Then cut white cotton washcloths into 4 squares – or use any cotton or microfiber fabric – and put those in the solution, making sure the fabric squares are saturated. If you accidentally put Clorox 2 in a bleach dispenser, be sure to rinse the dispenser out thoroughly with water before using it again. Fabric softener is incredibly useful, but only if done right! Check out our list of fabric softener do's and don'ts to do your laundry properly!Step 1: Remove the dispenser: Follow steps 1 and 2 from Method 1 to take out the fabric softener compartment. However, if you accidentally use some fabric softener - don't panic - just rewash the cloth(s) and you'll be fine. Fabric softener is a liquid product designed to make clothes feel softer and reduce static cling. When hand-washing, fill the sink or wash basin with cold water and mix in 1 teaspoon of gentle laundry detergent for a single. Downy is not a laundry detergent, nor can it serve as a substitute. The amount of dirt or stains on your clothes will also factor into what type of detergent you should use. Another reason why you shouldn’t put fabric softener in the bleach dispenser is if you are always putting fabric softener in the bleach dispenser during laundry, eventually, it will pile up. If that hole is clogged, the bleach will not dispense properly. While some detergents may contain conditioner, fabric conditioner is not the same as detergent. 5. This is a good thing when it comes to your clothes which you wash rather infrequently. Although they are both used in the washing process, they can’t be interchanged. Homemade Laundry Detergent. Not the hot one. Then, place the Aqua Pebble in the center of the tub under the laundry. with a fabric. Hence, this could cause mechanical problems over time. For a 5-gallon bucket, start with ½ tablespoon each of borax and washing soda and 1 tablespoon of detergent. Use fabric softener in washer or dryer to reduce static attraction of lint to synthetics. When I was given some great-smelling fabric softener from the store, I excitedly tried it. I put each load through two complete cycles to ensure my laundry is clean, sanitized and rinsed thouroughly. Some types of fabric softener can clog the dispenser. Honestly, they towels can go in with clothes if the pods or detergent is also free and clear. Your clothes will have to be rewashed. Fabric softener is equally effective at removing static cling and softening clothes. How to Wash. Plain white distilled vinegar with 5% acidity is a natural fabric softener. Do not use bleach, fabric softeners or dryer sheets. To reduce the risk that kids' sleepwear will catch on fire, it's required to be flame-resistant. I double rinse and only use dryer sheets. That’s because it actually does the opposite you’d expect. If you want to use white vinegar as a fabric softener, add one cup to the solution at a time and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing. ago. It can be a bit more aggressive, like. Washing powder or laundry detergent is a type of cleaning agent mainly used to clean clothes. Don’t use fabric softener on your microfiber car towels. Tyler Z. Set the machine to perform an extra rinse to remove all the bleach from inside the washer. The Fabric softener container is not empty when the load is finished running . canoeguide • 5 yr. SuavitelA (r), which we used to call a fabric softener in the past, does more than that. Nothing, really. Washing Guidelines: Tencel sheets should ideally be washed once a week, using cold or lukewarm water and a gentle detergent free of added bleach. It contains no synthetic color and no natural plant dyes that can stain clothes. Press the soap firmly onto the stain and rub it back and forth so that the soap gets embedded in the clothing fibers. Dryer sheets are effective at softening fabrics as well as removing static. How fabric softener is different from laundry detergent. Wash the sheets separately and inside out, minimizing friction and abrasion. A little goes a long way. After leaving the shoes in the boiling water for about 10 minutes, dump the water out and let them cool. If you do accidentally use fabric softener and your towels come out with a gross residue, you can rewash them with vinegar. You can't use regular detergent and should always stay far away from fabric softener. com. Finally, close the lid, and the fabric softener will spread through the clothes like when you add detergent. While detergents clean stains of clothes and keep them shiny. Depending on the amount of fabric softener used, it could lead to oversudsing, which means too much soap or suds being produced in the washing machine. checking the. In turn, this also softens fabric. In comparison, a detergent cleans and removes odors and stains from washable fabric items. Using fabric softener alone could result in the buildup of dirt and grime on your clothes. • Pour in the detergent. If you want to save time, you can simply use a 2-in-1 laundry detergent and fabric softener. We explain what fabric softener is, if. Your clothes will be cleaner, and you will save money too!. Baking Soda: 1 In