US Patent 7371718 Liquid fabric softener

A liquid fabric softener composition is provided which includes a texture enhancing component, such as a long chain difatty acid, that is deposited on a fabric during laundering, the deposited enhancing component changing the “feel” of the fabric. Preferably, the deposited enhancing component substantially detaches from the fabric in subsequent laundering cycles to reduce build-up. The enhancing component is preferably water-insoluble in an acidic pH, such as during the rinse cycle occurring after washing fabrics with a detergent, yet water soluble in an alkaline medium enabling the deposited enhancing component to be detached from fabric in subsequent “wash” cycles.