Why You Should Never Use Fabric Softener on Towels, According to a Cleaning Expert

Fabric softener can do more harm than good on towels. The page says it can coat fibers, reduce absorbency, trap odors, and leave towels feeling waxy or stiff. It also notes that buildup from detergent or fabric softener can shorten towel lifespan, though it can often be reversed.

Reading notes

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• Fabric softener coats towel fibers with chemical compounds meant to increase softness and reduce static, but it can reduce water absorbency.
• Towels that dry poorly and feel slightly waxy have likely been overtreated with fabric softener.
• Fabric softener can trap odors and make towels smell musty even after washing.
• Too much detergent can cause similar buildup and effects.
• To remove buildup, wash towels with half the usual detergent and 1 cup of white vinegar.
• Put the vinegar in the fabric softener dispenser tray so it releases at the right point in the cycle.
• After washing, dry the towels well and avoid fabric softener dryer sheets.
• Dryer balls can increase fluffiness by separating towels and helping air circulate more evenly.
• White vinegar in the rinse cycle can soften towels naturally, but it should be used sparingly.
• Wool dryer balls can help reduce static cling.
• Scented laundry beads can add fragrance without coating the towels.
• If fabric softener is still used, the page recommends a half dose per load.
• For dryer sheets, cutting the sheet in half reduces how much fabric softener the towels are exposed to.