“Can You Use Fabric Softener When Washing Outdoor Furniture Covers?” That’s a question many of us have when we’re trying to keep our outdoor furniture covers clean and pleasant.
We all like the idea of pulling a soft, freshly scented cover out of the wash, but it’s important to consider the impact fabric softener could have on the variety of materials these covers are made from.
Let’s dive into the basics and see if it is suitable to use fabric softeners.
| Material | Characteristics | Best for | Impact of Fabric Softener |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester | Lightweight, durable, and resistant to fading and water. Polyester covers often come with a PVC or PU coating for added water resistance and UV protection. | General use in various weather conditions, especially in areas that aren’t extremely wet or sunny. | Quats can build up on polyester, especially if it has a water-resistant coating (like PVC or PU), reducing the fabric’s breathability and water resistance. This buildup can also attract dirt and reduce the effectiveness of the UV protection layer. |
| Vinyl (PVC) | Waterproof, easy to clean, and sturdy. Vinyl covers are great for protection against rain, snow, and ice. | Areas with heavy rain or snowfall. However, they can be less breathable, leading to moisture buildup underneath. | Vinyl covers are waterproof and less porous than other fabrics, meaning that the coating from fabric softeners can leave a residue that is hard to remove and can degrade the material over time. This residue can also trap moisture underneath, increasing the risk of mold and mildew growth. |
| Canvas | Made from cotton or polyester, canvas covers are breathable and can be very durable. They’re often treated for water resistance and UV protection. | Those looking for a balance between durability and aesthetic appeal. Great for areas with moderate weather conditions. | Canvas, whether made from cotton or polyester, can absorb the quats, leading to reduced water resistance and breathability. Over time, the softener can weaken the fibers, making them less durable and more prone to damage. |
| Olefin (Polypropylene) | Highly durable, fade-resistant, water-resistant, and lightweight. Olefin is also mold and mildew resistant. | Sunny and wet climates due to its excellent UV resistance and water repellency. | The chemical coating can affect olefin’s inherent mold and mildew resistance by trapping moisture. It can also compromise the fabric’s UV resistance and water repellency, crucial for its performance in outdoor settings. |
| Solution-Dyed Acrylic | Colorfast, UV-resistant, water-resistant, and breathable. This fabric is known for maintaining its color and strength for many years. | High-end furniture covers in areas with intense sun exposure and where aesthetic is a priority alongside protection. | Quats can coat the fibers of solution-dyed acrylic, diminishing its UV resistance and colorfastness. The breathability and water resistance that make this fabric suitable for high-end outdoor furniture covers can also be compromised. |
| Ripstop Nylon | Lightweight, water-resistant, and designed to prevent tearing or ripping. Often used in combination with other materials for reinforced areas. | Windy areas or where the cover might be prone to snagging and tearing. | The lightweight and water-resistant nature of ripstop nylon can be adversely affected by fabric softeners. The softener can fill the tiny pores in the fabric that contribute to its breathability and water resistance, and potentially weaken the nylon’s tear-resistant properties. |
For the impacts mentioned above, it is generally not recommended to use fabric softener to wash your outdoor furniture cover because of the ingredients it contains.
Read related article: Can I Use A Steam Cleaner On Outdoor Furniture Covers?
Understanding Fabric Softeners
Fabric softeners are those nice-smelling liquids you add to your laundry to make your clothes feel softer and reduce static cling.
Here’s how they work: when you toss them into the wash or the dryer, they coat your clothes with a thin layer of chemicals that makes the fabric feel smoother and smell good.
The big players in fabric softeners are called quaternary ammonium compounds, or “quats” for short. These quats stick to the fibers of your clothes, making them feel less rough and helping them not to stick to each other because of static electricity.
Besides making your clothes soft, they also make them smell fresh and can even make ironing easier by reducing wrinkles.
That’s the rundown on fabric softeners – they’re like a spa treatment for your clothes, making them feel nicer, smell better, and behave well in the laundry.
Read related article: Is It Safe To Use Bleach On Outdoor Furniture Covers?
And That Quats Is Harmful to Furniture Cover
Yes, using fabric softeners containing quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) can be harmful to outdoor furniture covers. Here’s why in simple terms:
- Reduces Water Resistance: Outdoor furniture covers are designed to be water-resistant to protect against rain and moisture. Quats can coat the fabric, messing with this water-resistant layer and making the covers more likely to soak up water instead of repelling it.
- Affects Material Integrity: Many outdoor furniture covers are made from materials like polyester, olefin, or acrylic, which have specific properties like UV resistance and breathability. The coating from quats can fill in the gaps in the fabric’s weave, leading to reduced breathability and a higher chance of mold and mildew growth. Over time, this can also weaken the fabric, making it less durable.
- Interferes with Protective Coatings: Some outdoor furniture covers are treated with coatings for added protection against the sun and moisture. Quats can break down these coatings, diminishing the fabric’s ability to protect against UV rays and moisture.
