Most people have fabric softeners at home because it leaves their laundry smelling fresh and feeling soft. However, did you know that there are more ways to use fabric softener than adding it to your clothes and linen in your washing machine? If you want to get more use out of the fabric softeners you have at home, keep reading!

Can you use fabric softeners to clean?

Most people think of fabric softeners as a product that you use to make your clothes smell nice and feel softer. However, it turns out that fabric softeners can also be used for cleaning. When diluted with water, fabric softeners can be used to clean mirrors, windows, and even greasy stovetops. It's also an effective way to remove pet hair from upholstery and clothing. Fabric softener is relatively inexpensive and can be found at most supermarkets, making it a great option for budget-conscious shoppers. So next time you need to do some cleaning, reach for the fabric softeners instead of the expensive cleaning products. You might be surprised at how well it works.

What should you not use fabric softener on?

There are a few things that you should not use fabric softeners on. One is towels. Another thing you should not use it on is workout clothes. The fabric softeners can reduce the wicking ability of the fabric, which is what helps to keep you cool and dry during exercise. In addition, you should avoid using fabric softeners on cloth diapers. It can reduce the absorbency of the diaper, leading to leaks. Finally, you should not use fabric softeners on pet beds. It can irritate your pet's skin, and it can also attract dirt and dust to the bedding.

Related: 3 Ways to Save Big on Laundry Costs

Does fabric softener ruin towels?

When you use fabric softeners on towels, it makes them less absorbent. This is because the softener coats the fibers of the towel, making it more difficult for water to be absorbed.

Why do some shirts say no fabric softeners?

The phrase “no fabric softener” may seem like a simple request, but it actually has a very important meaning. Fabric softeners are a product that is used to make clothes feel softer and smell fresher. However, it can also coat fabrics with a thin layer of chemicals. Over time, these chemicals can build up on clothing and make them less breathable. This can cause skin irritation and overheating, especially for people who are active or who live in warm climates. In contrast, shirts that are made from natural fibers such as cotton or wool are much more breathable and will not cause these problems. For this reason, it is always best to follow the care instructions on a shirt before washing it. By doing so, you can help to ensure that your clothes will last longer and be more comfortable to wear.

Uses for Fabric Softener

Related: Laundry Uses for Fels Naptha

Get Rid of Wallpaper

If you’re trying to get rid of outdated wallpaper from the walls of your home, rub the walls with fabric softeners to make it easier to peel it off within minutes.

Make Laundry Sponges

Grab sponges and soak them in your favorite detergent with a bit of fabric softener. You can toss them into the washing machine with your clothes.

Repel Mosquitos

Do you hate mosquitos and the itchy welts they leave behind? If so, use fabric softeners in an open container while sitting outside to repel these insects.

Get Rid of Deodorant Stains

Pour the fabric softener on deodorant stains, allow it to sit for several minutes, and rinse off to remove the stains.

Create a Homemade Air Freshener

Combine water with fabric softener to create a homemade air freshener that you can spray throughout the home to conceal and eliminate odors.

Related: Homemade Cleaners That Work and Save Money!

Use It to Keep Carpeted Floors Smelling Fresh

If you’re planning to shampoo your carpets, add a bit of fabric softener to the mixture of water and carpet cleaning solution. It adds a great scent to the floors and leaves the carpets looking soft and plush.

Remove Scum from the Shower

Dealing with unwanted scum in the shower? Grab a cloth, dip it in a fabric softener, and wipe away the scum with ease.

Use It to Keep Your Toilet Smelling Fresh

Pour some of the fabric softeners into your toilet’s tank. It will leave the toilet smelling great with every flush! You can also keep your toilet clean with these homemade toilet tablets!

Use It in Your Garbage Disposal

Get rid of the funky garbage disposal odor by adding ice and a tablespoon or two of fabric softener into the sink and let it run for several minutes.

Can you put fabric softener in a wax warmer?

Yes! Pour a small amount of fabric softener into the wax warmer and let it leave a lasting aroma around the home.

Wipe Down Floor Boards

Grab a microfiber towel, dip it in a fabric softener, and use it to wipe down your floorboard to remove dirt and dust that can easily accumulate.

Create Homemade Dryer Sheets with Fabric Softener

Make dryer sheets using thin sponges with a bit of fabric softener that you can then add to your dryer to get your clothes smelling good.

Simmer the Fabric Softener on the Stove

Add water and fabric softener into a pot on the stove and slowly simmer it to allow it to release an incredible scent.

Use It to Clean Your Walls

Pour some fabric softener into a container of hot water and cleaning solution to create the perfect solution for cleaning your walls.

Clean Your Windows

Get rid of dirt and streaks on your windows with water, a microfiber cloth, and a small amount of fabric softener. You can also use this proven method if you choose.

Detangle Doll Hair

Get rid of the tangled knots from your children’s doll hair with a bit of fabric softener. It works like a charm.

Related: 175+ of the Best American Girl Doll Accessories Gift Ideas 

Wash Your Extensions

If you have extensions and you want them to look soft, smell clean, and be free of knots, wash them in a bowl of water with a fabric softener.

Apply the Fabric Softener to the Roots of Your Hair

Some people swear by using fabric softener on the roots of their hair to encourage healthy growth. If you want to get your hair to grow even longer at a faster pace, it’s worth a try.

Pour Some Fabric Softener into Your Mop Bucket

Add a dash of fabric softener into the mop bucket with hot water and a cleaning solution of your choice before using your mop.

Use it to Clean Your Doors

Notice some dirt on doors throughout the home? Wipe it away with ease while using a paper towel or cloth and some fabric softener.

Spray Some in Your Car

After making the homemade air freshener spray with the fabric softener, and spray some in your car to remove any odors.

Prevent Mice

Mice don’t like the smell of the fabric softener, so you can use it around your home to deter them from lingering.

Use Some Fabric Softener on Your Duster

Add a few drops of fabric softener to your favorite duster before you begin wiping dust off different surfaces, such as your television stand and coffee table.

Kill and Prevent Roaches

Use the fabric softener spray solution to prevent and kill unwanted roaches that can easily appear throughout the home, especially in the kitchen.

Soak Clothes in Fabric Softener to Unshrink Them

If you feel like you might’ve shrunk something in the dryer, unshrink those items by soaking them in a bath full of water and fabric softener for several minutes.

Soften Your Dance Shoes

Some people use a bit of fabric softener with rubbing alcohol to soften their dance shoes before they use them.

Kill Weeds

Get rid of unwanted weeds outside your home and throughout the garden by spraying some fabric softener directly on them.

Related: Homemade Vapor Chest Rub

Get Rid of Gnats

Fill a cup with fabric softener and put it in areas prone to gnats, especially if you’re getting them in the bathroom and by the kitchen sink.

Make Slime

Create slime with fabric softeners, glue, water, and food coloring, and have fun playing with it. Here are a few of our favorite slime recipes:

• Olaf Slime – Super Easy
• Magical and Relaxing Mermaid Slime Recipe
• How to Make Galaxy Slime Recipe
• Dolphin Ocean Slime – Borax Free!
• Fall Slime Using Fall Leaves – No Borax!

Clean Your Car’s Interior

Wipe down the inside of your car with a cloth and some fabric softener. It works to remove dust and leaves the inside of your vehicle smelling so much better.

So, there you have it! Different ways to use fabric softeners in your home. Hopefully, at least one of these solutions will work for you and make your life a little bit easier. Have any other ideas? We’d love to hear them! Share them with us in the comments below or on our Facebook page.