a large container, combine ¾ cups borax, ½ cup baking soda, and ½ cup white vinegar. And, if you do, you should only use a little and occasionally. capers01. After awhile the clothing will turn dingy and have odors. Instead of using fabric softener, use dryer balls. After buying the bleach, I ended up getting fabric softener instead of detergent and didn't figure it out until I moved back to my home country and I was like "hey that stuff looks like what I used -----" and then it suddenly made so much more sense why my clothes always smelled so strongly of detergent after I took them out of the laundry. The compartment for the liquid chlorine bleach is located in the front left corner of your washer. Unfortunately, fabric softener will. fabric softener market, is hoping to change that sentiment and reel in millennials – quickly. You’ll just have to run another load of laundry with the right products — but only if you’re sure you didn’t already run them through a cycle together. In contrast, the purpose of fabric softener is to strengthen and protect the fabric while it is being washed. As a Water Softener. by Rocky. Use a one-ounce medicine cup to measure and add liquid fabric softener. 3. You cannot use fabric softener for washing the clothes as it doesn’t include any cleaning agent. In addition to chlorine bleach and fabric softener, you should also avoid using insect repellent, especially those with DEET, on your FR clothing. To Clean the Washing Machine. Check the comforter for stains and pre-treat them. They’re supposed to be used WITH your detergent. Instead, it will flow directly into the laundry. You can use any laundry detergent you like, but I prefer using a liquid detergent as it gets mixed easily with. Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the washer’s drum at the start of the wash cycle to boost laundry detergent or bleach. I fill he softener to the recommended level,use an existing softener bottle. I'm sorry you have to re-wash them. Instead of placing clothes in the dryer or hanging them up in your laundry room, try line drying them outside. Adding detergent to the fabric softener dispenser leads to inefficient washing cycles and the potential for skin irritation. giving fluids through the veins (IV) treatment of any burned skin. It is not a big deal if you’ve accidentally used fabric softener in place of detergent. Vinegar leaves no residue on your fabrics, unlike many fabric softeners. Leave the washer door open after a cycle. Any group of liquid, water-soluble, synthetic, organic, or synthetic cleaning agents is a detergent. Method 1. When buying vinegar to use in the laundry, choose the cheapest distilled white vinegar with 5% acidity. If you’ve ever scratched a car with a brand-new microfiber towel, this may. Detergent is a must while washing clothes to get rid of stains, filth, and odors. Pour the mixture into the dispenser and run a warm rinse cycle. It’s time to set the record straight. When using the washer, set the machine to the gentle cycle and place the silk pillowcase in a mesh laundry bag. Dumping detergent on top of your laundry, especially powder detergent, is a double mistake. All of that being said, you can use ANY detergent as long as it does not contain bleach or fabric softener. Bleach is made up of some vigorous chemicals; therefore, you should avoid letting it come in contact with other detergents and cleaners. I accidentally bought this one time because the packaging, at very quick glance, tricked me into thinking this was downy. After that, you will need to transfer the fabric softener compartment and make sure that. Use half as much when washing delicate items (such as clothing made out of silk or lace). And instead of feeling soft, the items will feel slimy and uncomfortable to touch. Here are a few options to consider: Consider washing your load of laundry with 1/2 cup of baking soda instead of detergent for a natural cleaning option. What I use is good detergent for my soap, vinegar for the fabric softener, arm and hammer for a laundry boost, and. ago. The whole cycle can go on without your clothes being washed. Washing powder is produced in liquid and powdered form. 2. If you accidentally use fabric softener in a load of laundry, there are a couple of things that can happen. For top-loaders, you can add the Epsom salt at the very beginning of the cycle, before you put the clothes in. Flame-resistant clothing . Charlie's Soap has a high percentage of sodium carbonate and is claimed to remove washing machine residue. Here are steps to clean fabric softener out of bleach dispenser. I wash the clothes first in warm or cold water (with detergent and vinegar). We also love the light smell and effective cleaning power of its eco-friendly formula. I only use Boric acid for the really bad funky. You’ll also want to skip the fabric softener on specialty fabrics like wicking sportswear. 3. Many can cause irritation. Can You Use Fabric Softener As Detergent? / Cleaning & Organizing / By CleanCil For some inexplicable reason, you’re out of laundry detergent. Amazon / 7th Generation / Blueland. 