The use of fabric softener on clothes is something very common in the washing process. This happens not only because of the good smell left in the pieces, but also because of the softness caused by it, which also makes it easier when ironing them.
But you know what a softener? In this text we will learn some interesting facts about this product, as well as a simple and cheap way to produce it at home.
→ What is fabric softener?
The fabric softener is actually a simple Mix of various substances:
Cationic surfactant: substance that has a positive character;
thickener: substance used to increase product viscosity;
pH controlling agent: the pH of the softener cannot be less than 3, that is, it cannot be acidic to the extreme because it would harm the fiber orientation;
Preservatives: act to prevent the development of bacteria;
Dyes: provide a more eye-catching appearance to the product;
Fragrance or essential oil: they give a smell to clothes. These substances are always mixed with others, called fixatives, to prolong the persistence of the smell;
Water: medium in which some components are dissolved and others are dispersed (scattered).
The most important of the substances present in fabric softener is a cationic surfactant called Dialkylmethylammonium chloride. The name may sound difficult, but its function is quite simple. This substance is able to interact with the fibers of the clothing, not allowing them to intertwine, that is, it keeps the fibers aligned.
When we wash clothes with soap, they get negatively charged. The positively charged cationic surfactant present in the fabric softener cancels out charges and keeps the fibers aligned. When the fibers of the clothes are aligned, the texture of the clothes is smoother.
→ How to make a fabric softener?
Vinegar and baking soda is a homemade alternative as a fabric softener
To make a homemade fabric softener, which works just as well as the one purchased at the supermarket, we need the following ingredients:
1 liter of water;
500 ml of colorless vinegar (can be purchased at the supermarket);
100 grams of baking soda (can be purchased at a pharmacy or supermarket);
A large spoon;
Any essence (can be purchased at stores specializing in soap products);
A large container for mixing ingredients;
A funnel to add the product to the Pet bottle;
2 liter capacity pet bottle.
To prepare the fabric softener, we must follow these steps:
1º) Add all the water in the big container;
2º) Add all the vinegar in the container with water;
3) Add a little baking soda and stir. This process will produce a lot of foam, so add the rest little by little and stir slowly;
4º) Add all the essence and stir;
5º) Place the funnel in the pet bottle and add the softener.
Ready! Now it's time to prepare the ingredients and put your hands on the dough, or rather, the fabric softener.
Good work!
By Me. Diogo Lopes Dias
