Fabric softener

Softeners are washing aids that are used to prevent the occurring at drying washing effect of the dry rigor. Most of linen are additionally added fragrances and optical brighteners. A side effect is the reduction of electrostatic charges of synthetic fibers. Softener may be added to the last rinsing machine washing of laundry. In some products are designed, among other things cyclodextrins, which neutralize bad odors by keeping them "isolate".

Operation

Softener to counteract the effect that the laundry feels hard in still air after washing in the machine and then drying. This phenomenon, referred to dry mortis is due to the formation of electrostatic hydrogen bonds between the cellulose fibers. The cationic surfactants of the fabric softener penetrate into the fiber, combine with the negative charges and thus weaken the interactions. By so reduced stiffness of the garment, the force decreases when ironing and wearing comfort is increased.

Environmental

The cationic ester quats used today are made from animal and vegetable fats and are more easily degradable than the distearyldimethylammonium still used in the early 1990s ( DSDMAC ). The Federal Environment Agency points out, however, that " adverse effects on aquatic organisms may be excluded only if a biological wastewater treatment guaranteed and direct penetration into the water is excluded ." Biologically safe is the use of soap nuts, vinegar and citric acid.

Disadvantages

Softener may have a water-repellent effect due to their chemical structure, however, can be avoided by the choice of chemicals. The water-repellent reaction can cause " soft-focus " towels, sweater, underwear, nightgown, bedding etc. slow or absorb less moisture. Down sleeping bags should therefore be washed with fabric softener under any circumstances, sleeping bag manufacturers usually recommend the use of simple plain soap in softened water. When the function is clothing made of synthetic fibers, such as are used frequently, especially in sports, fabric softeners can seal the surface of the clothing. The transport perspiration away from the body is therefore no longer guaranteed.

Ingredients such as fragrances and solvents may cause allergic reactions.

Others

Fabric softener can also help to resolve an excessive foaming in the washing machine. This usually arises from an overdose of detergent. If something then poured fabric softener into the detergent case (possibly with some water or dissolved in water), the foam forms back within no time.

Beginning of 2011 cases of abuse of fabric softener became known as an intoxicant.