A laundry expert has issued surprising advice for people washing their clothes. Victoria Purcell, an expert for consumer experts Which?, has advised UK households to stop using fabric softener, noting it could be bad for clothes and may also damage washing machines.
Why Fabric Softener Should Be Avoided
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Purcell explained that fabric softener can damage fibers over time, leaving clothes stiff and crispy rather than soft. It can also cause skin irritation. She recommended soaking clothes in a mixture of white vinegar and water before rinsing and washing. For towels, she advised avoiding fabric softener as it reduces absorbency, suggesting a tumble dryer or outdoor drying for softness.
The popular cleaning thread r/CleaningTips on Reddit echoed this, stating that fabric softener builds up in machines, leading to mould and mildew problems, especially in front loaders. Many softeners contain synthetic waxes or animal fats and offer no benefit to fabrics.
Health and Environmental Concerns
The NHS warns people with eczema to avoid fabric softener due to fragrances that can trigger skin reactions. The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust recommends using non-bio washing powder, extra rinse cycles, and avoiding fabric conditioner.
Which? surveyed over 1,000 members, finding that about half use fabric softener in some washes, while one in five use it every time. Non-users cited environmental impact and fabric damage as main concerns. One reader noted it made no difference, and others reported reduced towel absorbency and machine buildup.
However, not everyone agrees. One X user, Syrius, argued that outdoor drying can make towels stiff and recommended bringing them in slightly damp and finishing in a tumble dryer for best results.
Four Reasons to Avoid Fabric Softener
Which? lists four key reasons to avoid fabric softener: skin irritation from perfumes, increased flammability (especially for flame-resistant clothes like baby items), crispy clothes due to waxy buildup, and reduced cleaning power as the coating prevents detergent from penetrating fibers effectively.
