Alert! fabric softener ingredients linked to fire risk

Fabric softener is a common household product used to make clothes soft and reduce static cling. However, many people are unaware of the potential fire hazard associated with fabric softener.

The answer to the question “Is fabric softener flammable?” is both yes and no. Fabric softener itself is not flammable, but the residue it leaves on clothes can be. This residue is made up of chemicals that can ignite and burn easily.

How Fabric Softener Residue Can Cause Fires

Fabric softener residue can accumulate on clothes over time, especially if the clothes are not rinsed thoroughly after washing. This residue can create a layer of flammable material on the surface of the fabric.

When clothes with fabric softener residue are exposed to a heat source, such as a dryer or an iron, the residue can ignite and start a fire. The fire can spread quickly, especially if the clothes are made of a flammable material, such as cotton or polyester.

Cases of Fabric Softener-Related Fires

There have been several well-documented cases of fires caused by fabric softener residue. In 2010, a fire in a Maryland apartment was traced to fabric softener residue on a pair of sweatpants. The fire caused extensive damage to the apartment and injured two people.

In 2015, a fire in a California home was caused by fabric softener residue on a blanket. The fire spread quickly and destroyed the home.

How to Prevent Fabric Softener-Related Fires

There are several steps you can take to prevent fabric softener-related fires:

• Use fabric softener sparingly. The less fabric softener you use, the less residue will be left on your clothes.
• Rinse clothes thoroughly after washing. This will help to remove any fabric softener residue from the clothes.
• Do not overload the dryer. Overloading the dryer can prevent clothes from drying evenly and can lead to the accumulation of fabric softener residue.
• Clean the dryer lint trap regularly. This will help to remove any fabric softener residue that may have accumulated in the dryer.
• Avoid using fabric softener on clothes that will be exposed to heat. This includes clothes that will be dried in a dryer or ironed.

Other Safety Tips

In addition to the steps listed above, there are a few other safety tips you can follow to reduce the risk of fabric softener-related fires:

• Keep fabric softener out of reach of children. Fabric softener can be harmful if ingested.
• Store fabric softener in a cool, dry place. Heat and moisture can cause fabric softener to deteriorate and become more flammable.
• Dispose of used fabric softener properly. Do not pour fabric softener down the drain or into the toilet.

Takeaways

Fabric softener can be a useful household product, but it is important to be aware of the potential fire hazard associated with it. By following the safety tips listed above, you can help to prevent fabric softener-related fires.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Is fabric softener flammable?

A: Fabric softener itself is not flammable, but the residue it leaves on clothes can be.

Q: How can fabric softener residue cause fires?

A: Fabric softener residue can accumulate on clothes over time and create a layer of flammable material on the surface of the fabric. When clothes with fabric softener residue are exposed to a heat source, the residue can ignite and start a fire.

Q: What are some steps I can take to prevent fabric softener-related fires?

A: You can prevent fabric softener-related fires by using fabric softener sparingly, rinsing clothes thoroughly after washing, not overloading the dryer, cleaning the dryer lint trap regularly, and avoiding using fabric softener on clothes that will be exposed to heat.