4 reasons why fabric softeners are a waste of money

If you’ve noticed some waxy buildup in your washing machine or that your towels aren’t absorbing water, it might be your fabric softener.

Fabric softeners might seem like the easy way to get soft, fluffy towels – but they’re not without their downsides. Here’s why we think you should avoid them, plus how you can get soft laundry without forking out for a bottle of fabric softener.

Why you shouldn't use fabric softener

1. They cause washing machine residue.

Fabric softeners can react with laundry detergent in the water, resulting in a waxy residue called “scrud”. This can build up in unseen parts of your washing machine and may damage it or contaminate laundry – so it’s important to use the correct dose and to dilute the softener before adding it to the dispenser.

2. They might make your towels less absorbent.

To create a feeling of softness, chemicals make the fabric strands fluff up. The downside, according to our past tests, is that “softer” textiles absorb less water. A soft towel isn’t much good if you can’t dry yourself.

3. They may be a fire risk.

Cuddly PJs are comforting on cold winter nights, but flame-resistant fabrics, such as those in children’s pyjamas, may become more flammable when coated in softener (re-washing the fabric without softener may restore flame resistance).

4. They cost more.

A typical major brand fabric softener will cost you around 20c extra per wash.

How to get softer laundry

If you want softer laundry:

• select a programme that doesn’t skimp on water (some “quick” and “eco” programmes use so little water that fabrics come out stiff and scratchy)

• add an extra rinse

• lower the spin speed

• use a clothes dryer on cool to fluff towels up before hanging them on the line.

One of the best clothes dryers we’ve tested costs less than $600