Fabric softener is notoriously divisive. In fact, when we interviewed Rich Handel, a test project leader at Consumer Reports who specializes in laundry, about the things he would never do as a ...

If your house has a septic system, then using fabric softener is a big problem. The chemical components kill the beneficial bacteria that is used to breakdown solid and liquid waste. Fabric ...

Many fabric softeners contain all sorts of added chemicals ... Or try 100 percent wool dryer balls. Makers of these solid balls of felted wool, or felted wool wrapped around a fibre core.

Fabric softeners can cause indoor air pollution and health issues due to VOCs, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. They may trigger respiratory problems, headaches, and skin irritation.