023. The Fabric softener container is not empty when the load is finished running . Preventing trash odors: put a used dryer sheet in the bottom of the kitchen garbage pail to keep food odors to a minimum until you take the garbage out. Never buy dryer sheets. Just don't make any of these 7 laundry detergent mistakes that could cost you. Just mix together vinegar and water (use a 2:1 ratio) and let your clothes soak in it. One of the best ways to prevent accidentally using fabric softener on your workout. A few drops of shampoo. Just mix together vinegar and water (use a 2:1 ratio) and let your clothes soak in it. It’s early Sunday morning and I’m tired. Jon Floyd August 25, 2022. Most of the time, if you hang it on a hook or over a chair, it will dry off before you’re out of the shower. Fabric softener's main ingredient is a highly processed fat. To apply, add a capful of conditioner to. Avoid using fabric softener or bleach. Wait until your laundry is in the rinse cycle and then add in 1 ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) of vinegar. It is not a big deal if you’ve accidentally used fabric softener in place of detergent. We soaked our “clean” sheets and towels, too. No! You may add fabric softener to your wash cycle in other ways, but never in the bleach dispenser. However, it does have consequences. Baking Soda. Dryer sheets were made for an earlier era, when. Most of the time, if you hang it on a hook or over a chair, it will dry off before you’re out of the shower. The colors will start to fade if you soak clothes for too long. Shutterstock/Teresa Otto. Fuck Fabric Softener. For extra odor-busting power, add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the washing machine when cleaning your workout clothes. 2 c. Skip the fabric softener, as it can get trapped in the fibers of the material and prevent the moisture-wicking properties from working like they should. Jump to Review. Deep clean your cloths by soaking them in hot water mixed with enzyme laundry booster, then rinsing them out until the water runs clear. It will eventually screw up your washer and dryer unless they are taken apart and cleaned regularly. While traditional liquid fabric softener and dryer sheets should not be used when washing workout clothes, new products, like Downy's Rinse & Refresh, are good alternatives. Leave them out of the wash! Dry on low heat. In regions where the water supply has a high mineral content (hard water), baking soda added to a load of laundry will prevent the dinginess in clothes washed in hard water. It's an effective way to keep fabrics soft and wrinkle-free. 3. If you accidentally put fabric softener instead of detergent, there is nothing to worry about. Then, move the fabrics to the side of the tub and pour the solution directly into the rinse water. Replace laundry softener in your softener drawer with white vinegar. Fabric softeners and dryer sheets both contain toxic chemicals. Just throw your Thinx undies in with the rest of your laundry on a delicate or gentle cycle (your other clothes will be fine!) with mild detergent. A few drops of shampoo. 2. Rotate LLS into the fabric softener drawer when you wash these things in the future. As a Water Softener . These fabric softeners also aggravate allergies. Downy Rinse & Refresh is a new fabric rinse that addresses the source of these odors by removing odor-causing residue instead of just masking them! Downy Rinse & Refresh was made with sensitive skin in mind with no dyes or heavy perfumes. Here are important tips to follow at the laundromat: Clean the surfaces: Before you set clothes on top of the washer, dryer, or table make sure the surface is clean. Detergents, clean clothes. by Rocky. Run hot water for about a minute to loosen any remaining fabric softener. my mom used fabric softener on all of us and my sister uses it for my nieces clothes. If you've ever tried washing clothing (especially heavy fabrics like denim or cotton) without any kind of fabric treatment, you know the results: stiff jeans, scratchy T-shirts, and towels no one wants to snuggle in. 6. Softeners or conditioners soften and protect the fibers of your clothing. This is particularly true in high-efficiency washers. While it may be tempting to wash or dry workout clothes with fabric softener, don't. Removing deodorant from clothes: if you get deodorant on your clothes while dressing, rub it away with a fabric softener. A few drops of body wash. Amazon. Adding Detergent Last. Over time, the residue from too much softener can build up in fabrics, weakening them and making colors look duller. I might give that a try. This is why you should use fabric softener after washing your clothes. These washers use much less water than a standard washer during the wash and rinse cycles. Rinse with plain water and remove excess moisture. Polyester can be washed in a washing machine or by hand. Hot water, depending on the temperature, can and will permanently ruin microfiber. While it can be tempting to use fabric softener when washing your gym gear, it’s best to avoid it. The trade-off might not be a big deal for regular clothing but when it comes to towels and workout clothes, it becomes a real. Your dingy clothing; 1/2 cup of Vinegar; Handful of Salt; Normal Laundry Detergent; Step 1. Avoid using fabric softener, bleach, or dryer sheets. 