I wanted a safer way to soften laundry and found several easy-to-use, natural alternatives:. Using fabric softener alone could result in the buildup of dirt and grime on your clothes. Downy Unstopables Ingredients. Charlie's Soap has a high percentage of sodium. If you mix it with detergent it will. If you use fabric softener instead of detergent, your clothes may smell good and feel soft, but they will not be clean. While detergent is an essential component of any laundry routine, fabric softener is optional. Charlie's Soap has a high percentage of sodium carbonate and is claimed to remove washing machine residue. (hence the reason why the person bought it for me instead of the usual brands). Set the bowl aside to cool for about 30 minutes. Skip Commercial Fabric Softeners . Fabric Softener Vs. Instead, it’s a fabric softener comprised of. Finally, be sure to dry your blanket on a low heat setting to. ️ Detergent is used to clean laundry. Don’t use fabric softener on your microfiber car towels. Instead, use detergent to clean your laundry by adding it at the beginning of the wash cycle. During this time, the washer comes to a halt. 11. You can also use the cap of the laundry detergent or fabric softener as a measuring device. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. 2. Add a quarter cup of baking soda or a half cup of distilled white vinegar directly into your washing machine’s drum during the rinse cycle to achieve not only. May 21, 2018 at 3:52 PM. Baking Soda: Another natural alternative is baking soda. cherrycoke260 • 9 mo. 2. Pour the boiling water into the soap mixture and whisk to dissolve the powders. P&G (NYSE:PG), which owns Downy and Gain and more than half of the $1. While fabric softener smells clean and delicious, it does not contain most of the key cleaning agents and enzymes that are required to properly eradicate dirt, germs, stains. Detergent is a necessity, fabric softener is optional. Fragrance-free and dye-free. I make mine using diluted liquid fabric softener. My husband used to use it accidentally (he didn't read the label and was washing his clothes in the softener for a while instead of detergent) and he would get similar spots on his clothes. Just rewash it. You’ll also want to skip the fabric softener on specialty fabrics like wicking sportswear. You'll be. It does not spin at the beginning of the rinse cycle, nor does it fill with water to dilute and distribute the fabric softener. There are dryer sheet manufacturers striving to create safer products. Avoid using fabric softener, bleach, or dryer sheets. Commercial fabric softeners leave residue in fibers that can cause white sheets to look dull. The Fabric softener container is not empty when the load is finished running . This is a bad time to add your fabric softener, as it’ll literally go down. 1. 2. Laundry detergent has a formulation designed in removing stains, dirt buildups, and debris in clothes. my mom used fabric softener on all of us and my sister uses it for my nieces clothes. Add the vinegar to the pre-wash dispenser to help remove odors and junk. 3 Prewash compartment: Detergent for prewash or starch. Excellent stain and odor removal. Never use hot water, as it can melt the fibers. Again. Most detergents are heavily concentrated, so even the recommended amount is often more than you need. Rinse well and tumble or air dry. It is designed to provide a pleasant scent and soften clothes, but it does not effectively remove dirt, stains, and bacteria. 3. Third, avoid using too much fabric softener, as this can make the blanket stiff. Noticing these blue stains on your laundry is an indicator that the detergent drawer or fabric softener drawer in your washing machine is being overfilled. You should only put liquid softener in the machine via the correct fabric softener dispenser detergent compartment for the washing machine to wash clothes correctly. To remove wine stains from your favorite shirt or tablecloth, heat two cups of white vinegar in a large pot until almost boiling. They be using twice the amount of detergent you need, fabric softener, a heaping scoop of scent beads, essential oils, AND like 4 dryer sheets per load lol 😫. Remove the Aqua Pebble from the fabric softener container, and fill it with detergent, making sure not exceed the MAX line. Fabric softener is equally effective at removing static cling and softening clothes. First, adding the detergent at the wrong stage means. “I’d never use more than the minimum amount of laundry detergent for most medium loads. com. The detergent can build up on the fabric softener dispenser and clog it. Amazon / 7th Generation / Blueland. When pondering over the question that can I put fabric softener in the bleach, the answer always comes out as NO. Fabric conditioners contain softening ingredients and chemicals that help prevent fading. Try adding 2 cups of vinegar to 2 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of vegetable glycerin for a great DIY fabric softener that won’t hurt the environment. They’re supposed to be used WITH your detergent. When starting off, measure and add laundry detergent in the specified