I don't know if it's a fixative or not but I do add it to my misting spray bottle when I go to press my fabrics I've starched and let dry. I've heard if you add vinegar as your fabric softner for towels, it will take any soap residue out and make them softer. Haven't tried it yet but maybe next load of towels I will and report back to you. My towels are over 20 years old and still leaving lint in the dryer tray after all these years. No thin spots, still as thick as they were when I bought them so many years ago.