Fabric Softener

[Anonincog]

I've read quite a few people say not to use fabric softener when washing your terry cloths. I was wondering why this is?

[QiB1400]

Re: Fabric Softener

facbric softeners reduce the capacity to absorb liquids.

[Lydia]

Re: Fabric Softener

Has any one else noticed fabric softeners also tend to leave behind a residue that leaves kind of a film on whatever you use it on? Or is that just my imagination...

[QiB1400]

Re: Fabric Softener

i never used a fabric softener on my meg-s products so i wouldnt know :P

[gollums_friend]

Re: Fabric Softener

Has any one else noticed fabric softeners also tend to leave behind a residue that leaves kind of a film on whatever you use it on? Or is that just my imagination...

I doubt that it's your imagination! Say you use fabric softener on a weekly basis on something like a thick bath towel. Over time, the fabric softener actually builds up (at least my experience!). If you really rub your hands on it, then a towel that hasn't seen softener, the towel that has the build up almost feels......"waxy".

So I wouldn't be surprised at all that a fabric softened towel would leave a filmy residue.

[Anonincog]

Re: Fabric Softener

Ah, ok. Thanks.
And since I'm asking about washing cloths. Is there anything I should be careful of as far as detergents?

[mini44]

Re: Fabric Softener

I've read to use liquid detergent but was also wondering if there is a problem with powder.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Fabric Softener

Has any one else noticed fabric softeners also tend to leave behind a residue that leaves kind of a film on whatever you use it on? Or is that just my imagination...

Not your imagination at all. In fact, this is the primary reason that fabric softeners, whether it be a liquid softener used in the rinse cycle or a dryer sheet, are NOT recommended for use on MF towels.

[harley130]

Re: Fabric Softener

I've been told that the way fabric softner actually works is to apply a waterproof coating on the cloth. So I can see it building up over time.

[Anonincog]

Re: Fabric Softener

Ok, now, I have some cotton terry cloths that have been put through the wash and dried using fabric softener a few times, maybe 5 or so. Say I were to put them through the wash and dried without any fabric softener. Would that get ?rid of the residue? Or am I better off just getting new terry cloths?

[fishbonezken]

Re: Fabric Softener

Meguiar's All-Purpose Cleaner contains fabric softeners,

is it wrong to pre-treat microfiber towels before throwing them in to the washing machine?

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Fabric Softener

Meguiar's All-Purpose Cleaner contains fabric softeners,

is it wrong to pre-treat microfiber towels before throwing them in to the washing machine?

I never noticed that before and I pretreat MF towels all the time with APC. Then again, I'm spraying a small amount of APC onto only the dirtiest spots on a few towels and then putting them all through a full wash cycle then a double rinse so I don't think much of anything softener-wise is surviving the process. Especially when compared to adding a "normal" dose of fabric softener in the rinse cycle (as is standard procedure for such things) or throwing a softener sheet in the dryer. At least I haven't seen any negative effects from it, and I have seen streaking in the past from using traditional fabric softeners.

[RDVT4ME]

Re: Fabric Softener

Meguiar's All-Purpose Cleaner contains fabric softeners,

is it wrong to pre-treat microfiber towels before throwing them in to the washing machine?

I'm curious why you say that APC has fabric softeners in it. I've not noticed that on any of the labeling, but maybe I missed something.

I have dripped APC full strength on my old painted table in the garage and it will remove paint. That was a surprise!

[gb387]

Re: Fabric Softener

I'm curious why you say that APC has fabric softeners in it. I've not noticed that on any of the labeling, but maybe I missed something.

I have dripped APC full strength on my old painted table in the garage and it will remove paint. That was a surprise!

I didn't realize that either but sure enough on the front of the APC gallon jug:
----
Ideal for reconditioning all interior surfaces
Active foaming action lifts dirt
Fabric Softeners & optical brighteners for luxurious results
----

Also checked APC+ and it doesn't list them in the bottle just states that is that is leaves fibers soft.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Fabric Softener

I'm curious why you say that APC has fabric softeners in it. I've not noticed that on any of the labeling, but maybe I missed something.

That's what I thought too, but after seeing fishbonezken's post I checked the description on the Meguiar's e-commerce site and sure enough:

Meguiar's All Purpose Cleaner is ideal for reconditioning all interior surfaces. The superior foaming action gently lifts the dirt away while its unique blend of fabric softeners and optical brighteners enhance the look and feel of carpet, upholstery, vinyl and even leather.

This should also clear up those threads about using it on leather!

I will stand by assessment though....I don't use much APC in the wash, but it goes into the earliest portion of the wash cycle and I'm sure the majority of it get's washed out. Let's face it, a very small amount of softener will likely have no detrimental effects.

Sort of like comparing falling off the curb with falling off your house. Both are falling, but in different degrees, and with different consequences.