Effects of Household Fabric Softeners on Flammability of Cotton and Polyester Fabrics

摘要

The purpose of this study was to test the effects of two types of fabric softener (rinse-cycle softener and dryer-sheet softener) on the flammability of cotton and polyester fabrics after repeated laundering cycles. The Vertical Flammability Test (VFT), with a three-second ignition time, was conducted on 100% cotton and 100% polyester specimens washed for 1,15, and 25 laundering cycles. The results indicated that the rinse-cycle softener significantly increased the flammability of both 100% cotton and 100% polyester fabrics. By contrast, the dryer-sheet softener had no significant effect on the flammability of either fabric.