Description and preparation of washing conditioner

Fabric softeners are a popular fabric softener. However, modern formulations are much more functional.

What are fabric softeners and rinses

Fabric softeners and rinses are auxiliary laundry detergents and are similar in composition. All of them give the linen a delicate aroma, making it softer and neater, renew the color of the fabric, facilitate the ironing process and provide an antistatic effect and additional protection against dirt, shiny areas and pellets. Conditioners and rinses differ only in the time of use.

The softener is added at the beginning of the wash and the rinse aid is added at the last rinse. Funds are poured into the same tray of the washing machine or diluted in containers with water for rinsing.

Laundry compounds have a beneficial effect on the quality and appearance of items made of wool, cotton, synthetics and linen. Thus, cotton and linen acquire a starch effect, and woolen products restore the original pile and fluffiness. Depending on the color group - black, white or colored things - the formulations contain appropriate tinting agents, which helps to restore color saturation. Synthetic products have more pronounced antistatic properties.

Note! Conditioners and rinses are not used for washing tights and corrective underwear, as they lose their tightening properties and shape. It is also not recommended to use these substances for natural silk products and sportswear. In the second case, the water-repellent impregnation may be damaged.

Aids include the following:

• Surfactants (surfactants) that form a film on the surface of the fabric that protects the thing from dirt and wear;
• thickeners that provide the required degree of concentration;
• silicone that absorbs or repels water, depending on other components;
• dyes that give the composition a pleasant shade;
• fragrances that provide a pleasant aroma to the laundry after washing;
• preservatives that increase the shelf life of the substance;
• water.

This composition provides the properties of air conditioners based on various physical processes.

1. Softening the fabric.This ability of the agent is achieved by the component molecular composition: the positively charged part of the molecule settles on the surface of the thing, while the negative charge remains free, forming a sliding layer that allows the fibers of the fabric to move freely relative to each other. This also prevents the fibers from curling and sticking together, which makes the fabric soft and airy to the touch.
2. Antistatic effect, that is, the property of the fabric to block the accumulation of electrostatic charge. The components of the conditioners form an electrically conductive film on the surface of the fabric, which contains mobile ions. They act as a conductor, which allows the electric charge to "drain" from the tissue without accumulating on the surface.
3. Facilitate the ironing process. Due to the negatively charged layer of molecules covering the fabric, the iron glides more easily over its surface, which reduces the amount of applied effort and the number of additional strokes.
4. Facilitate drying. After spinning in a machine using conditioner, the fabric contains significantly less moisture than untreated material. This is achieved thanks not only to the surface film, but also to the silicone included in the composition.
5. Improves dirt-repellent properties. Due to the dense layer of conditioner on the surface, dirt penetrates worse into the fabric and worse adheres to it.
6. Reducing wear and tear and maintaining brightness. The protective film acts as a lubricant, preventing the fibers from sticking and intertwining. Because of this, the coefficient of friction decreases, which reduces material wear, and also does not form nodules that scatter light, which preserves the brightness or whiteness of the color.

There are also separate products for allergy sufferers and children. They are distinguished by a safer composition, which makes things not only soft, but also non-irritating to the skin. These conditioners are practically odorless, and their base does not contain benzyl acetate, ethanol, chloroform or terpineol, but may include oils and proteins.

In what forms are air conditioners produced?

Washing machine conditioners and rinses come in various forms:

1. Liquids and concentrates. The latter have a thicker consistency and are used at a lower dosage. When using these funds, it is important to strictly follow the dosage regimen indicated in the instructions. This is done using a measuring cap. The amount of the required substance is calculated based on the volume of the laundry and the size of the machine.
2. Impregnated napkins, granules and fabric balls. Placed directly in the centrifuge of the washing machine before rinsing or drying.

Note! With an insufficient amount of funds, the desired effect will not be achieved, with an excess amount, there is a risk of getting an excessively pungent odor, damage to the fabric and the mechanism of the machine.

Rating of the best fabric softeners

Synergetic lavender field

The conditioner is based on natural ingredients - complexes of vegetable tensides and oils, while a rich purple color is achieved by adding safe dyes of brilliant blue and carmoisine. The consumption of the product is low: 30 ml is enough for 5 kg of linen. It is used for both manual and automatic washing.

Advantages:

• easy to wash off;
• has a pleasant aroma;
• does not leave streaks;
• does not harm the structure of the fabric;
• has an environmentally friendly composition;
• concentrated enough for economical use.

Disadvantages:

• not designed for children's clothes.

Clean Home universal with the scent of the Russian forest

The conditioner-rinse is used for washing almost all types of fabrics: wool, silk, synthetics and cotton. Gives clothes a long-lasting forest scent. It can be used for machine and hand wash, but in the second case, its consumption increases.

