? Death by fabric softener

[PeteT]

I have a couple of Endura baselayer shirts and some thermal-type knee warmers. i've had these well over a year and had no problems with their function or form.

It was only when sticking them into the washing machine last evening that I noticed the small print which said 'Do not use fabric softener'.

Given that our washing liquids all contain fabric softener - and these items have been washed regularly in it for the past year with no apparent ill effects - can anyone explain what damage may have been done? The items are soft and smell nice too, which is a bonus! Or is it the manufacturers just using a catch-all get-out clause?

 

[I like Skol]

Maybe it is something to do with the wicking properties? As a guess if the fibres are coated in a 'greasy' conditioner film the material might not be able to work as it is intended.

Must admit I haven't noticed or paid to much attention to the washing instructions for my Decathlon base layers but I also wash them with an added conditioner.

 

[PeteT]

Maybe it is something to do with the wicking properties? As a guess if the fibres are coated in a 'greasy' conditioner film the material might not be able to work as it is intended.

Must admit I haven't noticed or paid to much attention to the washing instructions for my Decathlon base layers but I also wash them with an added conditioner.

That was my first line of thought - but they wick as well now as they did from the start. Also, the knee warmers do as good a job as when I bought them. Certainly don't intend to buy different washing liquids.