5. The question of whether fabric softener is essential in laundry care has long been debated for years. I haven’t used fabric softener in a while but our clothes could use a little of it this week. It’s just more petrochemicals to pour down the drain. Never use liquid fabric softener on activewear. Karolina Grabowska / Pexels 4. It's okay if other Lululemon/athletic wear is in the wash with the vinegar - it will help to get rid of any buildup like the fabric softener. According to Downy, it runs a “small risk” of staining the fabric if poured directly on clothes. Well, there are two easy solutions, and the first is vinegar. It also helps reduce friction between fibers, which creates less static cling and helps product your clothes from wear and tear, making them last longer than if you. If. I use Arm and Hammer liquid detergent, cold cycle except underwear and towels, oxiclean, and snuggle when I use softener. Mix bleach and water in a container. Then, soak a cloth or rag in the solution and wring out the excess liquid. Workout clothes require a different cleaning process than your regular, everyday clothes. After a while, people making this mistake will easily be able to notice bad smells trapped in their clothes. Learn why dryer sheets and fabric softener are damaging your expensive athletic apparel. Scrubbing the fabric can cause damage, so try to avoid it. Fabric softener can damage certain materials which include wool fabric, workout clothes, and swimwear. It’s. It also harms. They can go directly into the washing. Replace the cover back on the top of the bleach dispenser. Add at least 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle and stop the cycle. the official name for this buildup is scrud. However, the manufacturers began adding perfumes to their products in an effort to attract more consumers. Shutterstock. Hand wash the item in a bucket with your favourite hand-washing powder. The main problems with using too much softener include the following. Regular laundry detergents and fabric softeners are designed to leave behind a residue on your clothes, believe it or not. Using a combination of chemicals and enzymes, it cleans and deodorizes laundry. Make sure that the hole is completely clear. This is most noticeable when the color is close to the fabric’s natural color. This natural fabric softener can be used with our Grove Co. It’s also a natural fabric softener. If it doesn’t work, then go for the next method. Fabric softeners are not recommended for workout clothes as these products can damage the elastic fibres in the fabric. I wash all my clothes in cold water. Agitate the cloths by hand, gently squeeze out excess water and hang them to dry. Actually, now that I think about it; I would re-wash. Remedy the stiff fabric by washing it with a couple of cups of white vinegar. Laundry Detergent. When adding fabric softener, do not exceed the maximum fill line. How Wool Dryer Balls Work. 16. Using vinegar instead of fabric softener is actually better for your clothes as well as the appliance itself. The ingredients in fabric softener coat the fibers of the fabric so that abrasion is lessened. If the stain hasn’t completely dissolved, repeat the process before placing laundry in the dryer. Good stuff OP. Furthermore, fabric softeners contain ingredients such as silicone and fragrances that can deteriorate the elasticity and breathability of workout fabrics. Laundry provides us with powder or liquid detergent additives that can remove tough odors and stains from Dri-Fit workout clothes and other apparel used in working out or exercise. I don't know if they work well or not after using fabric softener. Don't worry—the wrinkles haven't set in forever. 2. The fabric softener lubricates these fibers and neutralizes the charge, which ultimately protects your laundry from damage and lends to a softer feel. It’s really a double replacement reaction. This means only using fabric softener. Home Appliance Technician. A gentle washing cycle is ideal for these fabrics. Moisture-Wicking Clothes. Then rinse and wash normally. This way, heavier fabrics will be less likely to damage lighter ones in the wash. Soak the towels in the softener solution for at least an hour, until the softener has had time to thoroughly permeate the fabric. I've noticed that, after a few washes, my clothes aren't as soft. While fabric softener smells clean and delicious, it does not contain most of the key cleaning agents and enzymes that are required to properly eradicate dirt, germs, stains. Fabric softener is actually your gym clothes' worst enemy. A similar, more dilute preparation meant to be applied to dry fabric is known as a wrinkle releaser. Wash the items in the washing machine, but do NOT add soap or detergent to the water. This buildup also decreases the absorbency of towels and other materials, limiting their usefulness over time. When I was a senior in high school, I made the decision to purchase a pricey pair of yoga pants. Since most workout clothes are formulated with moisture-wicking materials, you may want to skip fabric softener while washing these types of clothes. The concern about dryer sheets stems from several studies that