Why or why not use fabric softener?

Why or why not use fabric softener? I was reading about it in the Eroski magazine, I realized what it is to be taken into account when choosing the fabric softener ... The softener is sold dissolved in water and added in liquid form to the washing machine. The most important ingredients of fabric softeners are cationic surfactants, quaternary ammonium type usually. These surfactants are adhered to the fibers of the fabric, providing softness, bulk, provide fluffiness and antistatic properties. A good softener must maintain a pleasant sensation of the tissues and provide an attractive aroma.

Photo: utilidad.com

What does the softening power depend?

As always, if when we seek a good detergent we want it wash efficiently, about softener we are looking to leave soft clothes. Most water softener is cationic surfactants. In the composition of the softening elements also come as mineral salts or dyes, nothing affecting the real power of easing.

Does it affect whether it is more or less liquid?

Contrary to what we might think, a more viscous softening does not have to contain a higher proportion of active material and therefore be more effective. A less viscous product is dispensed more easily, is better diluted in water, obstructs least the washing ducts and less product is lost in the container. Concentrated softeners have a higher percentage of cationic surfactants. Regarding pH, is considered to be better a softener slightly acid -between 4 and 4.6- to neutralize the alkalinity of the detergent during the final rinse.

Would you like your clothes smell good?

The aroma is a fundamental aspect of a softener. I personally use increasingly less softener. When I do, I do because I notice the clothes softer and because of the aroma. I've also read a lot about it and it seems that contrary to what everyone thinks the smell doesn't mean either that a detergent is better, nor softener. If I use it less now rather by an economic issue ... plus the soap I use for wool clothing, smells good and has already incorporated the softener.

Do you value the softness in some clothes?

If we use, it's best not to use with natural fibers, especially viscose and yarn  (but natural polymer chemistry), because it removes the natural sizing they possess. Use for wool, acrylic, polyester, polyamide is advised. In these clothes we really notice that provides softness and prevents the formation of wrinkles. The garments of wool and acrylic are not necessary to iron them, we leave them to dry on a towel. For polyester and polyamide garments, we can use fabric softener to remove electrostatic charges, not ironed, we hang right them out of the dryer.