Have you ever had someone tell you that you should never use fabric softener, but you are not told why? Have you ever noticed anything off with your fabrics after washing them with fabric softener? People use these cleaning products all the time, so it may be a surprise that they are not always the best option. There are a few benefits, but they do come with and create several problems. Managers and staff should know the purposes of fabric softener and when your team should and should not use it. Educating housekeeping on its effects can help prevent future problems, save money, and reduce mistakes. This blog will highlight the pros and cons of using fabric softeners, explain why they can be harmful, and list possible alternative solutions.

What are Fabric Softeners?

They come in the form of liquid-based powders, pods, or heat-activated dryer sheets. Some laundry detergents also include fabric softeners in their formulas. They work like regular hair conditioners. They use chemicals to lubricate the fibers to create softer, fresher, wrinkle-free, and better-smelling fabric. There are advantages and disadvantages to using these kinds of products that properties need to be aware of.

5 Pros and Cons to Using Fabric Softener:

Why can it be Harmful?

Hospitality Sheet Sets — Micro Check Sheet Sets

Housekeeping staff should not use these products often or avoid them entirely because the chemicals found in them can be toxic. They are not environmentally friendly due to their typical petroleum-based product formula. This formula does not biodegrade quickly, may harm or irritate human skin, and can cause damage to the property’s linens. Hospitality staff should never use fabric softeners with flame-resistant cloth, water-repellent fabrics, microfiber cleaning towels, and microfiber fleece. Other materials that staff should refrain from using these cleaning products include wool, delicate natural fabrics, down comforters and blankets, linens, sheets, silk, and other synthetic materials. Suppose fabric softeners are used on these materials; then, in that case, there is a high possibility of reducing the longevity and quality of the fabrics. Preservatives and dyes have the potential to irritate the skin, cause allergies, and add to pollution. And these are only a few potent chemicals found in them!

What to Use Instead

Hospitality Blankets — Diamond Cotton Blanket

Replacements for fabric softeners can include distilled white vinegar, baking soda, wool dryer balls, and organic essential oils. Distilled white vinegar helps fluff, removes lint, reduces static, and acts as a natural fabric cleaner. Add 1/4 cup to the wash cycle with baking soda before the detergent. This will leave the material less wrinkled, softer, and cleaner. Wool dryer balls are a favorite of many. They can absorb moisture from the fabrics, shorten drying time, cut down static, lessen tangled sheets, reduce lint, decrease wrinkles, and are chemical-free. Baking soda will soften fabrics, linens, bed sheets, and down feather products. If you want a non-toxic, refreshing scent, use organic essential oils.

InnStyle is Here for Your Property

Fabric softeners are a tricky cleaning situation that can cause problems for properties if they are not used properly. The improper use of fabric softener is just one of a number of laundry mistakes that can be made. InnStyle offers a wide variety of linens and wants customers to have a vast knowledge of how to care for linens. With the warning about fabric softeners, there is a better chance for longer-lasting, higher-quality linens. Some recommended products are the Bamboo I Blend Sheets, Lux Blanket, or the 250 Millennium Stripe Duvet. If you have any questions, please call InnStyle and speak with one of their account managers. They are always happy to help! InnStyle can be reached at 267-354-6020 or 800-877-4667. Their website is https://www.innstyle.com/.