aimed to understand the effects of fragrances in laundry products. Due to vinegar’s mild acidity, any leftover residue will be stripped away, and your towels will be restored to their optimal fluffiness. It can be a bit more aggressive, like telling a naughty child to sit in the corner. Fabric softener is available in a variety of different forms, but all are comprised of positively charged ions that coat your fabrics. They usually contain a combination of chemical and natural ingredients and come in containers large enough for up to 240 loads. Turn garments inside out. 2. When I was a senior in high school, I made the decision to purchase a pricey pair of yoga pants. Pros. The waxy residue from fabric softeners will clog the fibers on microfibers and towels, which will make it harder for the fabric to soak up liquid and reduce efficiency. Step 1. Fabric softeners do not contain cleaning agents or enzymes to dissolve dirt and stains. They’re just wool balls that go in the dryer. Putting tide pods in the dispenser or on top of your clothes can increase the total washing time by more than 200%. Wash Workout Clothes Together. Detergent has a different consistency, and its purpose is to clean. Use A Sports Detergent. Reduced Absorbency: Fabric softeners have been known to reduce absorbency in towels, terry cloth robes, microfiber cloths, workout clothes, etc. Like your hair, your clothes pick up sweat and dirt throughout the day. Welcome back to Laundry School! This week, as promised, I’m taking your questions about the products that we use in our laundry, with a focus today more on dryer and drying. Submerge your workout clothes, and let them soak for 15–30 minutes before washing. Start by filling the tub with very hot water. First, adding the detergent at the wrong stage means. Instead, drape your workout clothes over a chair, bike, hook, door handle etc and allow to dry before throwing in the laundry bin. Fabric softener leaves your clothes feeling soft and smelling good, but when it’s used on stretchy, synthetic workout clothes, it leaves a slick residue that is nearly impossible to remove. Key Points. Always keep an old rag or towel and disinfectant wipes or spray with you for a wipe-down. From ThinkQuest: The acetic acid (that’s what makes vinegar sour) reacts with sodium bicarbonate (a compound that’s in baking soda) to form carbonic acid. Stay Away from Fabric Softener. Submerge your clothes in the Borax or vinegar mixture. Avoid using fabric softeners. If the compartment is filled past capacity, then the laundry. Fabric softener always needs to be diluted, so never add this directly to the drum. Because static in the dryer is caused by too many loose electrons giving clothing atoms a negative charge, all dryer sheets have to do is balance the electrons with ions, particles with a positive charge. Depending on the washer and the softener type, it is applied to laundry during or after the rinse cycle. Softens. The steps for unshrinking a wool garment are pretty similar to those of cotton. Squeeze the water out of the garment to quicken the drying process. It contains chemicals that coat the fibers of fabrics while they are being washed, which give them a pleasant scent and softer texture but do not actually remove dirt or stains from clothing. Sometimes, people who make this mistake don't notice right away because the smell of fabric softener works well to mask slight odors at the very beginning. Vinegar leaves no residue on your fabrics, unlike many fabric softeners. Start with the detergent because you want to clean the clothes first before adding a fabric softener of your choice. If you run out of detergent and are. Workout clothes should perform as great as they look -- to ensure you choose apparel that supports your favorite type of workout, it's worth knowing a bit about the common fabrics found in activewear. (Pexels: William Fortunato) Mr Iredale adds that this can be an issue if you have allergies or. Between stinky work socks and stinky sweaty workout clothes, not to mention poopy toddler garb, it's the only thing that deodorizes everything! Never had a problem either! May 21, 2018 at 3:46 PM. Brighten and Whiten Clothes1. Place your clothing that needs a little extra brightening into the washer. Label containers clearly. Avoid using dryer sheets for the same reason as fabric softeners. When they’re particularly smelly and dirty, you can use white vinegar to remove. Laundry detergents contain surfactants and enzymes that break down stains, dirt, and oils, allowing them to be washed away. And instead of feeling soft, the items will feel slimy and uncomfortable to touch and. I keep my sports bras in a fabric laundry bag and my leggings in another. The ingredients in fabric softener coat the fibers of the fabric so that abrasion is. Kenneth Lee. Know exactly which chemicals are in the product you're using. Stir the fabrics a few times, then let them soak for 2 to 3 minutes. They usually contain a combination of chemical and natural ingredients and come in containers large enough for up to 240 loads. Skip the fabric softener, as it can get trapped in the fibers of the material and prevent the moisture-wicking properties from working like they should. $13 at AmazonYou might have noticed on some