The lubricating chemicals in fabric softeners coat fabrics to make them feel softer.

Static electricity that forms in an automatic dryer from too many loose electrons gives clothing atoms a negative charge.

Fabric softeners contain cationic, or positively charged ions, and equalize the electrons and ions to prevent static.

Large wicker basket with laundry detergent, wool dryer balls & towels on wood countertop

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Fabric softeners can be liquid, sheets to use in the dryer, or reusable dryer balls.

Warning

Do not use liquid fabric softener or dryer sheets on the following fabrics.

Choose natural fiber wool dryer balls instead to reduce static.

Fabric Softeners Featuring Snuggle Blue Sparkle On Blue Background

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Add the liquid softener to the dispenser before you select laundry cycles, load size, and water temperature.

Your washer guide will have instructions for your model.

If you havelost the guide, check the manufacturer’s website for instructions.

Materials and tools to use fabric softener for laundry

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The ball is filled with the appropriate amount of fabric softener liquid and added with the dirty laundry.

Do not overload the dryer.

The clothes and dryer sheet need room to move freely.

Liquid fabric softener poured into washing machine dispenser

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Add the Dryer Sheet

Place the dryer sheet on top of the load of laundry.

Adding it last helps it circulate freely in the dryer without getting trapped between garments.

Remove the Dryer Sheet

When the cycle is complete, remove the dryer sheet.

Fabric softener poured into bottle cap

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Dispose of the sheet properly.

Use two or three balls to help absorb the most static.

Remove the balls at the end of the cycle to be used again.

Blue fabric softener dispenser ball held in front of open washing machine

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Tips for Using Fabric Softeners

Wet shirt held up in dryer machine drum

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Dryer sheet placed on top of wet laundry pile in dryer

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Used dryer sheet pulled out of dryer

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Wet and clean laundry loaded inside drying machine

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Wool dryer balls added on top of laundry pile in dryer

The Spruce / Ana Cadena