Skip to content
📦 Ordered before 3 pm, delivered the next business day
💚 Free shipping from €19 in NL (otherwise €2.95)

Fabric Softener: Do You Still Need It When Using Laundry Detergent Sheets?

Wasverzachter: Heb ik het nog nodig als ik wasstrips gebruik?
Laundry detergent sheets are a popular alternative to liquid detergent. This article explains whether fabric softener is still necessary and how to keep your laundry soft without relying on traditional additives.

Laundry detergent sheets are a popular alternative to liquid detergents, but do you still need fabric softener when using these sheets? Find out if fabric softener is really necessary and how you can get your laundry extra soft without using it.

Why laundry strips?

Laundry strips are dried, eco-friendly strips of detergent that you put in the washing machine. They contain concentrated detergent that cleans your laundry without the need for plastic bottles or bulky packaging. One big advantage of laundry strips is that they're gentle on your clothes, since they don't contain harsh chemicals. This usually means you don't need fabric softener anymore to keep your laundry soft. Plus, they're super easy to use and save a lot of space.


Why do people use fabric softener?

People use fabric softener mainly to make their clothes softer and reduce static electricity. Plus, many fabric softeners add a fresh scent, which is important for some people. 

In areas with hard water, fabric softener is also used to prevent clothes from feeling stiff. Coarse fabrics like towels and jeans can feel rough after washing without fabric softener. In short, fabric softener helps make your clothes softer and fresher.


Do you need fabric softener with laundry strips?

No, you don't need fabric softener to keep your laundry soft when you Cosmeau's laundry strips used. The strips contain cellulase, an enzyme that helps make your clothes softer. 

Cellulase breaks down small, damaged fibers and removes dirt and residues that can make fabrics feel rough. This process keeps your clothes smoother and softer after every wash, without needing an extra product like fabric softener.

 

4 Tips to Make Your Laundry Softer Without Fabric Softener

1. Half to a full cup of vinegar: Add a little bit of vinegar to the fabric softener compartment. It makes your clothes soft and leaves no scent behind.

2. Wash at lower temperatures: Wash your clothes at a lower temperature to keep the fabric softer and prevent wear and tear.

3. Wool dryer balls: These natural dryer balls keep your laundry soft without any chemical additives.

4. Use less detergent: Stick to the recommended amount of detergent to avoid residue that can make your clothes feel stiff.


Other benefits of laundry strips without fabric softener

Laundry strips don't leave any chemical residue on your clothes, while traditional fabric softeners often leave a layer behind. This keeps your clothes fresh and lets them breathe better.

People with sensitive skin choose laundry strips because they're hypoallergenic and don't contain harsh chemicals like some fabric softeners do. This way, you avoid skin issues and your clothes stay soft after every wash.

Laundry strips give your clothes all the softness you need—no fabric softener required! They don’t leave any chemical residue on your clothes and are often a better choice for sensitive skin. Want your laundry even softer? Try easy, eco-friendly options like vinegar or dryer balls.

 

Also read:

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

Our mission is to reduce plastic waste in our everyday products and make this possible for everyone in our society.

Logo Cosmeau Square White
  • Leaf icon Prices that are accessible for everyone
  • Leaf icon Donations to the food bank and commitment to impact for the underprivileged
  • Leaf icon Innovations and improvements in logistics, products and local production
  • Leaf icon Profit for impact. Your contribution helps planet, animals and people

We strive for

Plastic vrij
Plastic-free

As much as possible without plastic and biodegradable

Dierproef vrij
Cruelty-free

We never test on animals

Plantaardig
Plant-based

Plant-based formulas with the power of nature

Vaste vorm
Concentrated

No unnecessary transport of water

Smelly Dishwasher? This Is Usually the Real Cause and How to Fix It
Smelly Dishwasher? This Is Usually the Real Cause and How to Fix It

A smelly dishwasher is usually caused by grease buildup, food residue, or a dirty filter. This article explains the real causes and the fixes that actually work.

Spring Cleaning 2026: The Ultimate Room by Room Guide
Spring Cleaning 2026: The Ultimate Room by Room Guide

Spring cleaning is not an old fashioned ritual, it is simply the smartest time to reset your home properly. With the right approach, it takes less effort than you might expect.

White Laundry Turned Grey? Here's How to Make It Bright White Again
White Laundry Turned Grey? Here's How to Make It Bright White Again

White laundry slowly turning grey is one of the most common laundry problems. Discover the five main causes and six effective solutions to make your whites bright again.

August Update on Scent Booster Production
August Update on Scent Booster Production

Cosmeau shares a new update on scent booster production in the Netherlands. The machines shipped in June have now been unloaded and moved into place safely.

June Update on the Scent Booster Production Machine
June Update on the Scent Booster Production Machine

In June, Ben and Jason traveled to China to inspect the scent booster machines in person. This update gives you a look at the production equipment and the trip behind it.

How Is a Laundry Detergent Sheet Made? Part 1
How Is a Laundry Detergent Sheet Made? Part 1

Cosmeau shares its journey toward local production in the Netherlands and shows how the first laundry sheet tests began. Part 1 covers how the production project started in 2022.

200,000+ already help clean more sustainably

Gebruikers van Cosmeau

Reviews

Reviews on google.com 4.8/5
295
Reviews on bol.com 9.3/10
587

Questions?

Our support heroes are ready for you!

Support Support
  • Leaf icon Chat, email or call. We are ready for all your questions and suggestions.
  • Leaf icon 088 04 04 488 Call on weekdays between 10-17h.
  • Leaf icon 100% satisfaction guarantee We want to keep the barrier as low as possible for you.

Consider taking a subscription

  • Leaf icon Always the best price with automatic discounts up to 50%
  • Leaf icon No obligations you are not tied to anything
  • Leaf icon Free gifts samples, testers, and trial packs
  • Leaf icon Always enough stock of your cleaning products
  • Leaf icon Reminder before we send your next shipment, adjust, pause, or cancel

Follow us on @cosmeau.eco?