Fabric softener question

[justjunque]

Hi all,

I recently bought a t-shirt online, assuming that it was cotton.
When I received it, I found that it's 100% polyester.
It says something about dry-something or other. It must be that "wicking" type of material.
Anyway, the washing instructions say not to use fabric softener on it.
Can anyone tell me why, or if it would do damage to it if I did use softener?

Thank you!
Barry

 

[ea56]

I think the reason they recommended no fabric softener is because it can sometimes stain synthetic fabrics, especially 100% synthetic material. The resultant FS stains can sometimes be successfully removed by rubbing the stained area with regular bar soap, but Fels Naptha would work best, then re washing the garment with detergent and warmest water possible.

Eddie

 

[DADoES]

 
Softener is a lubricant so may interfere with the moisture-wicking property of the fabric.

 

[appnut]

I agree with Glenn.

 

[liamy1]

As said

Above - FS covers fabric is a layer of "grease" coating every fibre (hence makes it soft) so it will "fill" the microscopic holes in the fabric and will stop it from being "breathable".

It won't "ruin" the item Per se, but it will instantly and immmeidately stop the moisture wicking properties of the fabric and could make for very uncomfortable hot and sweaty conditions on your torso if wearing when excersing (as the garment was probably intended).

This is where those scented beads/unstoppables or odor defence pods are supposed to really come in to their own, as helps with odors without the drawbacks of FS.

 

[mrboilwash]

The moisture wicking properties will suffer if FS is used, but there won`t be any damage to the garment because the FS will wash out again in the next wash.
Never had a problem using it on sportswear, but I only use it in very small doses anyway.

 

[justjunque]

Thanks

I use softener pretty sparingly as well.
I didn't use it at all for years, but I just recently started again.
I missed the softness, as well as the Downy "April Fresh" scent that I remembered from childhood.
I mess with the Unstopables a little bit, but it's not the same.
I wouldn't want to ruin this shirt, since I just bought it. Well, and I like it.
I do wish it had been cotton though.
And, don't worry. I don't wear it to work out. If you saw my physique, you'd understand.

Barry

 

[dometicsavant]

Softener-

Softener is basically adding another layer of soap to your clothes. While it makes them soft and smell great it’s actually weighing down the fibers and for things like towels- prevents them from drying you properly. And for things like kids Pj’s it interferes with the flame retardant qualities they add to the clothes now. I add 1 cup of ammonia to my wash (with the detergent) which helps the detergent clean better and remove more grime. And then I use a 1/2 - 1 full cup of white vinegar during the last rinse cycle which helps remove any remaining soap and makes your clothes feel so soft (without any vinegar smell) if you want fragrance look into adding some essential oils to a dryer ball.