In short, while fabric softeners can make your laundry feel soft and smell good, they’re not a good match for outdoor furniture covers. The chemicals in fabric softeners can compromise the very features that make these covers effective in protecting your furniture from the elements.
Reasons to Avoid Fabric Softener for Furniture Covers
When you’re looking after your outdoor furniture covers, you might think about reaching for fabric softeners to keep them soft and fresh. However, here’s why that might not be such a great idea:
Impact on Water Resistance
Imagine your furniture covers are like a raincoat for your outdoor sofa. Now, fabric softener acts kinda like slathering that raincoat in a layer of lotion. Instead of water beading up and rolling off, it starts soaking through.
That’s because the softener can mess with the cover’s ability to repel water, making it more like a sponge than a shield.
Breathability and Mold Growth
Outdoor covers need to breathe. If they can’t, any moisture trapped underneath from a rainy day or morning dew can’t dry out properly. It’s like wearing a plastic bag over a sweaty shirt; moisture gets trapped, and things start to get stinky and moldy.
Fabric softener coats the fibers, reducing the fabric’s ability to let air through and dry out, setting the stage for mold and mildew to move in.
Durability Concerns
Using fabric softener on your furniture covers is a bit like putting a heavy backpack on a thin branch. Over time, that branch (or in this case, the fabric) starts to wear out and break down under the weight.
The chemicals in fabric softener can weaken the fibers of your covers, making them less tough against the wear and tear of outdoor life, which means they might not last as long as they should.
Interference with Special Coatings
Many outdoor furniture covers come with special treatments to protect them from the sun’s rays or to keep them from fading. Adding fabric softener to the mix is like using sandpaper on a shiny new car; it can wear away those protective layers.
This means your covers might lose their color faster or stop protecting your furniture as well from the sun, leading to damage or discoloration.
In a nutshell, while fabric softener might seem like a good idea for keeping things soft and smelling nice, it’s not the friend of your outdoor furniture covers. Skipping it can help keep your covers doing their job better and for longer.
Dos and Don’ts When Caring for Outdoor Furniture Covers
Don’ts:
- Don’t Use Fabric Softener: Generally, it’s best to avoid fabric softener when washing outdoor furniture covers. The chemicals in fabric softeners can interfere with the fabric’s water resistance, breathability, and durability.
- Don’t Ignore Care Labels: Always read and follow the care instructions on your furniture covers. Manufacturers provide specific guidelines for a reason – to keep your covers in the best shape possible.
- Don’t Overload the Washer: Washing too many items at once can prevent thorough cleaning and rinsing. Overloading your washer might mean fabric softener residues are more likely to stick around, even on items where it’s not recommended.
Dos:
- Do Use Mild Detergent: Opt for a mild detergent that’s suitable for the fabric type of your covers. This will help clean them effectively without the harsh chemicals that could damage the material.
- Do Rinse Well: Ensure all detergent and any other cleaning agents are thoroughly rinsed from your outdoor furniture covers to maintain their integrity and functionality.
- Do Dry Properly: Follow the recommended drying instructions. Some covers can be air-dried, while others might be safe in a dryer on a low or no-heat setting. Proper drying can help avoid mildew and mold growth without the need for fabric softeners.
By focusing on these dos and don’ts, you can maintain the quality and longevity of your outdoor furniture covers without the need for fabric softener, ensuring they continue to protect your furniture effectively.
What Are Your Alternatives
Looking for a way to keep your furniture covers soft without the downsides of fabric softener? No worries, there are some easy, natural tricks you can try that won’t mess with the fabric’s special powers to keep your furniture safe and sound.
Natural Softener
- Baking Soda: Toss in a half cup of baking soda with your detergent. It can help soften the water and your covers, making them feel cozy without the chemical residue fabric softeners can leave.
Proper Washing and Drying Techniques
- Read Those Labels: Every furniture cover comes with a tag that tells you how to take care of it. Stick to what the tag says to keep your covers in top shape.
By using these simple alternatives and sticking to the recommended care instructions, you’ll keep your furniture covers feeling soft and working hard without needing to reach for the fabric softener.
Plus, you’ll be doing your bit for the planet by choosing more natural options.
Conclusion
In wrapping up, while the temptation to use fabric softener on your furniture covers for that extra softness and fresh scent might be strong, it’s clear that the cons outweigh the pros.
Fabric softeners can compromise the very features—like water resistance, breathability, and durability—that make these covers so essential for protecting your outdoor furniture. They can also interfere with special coatings designed to shield the fabric from UV damage and moisture.
So, the next time you’re doing laundry, it’s best to keep fabric softener away from your furniture covers.
By skipping it, you’ll ensure your covers continue to perform at their best, keeping your outdoor furniture safe, clean, and ready for enjoyment season after season.