compartment. I use one cup fabric softener and one cup water mixed together. Adding Detergent Last. To Clean the Washing Machine. They are not meant to wash clothes and they will. You should fill the detergent drawer with 1 tablespoon of fabric softener per load. You CAN dry your Norwex microfiber in the dryer – the hotter the setting, the better. First, be sure to use a gentle cycle on your washing machine. However, using only fabric softener as a detergent substitute, your clothes won’t get very clean. Softeners or conditioners soften and protect the fibers of your clothing. An empty. read more. CryptoInstead of dryer sheets, use dryer balls (which are more sustainable, anyway) and a detergent like HEX, which prevents static. If you use too much fabric softener, your laundry will end up covered in a waxy, film-like coating if you use an excessive amount of fabric softener on them. They’re inexpensive, easy to use, and require no measuring or pouring. DON'T: Microfiber. Microfiber is an incredible material with intricate threads that can trap dust and absorb spills. I might give that a try. For top-loaders, you can add the Epsom salt at the very beginning of the cycle, before you put the clothes in. (On models. Fabric softener should not be used as a substitute for laundry detergent. Most of the time, fabric softener doesn't do anything except put perfume on your clothes. Use cold or warm water during the wash cycle. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. (On models. Called Micro Restore, this can be used instead of your usual laundry detergent when washing to always keep the microfiber absorbent and the static cling intact. The question of whether fabric softener is essential in laundry care has long been debated for years. I want to try dryer balls though! We use ECOS Free & Clear laundry detergent. I’ve also used it to remove musty mildew smells when I’ve accidentally left laundry in the washer too long…because mom brain. Best Unscented Fabric Softener: Seventh Generation Fabric Softener Sheets, Free and Clear. To soften fabric naturally, try adding a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. It can be a bit more aggressive, like telling a naughty child to sit in the corner. Wash the sheets separately and inside out, minimizing friction and abrasion. If fabric softener is applied to clothing without being diluted, it can cause staining. ago. Nice hair feel: Fabric softening ingredients have a stronger charge than many hair conditioners so they may stick to fabric to provide long-lasting softness. It is possible and even recommended to mix laundry sanitizer with fabric softener as it can help clothes to maintain a fresh scent for an extended period. I use liquid fabric softener and, as instructed, use the extra rinse. Another way to remove fabric softener, provided the problem is not too bad, is to use distilled white vinegar, suggests How 2 Remove Stains . Hot water, depending on the temperature, can and will permanently ruin microfiber. Vinegar helps to break down the stiff fibers in the linen and leaves your clothes feeling soft and comfortable. But, am getting a build up in the dispenser that doesn't rinse clean after each wash. If this is the case, some of the fabric. Start by giving each piece of laundry a good shake to help release wrinkles and relax the fibers that may have been twisted in the washer. fabric softenter vs laundry detergent. If you've been using non-HE detergent for an extended period, consider having a technician inspect the machine for damage or potential problems. Use baking soda or vinegar instead of fabric softener. Fabric softener also coats the automatic moisture sensor in your dryer, so it stops before your clothes are actually dry. Deep clean your cloths by soaking them in hot water mixed with enzyme laundry booster, then rinsing them out until the water runs clear. Detergent in powder or liquid form could be used to wash clothes. DON'T: Microfiber. This product combines the cleaning power of Tide detergent with the fabric softening benefits of Downy fabric softener. “While most. Ive been using for 3. Microfiber is an incredible material with intricate threads that can trap dust and absorb spills. It helps to soften fabrics and reduce static cling. Yikes! If you accidentally use fabric softener instead of laundry detergent, there’s no harm done. Don’t use fabric softener, which can easily clog the open spaces in the microfiber and make it less effective. He says. Repeating this mistake can also cause residue buildup and possible damage to the washing machine. Laundry detergent also contains catalytic enzymes and these are what target dirt specifically and break it down. Slightly more expensive than the conventional formula. Good news is, it all comes out in the wash (with actual detergent) cause the. Fill your tub with cold water, add about 1/3 cup of Epsom salt, and stir until the salt has dissolved completely. Nick Blackmer. Liquid fabric softener or fabric conditioner is added to your washer during the rinse cycle. Prevention. washing the affected area. Our team of experts is happy to help! Monday & Thursday 9am -7pm. It is a convenient and effective solution for busy households. Treatment for soap poisoning may include: oxygen or a breathing tube. Fabric softener is used to soften fabrics and prevent wrinkles, but when used incorrectly, it can damage certain fabrics. Soap scum from laundry detergents and mineral deposits from water can build up in hoses, restricting water flow and performance. As a Fabric Softener. After buying the bleach, I ended up getting fabric softener instead of detergent and didn't figure it out until I moved back to my home country and I was like "hey that stuff looks like what I used -----" and then it suddenly made so much more sense why my clothes always smelled so strongly of detergent after I took them out of the laundry. Step 1. