When it comes to laundry there are a lot of products out there that you can use to get the job done.
From traditional laundry detergents to fabric softeners it can be hard to decide which is best for your laundry needs.
So can you use fabric softener as laundry detergent? Let’s take a look.
The Benefits of Fabric Softeners
The primary benefit of using fabric softener is that it can soften and make clothes feel more comfortable.
Fabric softeners work by coating fabric fibers with lubricants which can reduce static cling reduce wrinkles and make clothes feel soft and comfy.
However fabric softeners are not as effective at cleaning clothes as laundry detergents.
Fabric softeners don’t contain any surfactants which are necessary for removing dirt and stains from clothes.
This means that fabric softener may not be the best choice for heavily soiled clothes.
The Benefits of Laundry Detergents
On the other hand laundry detergents are specifically designed to remove dirt and stains from clothes.
They contain surfactants which help to break down dirt and stains and make them easier to remove.
Laundry detergents also often contain brighteners which can help to make clothes look brighter and fresher.
The Downsides of Using Fabric Softener as Laundry Detergent
One downside of using fabric softeners as laundry detergents is that they can reduce the effectiveness of the detergent.
This is because the lubricants in fabric softener can interfere with the surfactants in the detergent preventing them from working as effectively.
Another downside is that fabric softeners can leave a residue on clothes.
This residue can cause clothes to feel stiff and uncomfortable.
It’s also possible that fabric softener residue can attract dirt and cause clothes to become dingier over time.
The Bottom Line
So can you use fabric softener as laundry detergent? Ultimately it depends on your laundry needs.
Fabric softener can be a great way to make clothes feel softer and more comfortable but it’s not as effective as laundry detergent at removing dirt and stains.
If your laundry needs involve heavily soiled clothes it’s best to stick with a traditional laundry detergent.