tags, especially with performance clothing, they specifically say NOT to use fabric softeners. Generally, it can take anywhere from one to several washing. Silk is a delicate material that requires special wash techniques, one of which is to skip fabric softener. Check your clothing tags and use the appropriate settings. Fabric, on the other hand, coats clothes with an oily film that makes them soft to the touch and gives them a distinct scent. Turn the clothes inside out. Towels. Helen Camacaro/Getty Images What Does Fabric Softener Do? Fabric softener is a conditioner for your clothing, bedding, and anything else you launder. Habit, for one. That's because most fabric softeners conditioners are made with waxy lipid substance that's derived from animal fat. Leave them submerged for 20-30 minutes while the solution does its work. After the clothes have been washed by the laundry detergent, mix some softener manually during the finishing rinse cycle. Grab the top of the clothing with one hand and squeeze the fabric with your other hand. Step 2: Let your sweater soak in the water mixture for at least 20 minutes but up to two hours. Yes, fabric softener works—depending on the type you use. wash before wear, then after each use. 9–9. (Note: this won’t work long-term, but it can make a difference if. Just place them in a tub with warm water and very mild fragrance-free soap. After the cycle, tumble dry on medium heat with a few tennis balls or dryer balls to help break down the fibers. I put all of my workout clothes on its own cycle: cold water, delicate/hand-wash setting for the cycle, and I hang it (bras and tops) or lay it flat (pants/leggings/any tops that say to lay flat) to dry. The sports bras go in the dryer on delicate in their bag and the leggings go on a drying rack. Laundry detergents might have wax or other compounds that wont rinse off of glass easily. After your clothes are clean, you are left with a coarse fabric. This can cause damage to your clothing and can cause the color to fade or warp. PeopleImages/Getty Images. Using vinegar in the rinse cycle will help prevent lint and pet hair from clinging to clothes. Considering all this it’s hard to imagine why fabric softener isn’t a great thing, right? Well, as it turns out, it really depends on the type of clothing you’re wearing, in the old days it was great, but for athletic clothing keep fabric softener far-far away! First, an overview of what extra fabric softener is…Then I add the clothes. Follow the care instructions on your product tag. Never buy fabric softener. Fabric softener helps the fibers in your clothing relax, making them a tiny bit smaller. “It’ll destroy the elastic, which means your bras (and underwear) won. The rest of the load won’t have any softener in it whatsoever. If you use fabric softener on fabric that says not to, your clothes may become less absorbent, less breathable or more prone to staining. This reduces the movement of sweat through the fabric and prevents the cooling and drying action associated with the fabric. Although they are both used in the washing process, they can’t be interchanged. Detergent is meant to thoroughly clean fabrics by removing dirt, oils, buildup, and stains, while fabric softener is formulated to reinforce and protect the fabric during washing. Some eco-friendly alternatives include using baking soda, homemade dryer balls, or air drying clothes outside. If you're using dish soap, shampoo or body wash, use your finger to rub the soap into the stain. But putting detergent in the fabric softener dispenser is not advisable to do so. Add a commercial fabric softener to the rinse cycle. 4. Oh yes, I use it as fabric softener all the time in my front loader. And maybe. It definitely helps. Let the laundry soak for an hour before completing the rinse cycle. Softener can make clothes soft, fluffy, fragrant, smooth, easy to iron, not easy to deform, fresh and fragrant. Key Points. Fabric softeners are meant to soften fabrics by coating fibers with chemicals. But fabric softener is killing for your sportswear. Fabric softeners are not designed to clean clothes and will flush out of the washer once the cycle is done. It Can Affect Texture Over Time. Fabric softener leaves your clothes feeling soft and smelling good, but when it’s used on stretchy, synthetic workout clothes, it leaves a slick residue that is nearly impossible to remove. To eliminate tough odors, add one cup of white vinegar and one tablespoon of baking soda to the washer. It is colorless. It is not uncommon for workout clothes to develop a sweaty smell after being worn, especially if they are worn frequently and not washed regularly. This is true . Press the soap firmly onto the stain and rub it back and forth so that the soap gets embedded in the clothing fibers. Also goes on to say it can make towels somewhat less absorbent as the softener is “infused into fabrics. Mix bleach and water. 1. Although they are both used in the washing process, they can’t be interchanged. Over time, the colors will completely disappear. The water was disgusting. A salesperson assisted me in choosing. Like we mentioned before, not all fabrics will benefit from fabric softener. You can also wash them with baking soda if the softener leaves an odor.