Advantages:

• ease of ironing;
• composition with a large amount of antistatic agent;
• large packaging volume (1 l);
• economical consumption (25-45 ml per wash);
• ensuring resistance to pollution.

Disadvantages:

• the presence of perfume.

Lenor

A special conditioner for rinsing baby clothes stands out in the line. It contains no hazardous components, and the amount of surfactants does not exceed 5%. The product is used for synthetic and natural fabrics of any color, but it cannot be used for velor, fleece and chenille.

Advantages:

• hypoallergenic composition;
• safe for sensitive skin;
• good anti-static effect;
• lack of dyes;
• variability of volumes - 0.5, 1 and 2 liters.

Disadvantages:

• maintaining the scent on the skin for some time;
• inability to use for fire-resistant things.

Eared nanny

Concentrate suitable for washing children's clothes due to its low surfactant content. One package is enough for 30 washes. It is used for hand and machine washing of clothes of any color. Does not contain dyes that affect the color, but is supplemented with aloe vera, which has a soothing effect on the skin.

Advantages:

• low cost;
• convenient packaging;
• bright antistatic effect;
• updating the color and structure of clothing;
• ease of ironing;
• the possibility of using for the things of newborns.

Disadvantages:

• the product foams a little;
• opacity of the package, which makes it difficult to control the consumption.

Nissan FaFa with Japanese citrus shekwash scent

Japanese remedy with antibacterial and bright emollient effect. Suitable for various fabrics of any color, both hand and machine wash. Can be used for people with sensitive skin and newborns. It is a concentrate for economical consumption. Keeps the tissue in its original form with regular use.

Advantages:

• use for any fabric;
• ease of rinsing;
• harmless to allergy sufferers;
• good consistency and large volume;
• the product hardly foams.

Disadvantages:

• high price;
• packing in the form of a bag.

Lion Soflan with citrus scent

ECO product that does not contain formaldehyde, phosphates and other hazardous chemicals. Contains natural oils that remove persistent odors, impart a light citrus scent, soften fabrics and make ironing easier. It has antibacterial and good antistatic properties.

Advantages:

• hypoallergenic;
• economical consumption;
• vegetable composition;
• the ability to use for all types of fabrics.

Disadvantages:

• high price.

Vernel

Baby conditioner has proven itself well due to its mild complex effect: it softens clothes and makes ironing easier.The original color of the fabric is restored and the fibers are protected from the sun's rays.

Advantages:

• rinses well from fabric;
• has a high concentration of active substances;
• does not cause irritation;
• suitable for delicate fabrics;
• has a low flow rate.

Disadvantages:

• weak antistatic effect;
• too harsh aroma;
• very thick consistency.

Dropps

The conditioner comes in the form of a concentrate in capsules, suitable for fabrics of any color. The composition does not include phosphates, optical brighteners, SLS, artificial colors and flavors, and therefore is absolutely safe. It has a good anti-static effect.

Advantages:

• hypoallergenic;
• gentle composition;
• convenient packaging;
• cost efficiency.

Disadvantages:

• high price.

DIY fabric softener

The rinse aid can be made independently, while keeping the laundry from wear and tear and the machine from breakage. For common recipes, the simplest ingredients are suitable.

Vinegar based

Classic table vinegar is needed as a safe softener. It is suitable for woolen garments and retains the richness of colors. Acetic acid disinfects clothes and the surface of the washing machine, and also removes the detergent from the fibers. When washing by hand, the solution is used in its pure form, and when washing with a machine, it is mixed with other substances.

Note! When preparing the conditioner, the proportions must be carefully observed.

The following recipes can be cited:

1. A liter of vinegar and five drops of essential oil, mint or lavender. Stir and store in an opaque container for up to eight weeks. One wash requires a glass of rinse aid.
2. Vinegar, baking soda and warm water in equal proportions. For aroma, you can add a little essential oil. Can be stored for up to two months in a dark place.
3. 300 ml of vinegar essence, 600 ml of distilled water and 200 ml of hair conditioner. Stir and add glass to wash.

Borax based

Borax softens water well, and therefore is used for washing. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties. The substance in the amount of 50 g must be poured into the rinse aid compartment. You should be careful with the dosage, as high concentrations of borax can cause an allergic reaction.

How to replace fabric softener

If you don't have a conditioner, you can replace it with a conditioner for hair or baby shampoo. There is also a method without adding substances: tennis balls placed in a drum. During washing, they move among the laundry, carrying out soft blows, because of which the clothes are constantly shaken and become more delicate and airy. In this case, the balls do not affect the operation of the machine.

Laundry conditioner is an important element of high-quality cleaning, allowing you to extend the life of your clothes and maintain their quality. The choice of the product should be based on the characteristics of the laundry.

5 cases when air conditioning is contraindicated