3. To use it, soak the stained item for at least 30 minutes up to overnight in a solution of white vinegar and 1 Tbsp. Fill up your sink with warm water and pour in 1/3 cup of fabric softener or hair conditioner. To soften polyester, you can machine wash it using hot water and a mild detergent in a regular cycle. Natural Softener. The liquid can be scented or unscented. Sweat and pencil marks. It depends on what kind of detergent you use. Then get your wet cloth, add a little vinegar, and it cleans water stains (plaque) and kills the bacteria and kills bad smells, and is an acid. taylorc Discussion starter · May 6, 2007. Soak the mat for 5 to 15 minutes before scrubbing it with a sponge or rag. If you use fabric softener instead of detergent, your clothes may smell good and feel soft, but they will not be clean. When the iron is cool, rinse the tank with distilled water. Fabric softener, sadly, will only work if you run out of detergent and are looking for a substitute product to use in its stead. This is a bad time to add your fabric softener, as it’ll literally go down. You should not use them at the same time. To soften fabric naturally, try adding a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. They’re inexpensive, easy to use, and require no measuring or pouring. To soften your clothes, add 1/2-1 cup of vinegar to the softening dispenser or to the final rinse cycle. See moreRestart The Wash Cycle. The ECOS Laundry Detergent is our top pick because it's biodegradable and safe to use in a variety of home water systems. You can also use the cap of the laundry detergent or fabric softener as a measuring device. Use Mild Detergents: Use ¼ cup of baking soda and ½ cup of white vinegar. Instead, use detergent to clean your laundry by adding it at the beginning of the wash cycle. Baking Soda: Another natural alternative is baking soda. I wouldn’t alter the amount of vinegar or borax added to the wash when using. Also, fabric softeners tend to be extremely scented, which is reflected by the flowers, berries and other representations of scents on the bottle. Mix one cup of white vinegar and one cup of water together and add to your wash in place of detergent. Fabric Softener Alternative FAQ Can I use substitutes for fabric softeners in my laundry? There are several alternatives you can use instead of fabric softeners to achieve soft and fresh-smelling laundry: Add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle or fabric softener dispenser. Allergic Reactions: Fabric softeners are rich in fragrances and other chemicals that can irritate the skin if not properly washed out, which is a risk if no detergent is used. As mentioned, fabric softener is not going to do a good job of actually cleaning your clothes. Fill the dispenser with a solution of detergent and hot water, using enough to submerge the build-up of the fabric softener in the. They actually make your towels come out nice and fluffy. Why do my white clothes get GREY spots? The grime and dirt in the washer are the main reason your white clothes get gray. If you doing a pre wash, look for the dispenser labeled “pre wash” you might not have one. Follow these easy steps: Wash: To start, clean any residual detergent from your washing machine soap dispenser. checking the. In addition to chlorine bleach and fabric softener, you should also avoid using insect repellent, especially those with DEET, on your FR clothing. Both soap and fabric softener residue can build up over time and give various stinky things a place to grow. It helps to soften fabrics and reduce static cling. Photo: istockphoto. Add your laundry to the tub, and mix everything. Softening the water helps laundry rinse cleaner and be less stiff. I use baking soda over boric acid because baking soda is safer on skin as well as nearly every household has baking soda readily available. speed queen washer. Remove the liquid detergent cup from the dispenser drawer. The basket is for liquid detergent. Posted by u/monis6344 - 2,960 votes and 143 commentsThen, pour it into the washer during the rinse cycle. Ive been using for 3. In this case it would be up to you to manually add detergent. Apple cider vinegar is more pleasant if you dont like the smell of vinegar. Hot water, depending on the temperature, can and will permanently ruin microfiber. After the cycle, tumble dry on medium heat with a few tennis balls or dryer balls to help break down the fibers. Maybe wash it again with the dishwasher detergent so you know it rinsed off. Lemon juice’s natural acetic acid and enzymes help dissolve dirt, grease, and grime while leaving clothes extra soft with a fresh scent. On the other hand, leaving clothes in the dryer for an extended period can create extra wrinkles. This is not a myth; there is a logical reason behind this answer. This will help to prevent any build-up of fabric softener or detergent residue. Use baking soda or vinegar instead of fabric softener. Laundry detergent can range in price from as little as $0. Make sure the fabric softener you use is a scent you will enjoy, as the rubber will take on the fragrance. To