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. But despite the many benefits of fabric softener, when. Natural Fabric Softeners. If you’re allergic or sensitive to something in your laundry detergent, you may experience symptoms immediately after touching freshly washed clothes or many hours later. Bronners pure castile soap (grated) Pulse together in a food processor and place in an air tight container. 1. If you have put in too much fabric softener, it will not completely rinse away and will cause streaking or staining on your clothes. It’s time to set the record straight. tell your wife that your clothes don’t get cleaner the more detergent you use, they actually get dirtier. In summary, it’s recommended that you don’t mix detergent and fabric softeners. How Much Baking Soda in Laundry. Cons. Instead, the shortcomings in the product may provide insight into its worth in real-time. “Unlike the best laundry detergent, fabric softener is a preference, not a necessity,” according to Annette Grant and Sarah Karakaian, hosts of the “Thanks for Visiting” podcast, who have tackled thousands of loads of laundry as short-term rental managers for more than a decade. • Pour in the detergent. Don’t use excess detergent or fabric softener. Or, after soaking, place in washing machine and launder on normal cycle using a Norwex laundry detergent. Leaving soap in the clothes can irritate people's skin, but it's fine otherwise. Why won't it rinse clean. The compartment for the liquid chlorine bleach is located in the front left corner of your washer. Using too much detergent and—yes—fabric softener can actually cause buildup in your machine and leave behind a residue that can result in mold, thereby causing a problem you may feel compelled. Others wait until the end of the cycle, when the clothes are already wet and hot. It depends on several factors such as the type of fabric softener used, the length of time the product was left on the garment, the temperature of the water used to wash the garment, the type of wash cycle or cycle time used, and the amount of agitation during the wash cycle. Add the recommended amount of fabric conditioner into a bucket of clean water for the final rinse. Instead, it should be added to the rinse. If you’re washing by hand, you can still use fabric conditioner at the end of the washing process. After buying the bleach, I ended up getting fabric softener instead of detergent and didn't figure it out until I moved back to my home country and I was like "hey that stuff looks like what I used -----" and then it suddenly made so much more sense why my clothes always smelled so strongly of detergent after I took them out of the laundry. You can put fabric softener straight into the washing machine. Both soap and fabric softener residue can build up over time and give various stinky things a place to grow. The Fabric softener container is not empty when the load is. All of that being said, you can use ANY detergent as long as it does not contain bleach or fabric softener. If you are planning to use a fabric softener so that your clothes can smell nice, this is a good question to ask. Some types of fabric softener can clog the dispenser. Step 2: Prepare the solution: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a container. This dye- and scent-free detergent is one of the most effective stain and odor removers we’ve tested. If your laundry comes out of the machine smelly, you are using too much/too little detergent, overfilling the machine, didn't take the laundry out fast enough or need to clean the machine. There are several potential reasons why there may be water in your fabric softener dispenser. Check the dispenser for a clog in the siphon hole. Too Much Detergent or Fabric Softener. To Brighten Aged Linens. Instead, wait until the rinse cycle and pour it into water pockets to avoid direct contact with fabrics to avoid stains. Then get your wet cloth, add a little vinegar, and it cleans water stains (plaque) and kills the bacteria and kills bad smells, and is an acid. They feel that this allows the softener to. Cons. Directions. The acid in the vinegar softens fibers and restores natural pH balance, which can help slow down fabric deterioration. Do not put pods in the dispenser unless specifically directed by your washing machine's manufacturer. Fabric softener should be poured into a separate compartment from the laundry detergent, and the two should be released at different times to avoid any chemical interaction. Baking Soda: 1 In a large container, combine ¾ cups borax, ½ cup baking soda, and ½ cup white vinegar. Fill the fabric softener cup to the top level with the white vinegar. $18 from Target. Instead, use warm water on your regular cycle and a cleaner specifically designed for waterproof fabrics. 