Fabric conditioner works by coating the fibers of your clothes with a lubricating layer, resulting in softer, less static-filled, and better-smelling laundry.
Here's a breakdown of how it works:
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Detangling and Lubricating Fibers: The primary function of fabric conditioner is to detangle the cloth fibers. It achieves this by depositing positively charged (cationic) surfactants onto the negatively charged fabric fibers. This layer reduces friction between the fibers.
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Reducing Static Cling: By lubricating the fibers, fabric conditioner minimizes the build-up of static electricity, which is the primary cause of clothes clinging together after drying.
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Softening Effect: The lubricating layer makes fabrics feel softer against the skin. It's the reduced friction that gives the sensation of softness. This is similar to how hair conditioner works.
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Fragrance Delivery: Fabric conditioners contain fragrance capsules that adhere to the fabric. These capsules break open over time, releasing a pleasant scent that makes clothes smell fresh for an extended period.
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Fiber Protection: By reducing friction and wear during washing and drying, fabric conditioners can help protect fabric fibers, potentially extending the life of your clothes.
In short, fabric conditioner employs a multi-faceted approach involving lubrication, static reduction, and fragrance delivery to improve the overall feel and scent of your laundry.
