Fabric softeners coat our clothes with a subtle layer of slimy chemicals, which is what makes them feel a little softer. Fabric softeners coat the surface of a fabric with chemical compounds that are electrically charged, causing threads to "stand up" from the surface and thereby cause the fabric to feel softer. The electrically conductive fabric softener chemicals may also prevent buildup of static charge that can occur in clothes dryers. The most common softening chemicals are called "quats" (short for quaternary ammonium compounds). In addition to fabric softening chemicals, fabric softeners may include acids or bases for maintaining the optimal pH for absorption, petroleum
