Question from Gaynor
Hi from across the pond I live in the UK .
Please could you advise me on fabric softeners . Are they necessary or just a way of getting consumers to worry and thus part with money ?
Debra’s Answer
The only purpose for fabric softeners is to reduce static cling in synthetic fabrics. They are not needed at all when washing natural fibers.
I was on a softener search and found some “free and clear” dryer sheets, which I decided to try. They were said to be vegetable based, which doesn’t mean much. When I took them out to put one in the dryer, I noticed that my hands stung! I washed my hands, and they still stung! This can’t be good?? The sheets are called Free and Clear at Sprouts market.
I just want to mention here for anyone reading this to keep in mind that an individual reaction to a product is not the same as the product being toxic.
Individuals can have reactions to materials that otherwise cause no harm to themselves or others. Something becomes “toxic” when it causes damage to the body.
I don’t mean to minimize in any way the importance of individual reactions, I just don’t want anyone to assume that a product or material is toxic because of a reported reaction. Some people react to organic cotton, for example, which is not, in and of itself, toxic.