15/12/2022. You should NOT use detergent pods in the top washer. In most cases, they come in recyclable cardboard packaging. Among the products tested were a dryer sheet, a fabric softener, and a laundry detergent, as well as spray and plug-in air fresheners. 2. Don’t use fabric softener on your microfiber car towels. Instead of using chemical-laden stain removers, simply pre-treat your stain with. • Add diluted fabric to the mix. Clean the fabric softener dispenser regularly. You should not use fabric softener as detergent. All in all, scent beads can be damaging your washing machine when they do not dissolve – even if you follow the instructions carefully. You can soften your sheets up by washing them with a cup of baking soda instead of laundry detergent the first time, if yours feels stiff to the touch. Temperature considerations: Both vinegar and borax increase your detergent’s effectiveness by changing the pH of the water. However, in a pinch, you can use it instead of laundry detergent. 1 Main wash compartment: Detergent for the main wash, water softener, pre-soaking agent, bleach and stain remover. 5. Just mix together vinegar and water (use a 2:1 ratio) and let your clothes soak in it. When washing towels—or anything else, for that matter—you only need two tablespoons of laundry detergent per load. Mixing detergent with fabric softener is not recommended according to the information given in the text. 2. by Rocky. Both fabric softeners and detergents may look alike but differ in their functionalities. Whether it's liquid conditioner added to the wash, or sheets tossed in the dryer, the product is used to soften clothes and reduce wrinkles. 23 hours ago · Washing my microfiber car wash towels with P&S Rags to Riches microfiber detergent would capably remove waxes, coatings, and contamination while keeping the fibers soft and pliable. If you use fabric softener, that could be it. Treatment. The only thing you'd really lose is time to run the load through another cycle, which wouldn't require more detergent as the clothes would already be soapy from the previous one. Hope that helps. fabric softener market, is hoping to change that sentiment and reel in millennials – quickly. When using the washer, set the machine to the gentle cycle and place the silk pillowcase in a mesh laundry bag. First cycle: Detergent in wash section and vinegar in the softener section. Do not use bleach, fabric softeners or dryer sheets. Blissful Breeze Liquid Laundry Detergent – 64 Loads! This laundry detergent is ideal for providing 64 loads with a blissful breeze scent and being compatible with HE washing machines. For each load, just use 1 Tablespoon of the mix, less if you have a front load. Avoid the mistake of adding fabric softener at the beginning of a wash cycle if your machine does not have a dispenser. (Yes, dryer sheets and liquid softener do the same thing!) “The main difference is simply which part of. 124,236 satisfied customers. Pause the washer during the rinse cycle and. I Accidentally Used Fabric Softener Instead of Detergent (What Can You Do?) I accidentally used fabric softener instead of detergent and it was not fun. Fill the dispenser with a solution of detergent and hot water, using enough to submerge the build-up of the fabric softener in the. However, using only fabric softener as a detergent substitute, your clothes won’t get very clean. However, fabric softener is a product that is designed to be diluted in water before being applied to clothing. If you want to save time, you can simply use a 2-in-1 laundry detergent and fabric softener. TIL that I used fabric softener instead of detergent when I did laundry at my aunt’s house. its 2 cups water, 1/4 c hair conditioner, and 1/4 c white vinegar. Fabric softener can clog microfiber and reduce their ability to do their job. Like shampoo, detergent removes all the dirt and sweat from your clothes. Using a combination of chemicals and enzymes, it cleans and deodorizes laundry. (If using a smaller vessel like a bucket, adjust the amounts based on how much water you're using. Like. Choose the hot water setting on your. Do not mix it with detergent unless you have a special place to do so. 4. Mix the detergent in the water. Bleach and fabric softener should never be mixed, as the bleach can react with the fabric softener and create harmful fumes. You can also wash them with baking soda if the softener leaves an odor. And at Icebreaker: Use a normal warm or cool machine wash cycle with regular powder or liquid detergent. To use baking soda in the washing machine, just toss 1/2 cup into the drum before adding clothes and detergent. 