Fabric conditioner works by depositing a thin lubricating layer on fibres. That softens them, reduces static and carries fragrance — and it is exactly why some fabrics should never see it.
Never use it on
Towels. The coating reduces absorbency, which is the entire job of a towel. Towels that have stopped drying you properly are usually conditioner build-up, and it takes several hot washes without it to recover.
Sportswear and technical fabrics. The coating blocks the moisture-wicking that you paid for, and traps odour rather than releasing it. This is the most common cause of sports clothing that smells even after washing.
Microfibre cloths. It clogs the fibres and destroys their cleaning ability.
Anything flame-resistant, particularly children's sleepwear, where the coating can affect the treatment.
Where it is genuinely good
Bedding, everyday cotton clothing, and anything prone to static in winter. On those it does what it claims.
Using it
- The conditioner compartment, never directly onto clothes. Neat conditioner on fabric leaves greasy marks
- Follow the dose. Overusing it builds up, which makes fabric feel waxy and hold smell
- Not every wash. Every second or third is plenty for most laundry
- Do not combine with detergent in the same compartment — they work against each other chemically
The fragrance question
Scented laundry products are the most common source of persistent fragrance exposure in a household, since you sleep in and wear the results.
If anyone in the house has eczema, sensitive skin or asthma, this is one of the first things worth removing when troubleshooting — more so than most cosmetics, because the exposure is continuous.
For a baby's clothing and bedding, unfragranced is the safer default.
If laundry smells despite washing
Usually too much detergent or conditioner rather than too little. Run a hot wash with neither, and reduce the dose afterwards.
The full instructions are in the Faberlic catalogue. For the range, see the home care guide.