dilute the conditioner, add fill the cup with warm water. I don't use it myself, although I do use dryer sheets because they seem to combat static electricity somehow. Whether it's liquid conditioner added to the wash, or sheets tossed in the dryer, the product is used to soften clothes and reduce wrinkles. );. For blankets and comforters, add two cups of vinegar to the final rinse. The fabric softener is irrelevant. *Dramatically slides down the door, crying*. Fabric softener can leave a waxy buildup that can't be broken down by the soap. Add up to 10 heavily soiled microfiber cloths and soak for 30 minutes. I use the detergent pods for soap, the only thing I use the dispenser for. Soap nuts are an excellent chemical-free laundry detergent alternative because their natural saponins clean clothes and act as a fabric softener. Using too much detergent and—yes—fabric softener can actually cause buildup in your machine and leave behind a residue that can result in mold, thereby causing a problem you may feel compelled. I might give that a try. It also helps remove any lingering odors from your clothes. ago. Accidentally put fabric softener in the detergent dispenser? Find out what happens next! Business, Economics, and Finance. Fabric softener, on the other hand, is for softening fabrics. Fill the fabric softener cup to the top level with the white vinegar. If this is the case, some of the fabric. A quick wash like this should take out any fabric softener or detergent, and bring the material back to its. This kitchen product is also a very good replacement for fabric softener. If your towel can take it, do a hot temperature cycle. You can put fabric softener straight into the washing machine. 4. Washing Machine. Introduction We’ve all done it – accidentally put detergent in the softener compartment of our washing machine. 1 Fill a jug with 1 cup of white vinegar and 3 cups of tap water. If you are planning to use a fabric softener so that your clothes can smell nice, this is a good question to ask. And rinsing is paramount! Now, dishwashing detergent also attempts to leave a "fresh smell", but this is bullsh*t because then we're eating detergent residue! This was sympathy, OP. Fabric softener also coats the automatic moisture sensor in your dryer, so it stops before your clothes are actually dry. Simply dilute the fabric softener with water before pouring it into the drum. Do not put pods in the dispenser unless specifically directed by your washing machine's manufacturer. Wash towels with ½ cup baking soda instead of detergent. There are a few things to keep in mind when using fabric softener on a fuzzy blanket. Compatible with HE washing machines-simply use along with your favorite detergent. While your detergent is working overtime to get rid of dirt and sweat. Home Appliance Technician. Commercial fabric softeners leave residue in fibers that can cause white sheets to look dull. Secondly, the laundry cycle may not be draining the water and fabric softener away properly. Choose the hot water setting on your washer. fabric softenter vs laundry detergent. To Brighten Aged Linens. 3. To deep clean the dispenser and your washer’s drum, add ½ cup (110 g) of baking soda directly into the bottom of your machine. The detergent can build up on the fabric softener dispenser and clog it. Microfiber is an incredible material with intricate threads that can trap dust and absorb spills. 2. This way vinegar will remove any residue and kill things the lysol sanitizer doesn’t kill. Do not mix it with detergent unless you have a special place to do so. To Remove Odors. To Increase Bleach Potency. More so, using regular detergent in an HE washer could also lengthen the wash cycle, affect the cleaning performance or overflow the machine. Add pods to the washer tub before clothing, either to the back or bottom of the tub and never to the detergent dispenser unless you’re directed to by your washer’s manufacturer. If you're using dish soap, shampoo or body wash, use your finger to rub the soap into the stain. Fabric softener is not designed to remove dirt or stains from. Step 2: Put one category in the washing machine (for example, towels you use to dry the car after it’s washed). When washing towels—or anything else, for that matter—you only need two tablespoons of laundry detergent per load. Detergent can strip away natural oils from the skin leading to irritation. Soaking in a Vinegar Solution: Fill a basin or sink with warm water and add half a cup of white vinegar. Mix detergent and bleach. The Fabric softener container is not empty when the load is finished running . Stripping the Cloth: If detergent or fabric softener residue has built up on your Norwex or e-cloth, stripping the cloth can help remove the residue and restore its softness. Sunday - Closed. Fabric softener should not be used as a substitute for laundry detergent. Or, after soaking, place in washing machine and launder on normal cycle using a Norwex laundry detergent. Add about 1/3 cup to the bleach cup in your washing machine. Don’t wash your car wash towels with your regular laundry. However, when