Are your clothes wearing unexpected splotches of fabric softener? It’s a disappointing moment when a well-intentioned laundry ritual leaves behind unsightly stains on our beloved garments. But fret not! You don’t need to deal with stains in order to achieve maximum softness. We’ll show you how to get fabric softener stains out of clothes, and how to get soft laundry without stains in the future.
Why is fabric softener staining my clothes?
Why does fabric softener stain clothes? Fabric softener staining on clothes can be a frustrating surprise, especially when you're trying to enhance your laundry's softness and fragrance. The culprit behind these unexpected marks lies within the composition of fabric softeners themselves.
Traditional fabric softeners are designed to make clothes feel softer, reduce static, and impart a pleasant aroma. They typically contain a combination of ingredients, including surfactants, fragrances, and sometimes oils. However, it's these very components that can occasionally lead to stains. Traditional fabric softeners, such as liquid and sheets, work by coating your laundry in a film that gives the illusion of softness. However, this coating can clog fibers and leave oily stains on fabric–not to mention cause irritation after prolonged contact with sensitive skin.
Mineral Based Fabric Softeners
Dropps Fabric Softener Pods are different. Our softener is made up of tiny minerals that flow through fabric, naturally softening without leaving any sticky film or chemicals behind. Unlike traditional fabric softeners, our pods actually help maintain the wicking performance of athletic wear, and help towels stay absorbent. It’s the perfect way to achieve soft, scented laundry without the risk of oily stains or skin irritation.
Ready to wash that liquid fabric softener out of your clothes? Read on to learn how to remove fabric softener stains.
How to Get Fabric Softener Stains Out of Clothes
What you’ll need: Ultra Concentrated Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent, Stain & Odor Laundry Pods, Oxi Booster Pods
Step 1. Rinse the Stain
Let’s begin removing fabric softener stains! To start, rinse the stain on your clothing using the hottest temperature water recommended by the garment’s care label. We recommend rinsing through the back of the stain to help push it out of the fibers.
Step 2. Pre-Treat Stain
Add one pump of Ultra Concentrated Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then rinse the stain in cool water, massaging it between your fingers until it begins to lift. The enzymes in the detergent should break down the oils that make up the stain. Repeat as needed.
Step 3. Wash
Now that the stain has been removed, wash the item in the hottest water permitted by the care label. We recommend using a Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent Pod, which contains enzymes for extra stain fighting. You can also add an additional Oxi Booster Pod to the wash for extra cleaning power and brightening! If you see greasy stains on clothes after washing, repeat the stain fighting process.
Step 4. Dry
Let your garment dry! Be sure that the stain is completely removed before putting the item in the dryer, as the dryer’s high heat can make any remaining stain more difficult to remove. We recommend leaving your garment out to air dry, preferably in the sunshine. After following all of these steps, your clothes should be as good as new!
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions about how to get fabric softener stains out of clothes? We’ll show you how to remove fabric softener stains for good.
Can you remove fabric softener stains after drying?
Yes, it is absolutely possible to remove fabric softener stains after drying! The sooner you treat a stain, the easier it will be to remove, so it is best to remove a fabric softener stain before drying it if possible. If you don’t catch the stain until after drying, don’t worry, all hope isn’t lost! You may just need a bit more patience.
How do I get fabric softener out of my clothes?
You can get fabric softener out of your clothes by thoroughly washing them. For maximum cleaning, use warm or hot water and a deep cleaning product like Oxi Booster Pods or white vinegar!
Why is my washing machine leaving stains when I use fabric softener?
You can encounter fabric softener stains from your washing machine for a variety of reasons. You may be experiencing a build up of residue on your laundry, or the liquid fabric dispenser in your machine may be clogged or not working properly. We suggest switching to a mineral based fabric softener to prevent these issues going forward.
Can you remove fabric softener already in clothes?
Absolutely! A good wash with an effective detergent and a stain remover such as Oxi Booster pods or white vinegar will have your clothes refreshed and residue-free.