September 27, 2026, 3:58 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Soft, fluffy, and pleasantly scented–for many, fabric softener is a staple in laundry routines. However, the product doesn’t have the best reputation. Fabric softener is said to harm the environment, make towels less absorbent, damage clothing, and be unsuitable for people with sensitive skin. But how much truth is there to these claims? myHOMEBOOK asked an expert.
What Does Fabric Softener Actually Do to Laundry?
That a T-shirt, duvet cover, or towel feels particularly soft after washing is no accident. Fabric softener contains so-called cationic surfactants. These attach to the fibers during the final rinse cycle and alter their surface. The effect can be easily explained, according to Dr. Bernd Glassl from the German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association (IKW): “Fabric softeners make textiles fluffy by adhering to the fibers, causing them to stand apart and be perceived as soft by the skin.” Additionally, fabric softener makes clothes easier to iron and reduces static electricity.
What Ingredients Are in Fabric Softener?
The formulations vary by product, but some components are typical. Glassl cites cationic surfactants, isopropyl alcohol, water, and fragrances as essential ingredients. The cationic surfactants are particularly responsible for the actual effect. They attach to the textile fibers and ensure that the laundry feels softer.
Fragrances also play an important role for many consumers. However, those who prefer unscented laundry can now opt for products without added fragrances. According to the expert, such a fabric softener doesn’t have to be completely odorless in the bottle for a simple reason: The isopropyl alcohol it contains has its own smell. However, this does not transfer to the washed textiles.
Why Does Fabric Softener Often Have a Bad Reputation?
Few laundry additives are as controversial as fabric softener. The discussion often centers on the environmental impact of the surfactants it contains.
The bad reputation is not entirely unfounded–it partly stems from a time when cationic surfactants were not easily biodegradable. But that’s different today. “Since the 1990s, easily biodegradable cationic surfactants have been used in fabric softeners in Germany, and since 2005, this has been required in the European Union,” says Glassl. He therefore does not see the bad reputation of fabric softener as justified.
Also interesting: Which textiles should not be washed with fabric softener
Controversial with Towels
Another classic accusation against fabric softener is that towels washed with it can’t dry you properly afterward. However, according to the expert, it’s not that clear-cut: “The water absorption capacity remains the same in terms of quantity.”
However, the amount of fabric softener used can make a difference. If more is used than recommended by the manufacturer, water may be absorbed more slowly into the textile. This creates the impression that the towel is less absorbent.
In practice, this means that those who wash towels with fabric softener should follow the dosage recommendation. A larger amount does not automatically result in a better and fluffier outcome.
Is Fabric Softener Problematic for Sensitive Skin?
This topic also involves a widespread prejudice. It is often assumed that fabric softener is generally unsuitable for people with sensitive skin. The expert takes a more nuanced view and points out that people with sensitive skin can actually benefit from particularly soft textiles, as this can reduce the mechanical stress on the skin. However, individual tolerance is crucial. Those who react sensitively to certain fragrances or other components of a product should pay attention to the ingredient list.
Which Fabrics Should Not Be Washed With Fabric Softener
What Are Laundry Detergent Sheets?
Can Fabric Softener Damage Clothing?
Again, the answer is not simply “yes” or “no.” It depends on the material. Caution is advised with certain functional materials. These include, for example, breathable textiles that repel rain while allowing water vapor to escape from the body. “Fabric softener can make it harder for vapor to be expelled,” says Glassl. Therefore, the care instructions should be followed for such functional clothing. If the manufacturer explicitly advises against fabric softener, it should be avoided.
However, if fabric softener is accidentally used on such a garment, it doesn’t necessarily mean permanent damage. According to the expert, the cationic surfactants are removed in the next wash cycle.
Is Fabric Softener More Harmful to the Environment Than Detergent?
The environmental question also cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. According to the expert, neither detergents nor fabric softeners are fundamentally an environmental problem in Germany due to existing wastewater treatment. However, the German Environment Agency recommends using fabric softener sparingly and only when necessary. Since fabric softener is not essential for clean laundry, one might question whether it is needed for every load.