it comes to using fabric softener on towels, it isn’t recommended. Due to its chemical properties, fabric softeners can rough up (or wreak havoc on) certain materials. Here are some ways to make your sheets extra soft. Fabric softener does not contain cleaning agents such as the enzymes and alkalis found in detergents that help remove dirt and stains. Fabric softeners do not clean clothes and will rinse out of the system as soon as the cycle is complete. Pure Castile Soap. Do not do this. It is recommended that you dilute concentrated fabric softeners with warm water before use. That stuff can get in the way of the wicking action. Most non-removable fabric softener dispensers are on top of the agitator or on one of the corners inside the washer. Instead of detergent, use this solution on your second wash cycle. Generally, it can take anywhere from one to several washing. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and cleanser, and it also. Detergent in powder or liquid form could be used to wash clothes. Treatment for soap poisoning may include: oxygen or a breathing tube. Sometimes the smell is still there if I haven't sprayed them 2x a day outside and rotated them so I go back to spraying. Yeah, the way fabric softener makes fabric soft is by depositing silicone in the wash. Next, mix 1 cup of fabric softener with a gallon of hot water to create the buffing solution. Can You Use Fabric Softener as an Alternative to Laundry Detergent to Clean Clothes? The short answer to this question is no; you can’t use fabric softener as an alternative to laundry detergent. Fabric softener, sadly, will only work if you run out of detergent and are looking for a substitute product to use in its stead. McKenna says. DO NOT use bleach or fabric softener/dryer sheets. Instead of adding laundry detergent and fabric softener separately, these all-in-one products combine the best of both. Now that detergent is concentrated, using too much can leave residue. Prevention. Never use hot water, as it can melt the fibers. #1 – Fabric softeners and dryer sheets lessen the life of your clothes dryer. If you prefer a detergent that doesn’t. Directions. ️ Fabric softener, often known as a conditioner, is used to soften and preserve textile fibers. Unless a detergent has an added fabric softener in it, it can’t be used to condition clothing or other fabric items. Turn the garment inside out and submerge it in a sink or basin of cool water and some mild detergent. Additionally, this means that you actually used a softener to wash your clothes instead of a detergent. You will need a sachet of powder detergent, a bottle or sachet of chlorine bleach, a hand glove, a soft-bristled brush, a mop, and a cloth. ”. It has many benefits and can improve the life of your machine. Do you really need fabric. Fabric softener should not be used as a substitute for laundry detergent. The question of whether fabric softener is essential in laundry care has long been debated for years. i own a samsung he pair, i make my own fabric softener. its 2 cups water, 1/4 c hair conditioner, and 1/4 c white vinegar. Add a quarter cup of baking soda or a half cup of distilled white vinegar directly into your washing machine’s drum during the rinse cycle to achieve not only softer but brighter clothes. When washing, use a VERY SMALL amount of detergent. It depends on several factors such as the type of fabric softener used, the length of time the product was left on the garment, the temperature of the water used to wash the garment, the type of wash cycle or cycle time used, and the amount of agitation during the wash cycle. 3. If fabric softener is applied to clothing without being diluted, it can cause staining. It’s possible to make this mistake and the only thing you are going to waste is the fabric softener, water, and your time. I use Tide Free & Gentle, Clorox 2 Free and Clear, Clorox Gentle Bleach, as well as free and clear dryer sheets and fabric softener. Like. Use a. Laundry sanitizer is designed to kill bacteria and other microbes, while fabric softener is designed to soften fabrics. Some popular laundry detergent and fabric softener combinations for hard water areas include Tide with Downy, Persil ProClean with Downy, and Arm & Hammer plus OxiClean with Snuggle. This is not a myth; there is a logical reason behind this answer. Let the clothes soak in the bucket for five minutes, and then remove the clothes. Laundry products contain chemicals that do not always interact well together. Step 2: Wash With Detergent and Vinegar. This is because fabric softener can stain some fabrics. It'd be like washing your dishes with lotion instead of soap. Laundry Detergent. 5. Microfiber is an incredible material with intricate threads that can trap dust and absorb spills. Bleach degrades the fibres, and fabric softener/dryer sheets leave a yucky coating over. You're washing workout clothes with traditional detergent. If fabric softener is applied to clothing without being diluted, it can cause staining. Most of the time, fabric softener doesn't do anything except put perfume on your clothes. Fabric softener is a product that is typically used in laundry to soften clothes and make them smell fresher. Buy On Amazon. Replace laundry softener in your softener drawer with white vinegar. 