Softeners are substances which make fabric soft, and improve the comfort of using products subject to softening.
The active substance used in softeners is composed of surfactants which surround the fibres, making them soft to the touch. They penetrate deeply into the fabric, ensuring a pleasant experience for the user, and additionally, they make clothes feel fresh for a long time. Some softeners contain functional additives such as fragrances or anti-electrostatic agents which remove any excessive charge.
Softeners are applied in fabric conditioners and in the textile industry. Recently, they have also been used in car care pastes.