Since liquid fabric softeners can build up on fabrics, repeated laundering can further increase flammability.

Is fabric softener flammable?

This is because fabric softeners contain emulsifiers and alcohol ethoxylates, both of which are flammable." Dimitrov explained that children's clothing is usually treated with flame-resistant chemicals for safety reasons and therefore "fabric softener on flame-resistant clothes can reduce their effectiveness."

Can fabric softener catch on fire?

Throw out your liquid fabric softeners, it recommends. It warns that fabric softener build-up in some clothes can lead to dangerous levels of flammability. It recommends dryer sheets as an alternative for the laundering of most clothes, especially cotton fleece, flannel or terry.