Fabric softener is a laundry related material that is used to soften clothes to remove the scratchy feel of some fabrics and to reduce static cling. There are several different types of softener available. Liquid fabric softener is added during the rinse cycle and in most washers today can be placed in a dispenser that will automatically release it into the wash at the proper time. Some detergents also come combined with a fabric softener claiming to save money by having one product instead of two. Dryer sheets are also available and are placed in the dryer with the clothes. The next choice is a reusable dryer ball that is supposed to eliminate static by lifting and separating the clothes during the drying cycle. http://www.ehow.com/facts_5915238_importance-fabric-softeners.html

Fabric softeners primary use is to soften clothes and reduce bothersome static cling. Another effect is to reduce wrinkles in clothes reducing the need for ironing. Most softeners whether part of the detergent, added in the rinse cycle or used as a sheet in the dryer are surfactants and bind onto the fibers to make them more supple and resistant to static buildup. Three different chemicals are used to produce this effect. Ditmacs provide a very soft result but they tend to build up and reduce absorbency as well as dulling the colors of clothing. Imidazoline provides better control of static cling that other chemicals but is more expensive to produce. The third option is Amido Amine which tends to provide the best balance between softness and static control and has the least negative effect in that it washes out easily with no buildup. http://www.schiff-consulting.com/fabric_softeners.html

People with allergies or those who have sensitive skin may have problems with clothes that have been prepared with a fabric softener. This could cause a reaction either on the skin or in the respiratory system. A possible cause are the chemicals used to provide the scent used in a particular product. One possible solution is to use an unscented brand of softener. Another solution is to use an organic fabric softener which may be available at your natural foods store. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-fabric-softener.htm And if that isn’t an option then a readily available solution is white vinegar which being an acid counteracts the alkalinity of the detergent. http://www.detox.net.au/articles/detox/a-natural-organic-fabric-softener.html

Fabric softener sheets, or "dryer sheets", are used by household experts for a variety of purposes outside of laundry rooms. The following tips are commonly recommended everyday ways of repurposing fabric softener sheets:

• When placed in old sneakers overnight, the sheets may help deodorize the shoes.
• Rubbing the sheets lightly on fabrics may attract stray pet hairs.
• Placing a sheet or two inside of suitcases when storing them may help keep the odor fresh.
• When a sheet and some water are added to a baking pan with baked-on food, and then left to sit overnight, the fabric softener may loosen the food up for easy cleaning.
• Wiping blinds with fabric softener sheets may help prevent dust from resettling.http://www.asktheladies.com/the-magic-of-fabric-softener-sheets.htm