Final answer:
Fabric softeners are added to the washing machine during the washing process to make the laundry feel softer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fabric softeners are typically applied during the rinse cycle in a washing machine. They are added to the final rinse of the laundry to make it feel softer. The softener coats the surface of the fabric with chemical compounds that neutralize the charge on the fibers and make them feel fluffier. To use softeners, they should be added to the washing machine during the washing process.