Can I Put Fabric Softener in My Wax Warmer? (No)

It’s a question that comes up a lot, and if you’re here you are probably asking it too – can I put fabric softener in my wax warmer?

I get it. I love the smell of freshly washed clothes too.

In fact, let’s be honest, there are few smells that fill the home than fresh clothes.

If you also love using a wax warmer to fill your home with pleasant scents – as I do – then it feels like an obvious thing to do.

Before you do pour some fabric softener in your wax warmer, however, there are some risks to be aware of.

I will say that I have warmed fabric softener in my warmer, and I’ve spoken to a few people that also have. There are mixed opinions across the board, so I’ll cover all the do’s and don’ts and let you decide!

Reasons Why Putting Fabric Softener in Your Warmer Isn’t a Good Idea

It Might Be Hard to Clean Off

Wax warmers are designed to be used with wax melts. When you start using other products that contain different chemicals, sometimes it can be difficult to clean off – trust me I know!

If you have a lovely white warmer, you might want to think twice about using a bright blue softener. It may just leave a permanent blue stain.

The Chemicals Are Potentially Toxic / Harmful

This is a very serious concern that is a lot worse than having a stain in your warmer you can’t clean off.

I can’t find any conclusive studies into this, but just look at the label on the back of my fabric softener:

If it says that you should keep it away from all the sensitive areas on your body, wash your hands after touching it, and not to ingest it – how safe can it be to diffuse it into the air you’re breathing in?!

You’ll Probably Void Your Warranty

If you’ve spent a lot of a decent wax burner like a Scentsy warmer, check the manufacturer’s guidelines about proper use.

You’ll likely find that using anything in your warmer other than wax melts voids your warranty. This might be fine if you’ve had it for years, but if your unit is still under warranty I would advise against doing it.

Just imagine something else goes wrong with it. You won’t be able to send it back for a replacement, even though it wasn’t the softener that caused the issue.

How You Get Your Home Smelling of Fabric Softener

The good news is that there are other, safer ways to get your home smelling of fabric softener. There is even a way you can safely do it with your wax warmer!

I think you’ll agree with me when I say that Downy Unstoppables has one of the freshest and most appealing smells for the home.

Well, check out these Unstoppables Wax Melts from Febreeze on Amazon:

*Click the image to see latest price and reviews on Amazon

You can have that fresh laundry detergent smell from your wax warmer by using wax melts! This way you know it’s perfecetly safe

They’re designed to be used in a warmer, and most importantly you have a choice of all those familiar washing-fresh scents.

In Summary

I think the important message here is to only use your wax warmer with the products and liquids that it’s been designed to be used with.

Warming up certain liquids that aren’t designed to be heated, like essential oils, for example, degrade and lose some of their properties. In the case of fabric softeners, as I showed you above, it could potentially be toxic which is worse.

If you want the smell of fresh laundry, stick to spraying Febreeze or using the wax melts I showed you above.

Enjoyed this article? Here’s an answer to – Can I use Vicks in my wax warmer?