1 Fill a jug with 1 cup of white vinegar and 3 cups of tap water. ago. To clean the machine, do a hot wash. For front-loaders, you can add the Epsom salt to the detergent dispenser. Sunday - Closed. ChI Bryand. washer tech — as well as detergent tech. Your machine and clothing will last much longer! Your clothes will be really clean! And your detergent will last longer. This is why you should use fabric softener after washing your clothes. It is colorless. I was told many years ago by a washing machine repair person to 1) & NEVER use fabric softener. During the first stage, the detergent water is removed from the drum. The vinegar helps remove any detergent and soil that is clinging to fabric clothes, leaving them feeling soft and clean. You should only use cold water and mild detergent to clean your minky. There is no permanent damage from this. While it is possible to just use fabric softener as a detergent (it still has a perfectly good surfactant) it may not be advisable because it can ruin the. Table 1: Accidentally Put Detergent in Softener – Detergent vs. Here are a few options to consider: Consider washing your load of laundry with 1/2 cup of baking soda instead of detergent for a natural cleaning option. If you use fabric softener instead of detergent, your clothes may smell good and feel soft, but they will not be clean. 2 days ago · Replying to one comment asking for advice on what to use instead of fabric softener in a follow – up video, De Barra suggested white vinegar, which “softens,. From Customer: I accidently put the laundry detergent in the fabric softener dispenser. The two products serve different purposes and mixing them could reduce the effectiveness of both. To remove the baking soda from the shoe, liberally sprinkle it on top, place it in the refrigerator overnight, and then discard it the next morning. Set the iron in an upright position on a heatproof surface, and let it steam for about five minutes. There are a few things to keep in mind when using fabric softener on a fuzzy blanket. However, it does have consequences. The hack sees avid cleaners use sponges soaked in fabric softener, sometimes diluted with water, instead of dryer sheets. liquid laundry detergent before laundering. Check the hoses and water supply to the washing machine regularly. Simply dilute the fabric softener with water before pouring it into the drum. Fabric softener, on the other hand, is for softening fabrics. Use wool dryer balls in the dryer. Mix equal amounts water and vinegar. Laundry detergents contain surfactants and enzymes that break down stains, dirt, and oils, allowing them to be washed away. It will help. To Remove Odors. However, fabric softener is a product that is designed to be diluted in water before being applied to clothing. To understand its role, it's important to differentiate the functions of laundry detergent and fabric softener. If you use fabric softener on fabric that says not to, your clothes may become less absorbent, less breathable or more prone to staining. For everything except the most dirty of loads, use 2 tablespoons of quality liquid laundry detergent & use while vinegar instead of liquid fabric softener. It’s also important to note that some front load washing machines have a final rinse cycle that doesn’t allow for the addition of fabric softener. Bleach is made up of some vigorous chemicals; therefore, you should avoid letting it come in contact with other detergents and cleaners. After rubbing the stained area, let the detergent sit for 10 to 20 minutes. The biggest reason is that. First, putting detergent in the fabric softener dispenser is a common laundry mistake. It can be a bit more aggressive, like. Fabric softener protects clothes from being damaged and keeps them smooth and soft, plus, eliminates static electricity. The whole cycle can go on without your clothes being washed. If you do accidentally use fabric softener and your towels come out with a gross residue, you can rewash them with vinegar. By starbbucks September 21, 2023 We’ve all been there – you’re rushing to do laundry and accidentally grab the fabric softener instead of the laundry detergent. Spray insect repellent directly on the skin instead of your clothing. Hot water, depending on the temperature, can and will permanently ruin microfiber. The only thing you’ll have wasted is a little bit of fabric softener, some water, and an hour or so of your time. In a nutshell, you shouldn’t really use fabric conditioner on towels. The whole cycle can go on without your clothes being washed. Here are steps to clean fabric softener out of bleach dispenser. Do not exceed. Unless your clothes are sudsy after the wash, you should be using the recommended amount of detergent. These fabric softeners are typically higher-quality liquid formulas, fabric softener pods, or dryer sheets or balls. Soak the mat for 5 to 15 minutes before scrubbing it with a sponge or rag. If you mix it with detergent it will wash off during the wash cycle and you’ll be wasting your softener and your money. Generally, it can take anywhere from one to several washing. It’s not a laundry crime, and it’s an acceptable mistake! However, you shouldn’t put detergent in the fabric softener