By Zach Pozniak, VP of Operations at Jeeves of Belgravia New York and fourth-generation dry cleaner · @jeeves_ny
Quick answer: Usually, no. Fabric softener can make clothes feel softer, but it also reduces absorbency and can leave residue on towels, workout gear, underwear, and sheets. Use it only selectively, such as on some sweaters, and skip it for anything that needs to absorb water or sweat.
Usually, no—not for everyday laundry. Fabric softener can make clothes feel smoother and reduce static, but it also leaves a coating on fibers that can reduce absorbency, trap odor, and build up in your washer over time.
If you do use it, use it sparingly and only on items that benefit from a softer handfeel, like some sweaters. Skip it on towels, workout clothes, underwear, sheets, baby clothes, and anything that needs to absorb water or sweat.
Traditional fabric softener works by coating fabric fibers with a thin layer of softening agents. That coating makes clothes feel softer and can help reduce friction, pilling, and static.
The tradeoff is that the same coating can make fabrics less absorbent and can hold onto body oils and odors. That is why a towel may feel nice but dry poorly after repeated softener use.
Fabric softener can be useful on some sweaters and other items where you want a softer feel and less pilling. Even then, use a light hand—more is not better.
If your main goal is static control or easier drying, wool dryer balls are often the better choice. They are reusable, help separate items in the dryer, and do not leave a softener coating behind.
Try a rinse-cycle additive or a mineral-based softener if you want a softer feel without the same heavy residue.
Fix the source of the smell first with an enzyme-based detergent or stain treatment. Softener can mask odor, but it does not remove it.
Use wool dryer balls instead of dryer sheets or softener sheets.
Should you use fabric softener? Only selectively. For most laundry, we recommend skipping it and choosing a method that matches the fabric’s job. If the item needs to absorb, breathe, or wick moisture, leave fabric softener out.
Or ask about any laundry or garment care question
Zach Pozniak is VP of Operations and co-owner of Jeeves of Belgravia New York, the Madison Avenue dry cleaner serving New York since 1979, and the fourth generation of his family in the trade. Zach posts garment care techniques as @jeeves_ny on TikTok to over 620,000 followers, and his book The Laundry Book, co-written with his father Jerry Pozniak, was featured on Good Morning America in October 2024. Jeeves NY's clients include the Metropolitan Opera, the Met Museum, and FIT, and the business has been profiled by The Wall Street Journal and New York Magazine.