Do you fuss whenever you do the laundry because your clothes get stiff and wrinkled after they’re dried? It’s time for you to utilize a fabric softener.
Fabric softeners are quite popular so, it would be best for your clothing if you decided to use one.
Fabric softeners are additives used when doing laundry to soften clothing by removing the static and creases that come from frequently doing the laundry. They also give your clothing a nice smell, make them easy to iron, and promote their appeal.
How To Use Fabric Softener Without Dispenser
Using a fabric softener is great regardless of whether you have a washing machine or not as it’s suitable for both methods of laundry. Many people do not know how to use it and so they add it to their clothing inappropriately and damage their clothing.
Fabric softeners are added to clothing via a fabric softener dispenser within the washing machine and can also be done manually if your washing machine does not have this option or probably if your laundry requires that you hand wash them.
Using A Fabric Softener Without A Dispenser Unit
You can check the manufacturer’s manual for information to know if your washing machine has this component. If it doesn’t, then you should follow the steps outlined below.
- Check your washing machine for loading locations
Many new machines have top loading or front loading locations. You’ll need to manually add the fabric softener in the rinse cycle of laundry wherever the loading location is since there’s no dispenser.
The locations are usually located on top or at the front of the machine. You can also check the instructions manual if you’ve got no clue on how to do it.
- Measure the quantity of fabric softener
After locating the loading location, fill a measuring cup (this usually comes with the fabric softener) with the required quantity of fabric softener.
An average quantity of 23 to 25 ml of fabric softener should do the job perfectly for your laundry load. If your laundry is quite much, you can add another 23 ml.
- Add little water to the quantity of fabric softener
You must dilute the fabric softener to make sure your laundry does not get soiled.
It’s also important because the softener sediments tend to accumulate after some time, so diluting the softener reduces the amount that clogs your washing machine.
- Wait for the rinse cycle of your washing machine
After creating the solution from the softener and water, you can wait for the washing machine to enter its rinse cycle so that you can add the fabric softener manually because if you add them during the wash cycle, the softener will be laundered away.
Once this is done, you can cover the washing machine and allow it to perform its rinse cycle.
- Remove your laundry and dry
Now your laundry is clean, softened, has good smells, and is ready to be dried. You can dry them by airing them or tumble drying them in a dryer.
It’s important to also note that you can also add the softener to your laundry after hand washing if your clothing requires it. This is done by the following steps;
- After hand washing, measure a cup filled with fabric softener depending on the quantity of your laundry.
- Then, dilute it with water to create a solution that can be added to the laundry.
- After this, leave your clothing to properly soak in the water for up to 10 or 15 minutes to allow the softener effectively act on your laundry.
- Then, you can remove it from the water and leave it to dry and that’s all you need.
How Much Fabric Softener Should I Use For My Laundry?
When you use a fabric softener for your laundry, it’s important to have prior knowledge of how much softener to use. Too much softener leaves a bad amount of residue on your washing machine and also results in stains on your clothing while any amount lesser than the required may not give your clothing the necessary degree of softness.
Normally, your washing machine fabric softener dispenser adds the required amount of softener to your laundry in the rinse cycle.
But when that option is not available, you can do it manually by adding about 20ml of softener to your laundry or you can check the back of the softener to find out its required dosage.
What Can I Use in Place of Fabric Softener?
Fabric softeners are cool and easy to use. But if you don’t want to use them, you can try out other options like dryer balls which are eco-friendly, makes your clothing fluffier, and gives them a softened feel.
Also, you can try out dryer sheets which remove the risk of getting stains compared to the liquid fabric softener and prevents an accumulation of static electricity in your clothing. You can even make them yourself with a sponge, liquid softener, and a little water.
Vinegar and baking soda are other options you could try out. If you prefer home DIY methods, they give laundry pleasant smells and prevent them from fading.