The laundry staple is utilitarian for more than just keeping apparel invigorated .
Brie Williams
It ’s a little - known fact that fabric softener has a purpose outside thelaundry room . Aside from softening fabrics , total a pleasant scent , andreducing still clingstone , cloth softener is also an in effect household cleaning tool . A small amount is potent enough to tackle dirt and grime , not to note fend off future dust and soap trash , thanks to its ingredients .
Credit:Brie Williams
Before you commence using fabric softener on every surface , knowing where it is most in force — and where you should forfend using it — is essential . To avail you get started , we ’re share the reasons why cloth softener functions as a cleaning agent and how to practice it to clean around the house .
What You Can Clean With Fabric Softener
Fabric softener has a fistful of fixings that enable it to keep thing fresh and clear . Most brand include redolence that get out a aroma on everything it touches — not just clothing . Fabric softener has anti - static property that not only helpremove dustbut also prevents it from build up up again . While material softener is n’t designed to clean clothes ( after all , that ’s why you need detergent ) , it turn back a modest cleansing component to mildly move up residue and dissolve poop . Lastly , when diluted and used sparingly , it can lend a milled radiancy to some open . Here ’s what you could cleanse with this unexpected shaft .
1. Walls and Baseboards
Unless your wall have obviousscuff marks , stains , or the originative expression of your category ’s young phallus , it ’s well-heeled to forget they require to be clean occasionally . detritus , debris , and hair can accumulate over time , but material softener is one path to stand these thing off . mix one part fabric softener with three parts warm weewee , dampen aspongewith the mixture , and use it to wipe down wall andbaseboards . The anti - static property in fabric softener will keep puzzle out to repel future dust so that you’re able to go longer between cleaning sessions . ( you’re able to also trythis baseboard vacuum hackusingdryer sheets ) .
2. Flooring
If used cautiously , material softener can have a obtrusive effect on some type of ball over . Not only can it help stave off dirt and dust like it does with walls , it can also give floor a nice glossiness and shine . Note that too much of the ware can exit behind seeable residuum - particularly ongrout- and make floors slippery , which lay a condom risk . If you ’d still like to give it a shot , add just one capful of material softener to a bucket of water and use it tomop tile , laminate , and hardwood floor .
3. Shower Doors
Glassshower doorsare another surface fabric softener can keep clean , but only when used in moderation . add up a free fall of fabric softener to a dampish parasite or textile , and wipe down the room access in a circular motion , focusing on areas with accumulatedsoap scum , then rinse . The fabric softener not only works to break down unsightly soap scum stain , it also aid in keeping it at bay . Note that fabric softener should not be used to clean any other glass or mirrored surface since it can make them appear cloudy . As long as you apply theshowerregularly , any residuum from the fabric softener will be rinsed off .
4. Stainless Steel
Although you probably appreciate how sleek your stainless steel kitchen gizmo look , you probably do n’t enjoy how quickly they get dirty . Smudges can look in the blink of an heart , but fortunately , fabric softener can make out to the delivery . Apply a diminished amount to a easy cloth and fan it ontostainless steel surfaces , following the focus of the grain . Although the fabric softener wo n’t removescratches in stainless steel , it will pass over away fingerprints and leave a subtle shininess .
5. Household Fabrics
Upholstered furnituredoesn’t involve to be incline to often — away from accidental spill and stains — but it can benefit from periodic nibble - me - ups . drape should be cleanedat least a few times per twelvemonth and can also be freshened up in minute between washings . Mattressesandpillowsalso deserve upkeep , and , of course , carpets get dirtyin a trice , specially if you have pet in the house . Luckily , fabric softener can help revive all of the thing mention above . In a spray nursing bottle , merge one part cloth softener with two part water . thinly mist menage fabrics to denigrate static and odors . After the cloth dries , you ’ll be left with a pleasant scent .
6. Your Car
Next , it ’s time to channelize alfresco andtackle your car ’s interiorwith the top executive of fabric softener . It gentlyconditions leatherand vinyl group , serve to fend for against detritus , and give your vehicle a fresh scent sansair freshener . Dilute a few drops of fabric softener in water and practice it to a soft textile , then pass over down the fascia , console , loving cup holder , inside door panels , and seats . Go over the field with a juiceless cloth to transfer any remaining residue .
7. Electronics
With its static - push ingredients , fabric softener is a smart solution for detail that are most prone to it . Using the same method as with your car , very softly wipe computer , phone , tab , andTV screensto cut electrostatic electricity and repel future detritus .
8. Artificial Plants
Not everyone has the time or energy to develop a unripened quarter round , but that ’s OK — that ’s whyfake houseplantsexist ! Although they are not as time - devour to care for as living plants , they still ask some sustentation . Keep them dirt and detritus - free by spritz diluted fabric softener and water onto the false leafage or flower petal and pass over dry with a clean , gentle textile .
What Not to Clean with Fabric Softener
As convenient as textile softener is for many things beyond laundry , obviate using it on the watch item , materials , and surfaces to better protect them .
Mirrors and crank : As we recognize , textile softener can leave flick or mottle onmirrorsand chicken feed surfaces ( with the exception of the shower threshold since they get wet regularly ) so stick by to using an alternative cleaner , such aswhite vinegarmixed with urine .
woodwind instrument furniture : Fabric softener should be used sparingly on floor , include hardwood . It ’s better to avoid it onwood furniturealtogether , as it can create a wax build - up over time .
Kitchen items : Never use fabric softener to clean house dishes , countertops , or any aerofoil where food for thought is prepare , as it can give behind chemical that are dangerous if ingested .