dispenser. Run a wash cycle with an empty washing machine 4x per year, using hot water and two cups of distilled white vinegar. If this occurs, simply re-run the laundry load using the proper supplies. No fabric softeners will paradoxically yield softer fabrics. sorts of contamination. Oh yes, I use it as fabric softener all the time in my front loader. Use fabric softener in washer or dryer to reduce static attraction of lint to synthetics. Then cut white cotton washcloths into 4 squares – or use any cotton or microfiber fabric – and put those in the solution, making sure the fabric squares are saturated. Sometimes the smell is still there if I haven't sprayed them 2x a day outside and rotated them so I go back to spraying. Photo: istockphoto. speed queen washer. Step 3: Add pods to washer. It softens. Another reason why you shouldn’t put fabric softener in the bleach dispenser is if you are always putting fabric softener in the bleach dispenser during laundry, eventually, it will pile up. Please never use home made detergent that uses bar soap. Clean as a whistle inside my machine & all the seals were fine. To reduce the risk that kids' sleepwear will catch on fire, it's required to be flame-resistant. At the same time, fabric conditioner is usually a liquid added to the rinse cycle. These combinations have proven to be effective at removing tough stains and keeping clothes soft and fresh-smelling. Vinegar leaves no residue on your fabrics, unlike many fabric softeners. Jump to Review. Emily Attwood, founder of Scooms, says: “Fabric softener can reduce absorbency in towels as it. The scent is light and fresh, not at all overpowering. If she doesn’t have an allergic reaction it’ll be fine. Purex Natural Elements works best for us. Use Too Much Laundry Detergent. Wait until your laundry is in the rinse cycle and then add in 1 ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) of vinegar. Rinse well and tumble or air dry. Then add the recommended amount of fabric softener or less where necessary in a measuring cup. The Impact On Health. Another reason why you shouldn’t put fabric softener in the bleach dispenser is if you are always putting fabric softener in the bleach dispenser during laundry, eventually, it will pile up. Instead, use warm water on your regular cycle and a cleaner specifically designed for waterproof fabrics. In addition to chlorine bleach and fabric softener, you should also avoid using insect repellent, especially those with DEET, on your FR clothing. This is a good thing when it comes to your clothes which you wash rather infrequently. Washing Guidelines: Tencel sheets should ideally be washed once a week, using cold or lukewarm water and a gentle detergent free of added bleach. If you've been using non-HE detergent for an extended period, consider having a technician inspect the machine for damage or potential problems. I use straight white vinegar instead of detergent. Rewash and use a fabric softener in the washer or dryer or use a detergent containing a fabric softener in the wash. Fabric softener's main ingredient is a highly processed fat. To use baking soda and lemon juice as a laundry detergent alternative, follow the instructions above, replacing the same amount of lemon juice with vinegar. E. If your towel can take it, do a hot temperature cycle. Avoid Using Fabric Softeners on Certain Fabrics. taylorc Discussion starter · May 6, 2007. You can’t use fabric softener on polyester because the fibers are synthetic and don’t respond well to the chemicals, which can make the fabric feel stiff and scratchy instead of smooth and soft. The short answer to this question is no, fabric conditioner is not an ideal replacement option when you have run out of detergent. It's an effective way to keep fabrics soft and wrinkle-free. Can You Use Fabric Softener as an Alternative to Laundry Detergent to Clean Clothes? The short answer to this question is no; you can’t use fabric softener as an alternative to laundry detergent. jmatza829. What you end up with is a pile of dirty clothes that has had its dirt and stains softened. Instead of detergent, use this solution on your second wash cycle. For a 5-gallon bucket, start with ½ tablespoon each of borax and washing soda and 1 tablespoon of detergent. 2. Set the machine to the wool, gentle, or delicate cycle (whichever applies to your machine). Step 4: Choose either the cold or warm option. it should never be mixed with detergent. Vinegar: Adding a cup of white vinegar to your wash cycle can help soften fabrics and reduce static cling. The white distilled vinegar should be placed in the fabric softener dispenser so it will be added during the rinse cycle. The right and wrong way to wash. It can also shorten the life of your blanket. The amount of dirt or stains on your clothes will also factor into what type of detergent you should use. Avoid Fabric Softeners and Scents: Fabric softener, detergents with fabric softener, and detergents with dye and/or scents can steal the softness from your minky. Repeating this mistake can also cause residue buildup and possible damage to the washing machine. pain medication.