124,236 satisfied customers. Use vinegar instead of bleach (don't use both at the same time), especially if you use fabric softener. You should also avoid using anti-static or wrinkle-free dryer sheets. Avoid the mistake of adding fabric softener at the beginning of a wash cycle if your machine does not have a dispenser. Use laundry detergent for a thorough. Don’t store your towels in an open area. Buy On Amazon. What you end up with is a pile of dirty clothes that has had its dirt and stains softened. Wash as usual, selecting the appropriate wash cycle. You cannot use fabric softener for washing the clothes as it doesn’t include any When you accidentally use a fabric softener instead of detergent, what you should do is to run another wash cycle using a proper laundry detergent like Persil. 3. So i put in my laundry detergent in its spot then i put fabric softner/bleach in there spots. Silk can be washed by hand or in the washer (in most cases). GameStop Moderna Pfizer Johnson & Johnson AstraZeneca Walgreens Best Buy Novavax SpaceX Tesla. ( 10) According to EcoWatch , dryer sheets often contain quaternary ammonium compounds, which can trigger asthma attacks. (hence the reason why the person bought it for me instead of the usual brands). As an alkali substance, baking soda corrects water’s pH levels to reduce bacteria, eliminate funky smells, and lift dirt from deep in the fibers. Fabric conditioners contain softening ingredients and chemicals that help prevent fading. Laundry detergent has a formulation designed in removing stains, dirt buildups, and debris in clothes. Fabric softener can contain fragrances and dyes that cause allergic reactions. Begin by sweeping and cleaning the floor. TIL that I used fabric softener instead of detergent when I did laundry at my aunt’s house. You should NOT use detergent pods in the top washer. Hope that helps. Cons. 1. How To Add Vinegar To an H. After a week of use, wash Norwex in your machine with low-lint items, hot water, and filler-free detergent. Instead, the shortcomings in the product may provide insight into its worth in real-time. (Yes, dryer sheets and liquid softener do the same thing!) “The main difference is simply which part of. The bleach can react with detergent in unexpected ways that could disrupt the wash cycle or cause fabric stains. It offers Tide’s. Bleach and fabric softener should never be mixed, as the bleach can react with the fabric softener and create harmful fumes. Another method is to boil water in a pot and pour it into shoes. Fabric softener protects clothes from being damaged and keeps them smooth and soft, plus, eliminates static electricity. Lay the comforter on top of duvet. Bronners pure castile soap (grated) Pulse together in a food processor and place in an air tight container. If you mix it with detergent it will wash off during the wash cycle and you’ll be wasting your softener and your money. by Rocky. These cautoionic fabric softeners also routinely trigger reproductive toxicity in animals. I've recently used the Finish dishwasher cleaner, worked great) Carry on. E. If the fabric softener is concentrated, as little as 1-2 teaspoons is all that is needed for a normal load. Use wool dryer balls in. When i start my wash cycle the water runs through the fabric softner/bleach department and not my detergent compartment. Hi, Emily. There are fabric softeners on the market that are created with more natural ingredients, and others. $18 from Target. Using any other kind of detergent in a high-efficiency washer will not only confuse your washer cycle and stop the machine from washing. I googled it and discovered many front-loaders get that smell from a build-up of residue. Why You Should Not Mix Detergent and Fabric Softener When Washing Your Laundry. Buy safe dryer sheets and eco-friendly fabric softeners instead. When this happens, instead of the moisture moving away from your body, it stays against you, making you (and your clothes) feel grosser and smell worse. Method 3: Powder Detergent plus bleach. Fabric softener can be used with models without a fabric softener dispenser if the model has a fabric softener option. That’s because of how the rinse cycle works. I use straight white vinegar instead of detergent. Microfiber is an incredible material with intricate threads that can trap dust and absorb spills. Line Dry Clothes Outside. Chemical stain removers may also cause a laundry detergent allergy. 2. So, can you use fabric softener instead of detergent? The answer is no. Nick Blackmer. Remove the Aqua Pebble from the fabric softener container, and fill it with detergent, making sure not exceed the MAX line. Fortunately, there is a simple fix—just rinse them again. • Add diluted fabric to the mix. Mold and Mildew Removal: Distilled white vinegar is powerful. Instead, use a little white vinegar in the rinse cycle. They actually make your towels come out nice and fluffy.