Stretch Denim and Fabric Softener

Anonymous

I know not to dry my denim in the dryer, but I'm wondering if fabric softener is detrimental to the stretch? Anyone know whether fabric softener adversely affects our good denim?

15 years ago

General

18 replies

Latest reply was from Cookie

Queen Mum

Veteran

I don't know... but what I do know is that the reason we need fabric softener is because of the detergent left in our clothes from the washer. I'd try using less detergent (maybe even a woolite type) and see what you think.

15 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Don't use Woolite- it's so harsh! (I learned that in my textiles class). I think Kim is right,though- I don't use fabric softener at all, and I use small amounts of homemade detergent. I just read an article recently about how the agitation is what gets your clothes clean, anyway- according to this article detergent is unnecessary.

15 years ago

Beth

Veteran

I don't use fabric softener, either.

Chewy, what would you recommend instead of Woolite?

15 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

If you're washing silk or wool- use baby shampoo.

15 years ago

Beth

Veteran

Good to know. Thanks!

15 years ago

Lisa

Veteran

uh oh, I use woolite all the time, if it's not silk or wool what should I use? Baby shampoo still ok?

15 years ago

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I also use regular shampoo for silk and wool and it works well (if it is good for my hair it should be good for my clothing :-))

15 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Shampoos is good for wool and silk because it's a natural fiber similar to hair. Baby detergent (Dreft type) is also gentle- or make your own. It's really easy, and you can add essential oils for a nice smell or use a scented soap. Here's the recipe that I use (the liquid):
http://www.duggarfamily.com/recipes.html

15 years ago

Sparky

Veteran

Chewy, I may try one of those homemade detergents ~ if I can make my own deodorant, why not detergent? Thanks for posting those.

Anne, you might consider using white vinegar as a clothes softener. That's what I use. I haven't found anything to suggest it hurts fabrics and haven't noticed any problems myself.

15 years ago

Anonymous

Fabric softener can also be dangerous building up in the dryer over time. I don't use it at all. If you really feel the need to soften, a half cup of white vinegar added to the rinse will soften and deodorize. Your laundry will not smell like vinegar, I promise. I also wash delicate fabrics by hand in shampoo.

15 years ago

Anonymous

Let's just say I LIKE to use fabric softener and plan to use it until the day I die.

My question remains: is it going to damage my designer jeans or not? That's all I want to know.

15 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

I found this article..

http://www.jbandme.com/blog/un.....aintenace/

15 years ago

Anonymous

Thank you, Queenie.

15 years ago

lynne

Veteran

What an interesting and informative thread. I had never thought or heard about this.

15 years ago

Anonymous

FYI, ladies: I'm trying vinegar with a load of towels RIGHT NOW. Despite my love of fabric softener, I couldn't help but be influenced by you all!

15 years ago

Louise

Veteran

Anne I'm attatched to my fabric softner too I love the smell x

15 years ago

Sparky

Veteran

Oh good, Anne, I thought I had overstepped by suggesting the vinegar. I had meant that I didn't know if fabric softeners could hurt stretch denim but that vinegar was a good/safe substitute. Let us know how the experiment with the towels goes!

15 years ago

Active Member

I knew about the baby shampoo but not about the white vinegar. A good friend of mine just had a major problem with her dryer and the repairman told her it was from the build-up of her fabric softener. I was skeptical but now I can't wait to tell her about this thread. Thank you all for sharing your vast knowledge as well as your fabulous fashion sense.

15 years ago

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