10 best laundry fabric softener

Laundry fabric softener is a popular household product used in the final rinse cycle of the laundry process to make clothes and linens feel softer and reduce static cling. Here's what you should know about laundry fabric softener:

  1. Softening Fabric: Fabric softeners are designed to coat the fibers of clothing and linens, which helps to relax and soften them. This makes clothes feel smoother and more comfortable against the skin.

  2. Reducing Static: Fabric softeners also work to reduce static electricity, which can lead to clothes clinging together or sticking to your body.This is especially helpful with synthetic fabrics that tend to generate more static.

  3. Fragrance: Many fabric softeners come in various scents, adding a pleasant fragrance to your laundry. This can help eliminate odors and leave your clothes smelling fresh.

  4. Easy Application: Liquid fabric softeners are typically added to the washing machine during the rinse cycle, while dryer sheets, which are a form of fabric softener, can be added to the dryer.

  5. Types: There are two primary types of fabric softeners: liquid fabric softeners and dryer sheets. Liquid fabric softeners are added to the washing machine, while dryer sheets are placed in the dryer with your clothes.

  6. Sensitive Skin Options: Some fabric softeners are formulated for individuals with sensitive skin and are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, or dermatologist-tested to reduce the risk of skin irritation or allergies.

  7. Fabric Compatibility: Fabric softeners are generally safe to use with most types of fabrics, but it's essential to follow the care labels on your clothing to ensure compatibility.

  8. Preventing Stiffness: Fabric softeners can help prevent clothes from becoming stiff and scratchy, especially when air-dried.

  9. Concentration Levels: Liquid fabric softeners come in various concentrations, so you can adjust the amount you use based on your preferences for softness and fragrance intensity.

  10. Environmental Considerations: Some fabric softeners are marketed as eco-friendly or biodegradable. They may have reduced chemicals or come in recyclable packaging.

  11. Alternatives: If you prefer a more natural approach, you can use alternatives like white vinegar or baking soda, which can also help soften clothes and reduce odors.

In summary, laundry fabric softeners are products designed to improve the feel and smell of your clothes, reduce static cling, and make the laundry process more enjoyable. They come in liquid and dryer sheet forms and offer various fragrances and options for different preferences and needs. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the proper use of fabric softeners to achieve the desired results.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best laundry fabric softener on the market
  

Downy Fabric Softener, 90 Oz

Downy

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Feel more connected with Ultra Downy Clean Breeze liquid fabric softener, for a crisp, clean, scent that refreshes your fabrics. Ultra Downy is formulated to make your fabrics feel wonderfully soft and fresh with less static and fewer wrinkles.

  • Contains Renewing Scent Pearls for fresh bursts of fragrance that release with your embrace
  • Infuses fabrics with softness so they feel as good as they look
  • Fights against pesky static cling
  • Helps reduce wrinkles vs. leading regular detergent alone.
  • Freshens with an incredible scent

User questions & answers

Question: Does any one think that their product has been switched out and they pour a generic softner in the bottle? Some say its not like the original
Answer: I strictly only use Downy and unfortunately I was not happy with this item. Mine came out really think and looked and smelled different than what I get at a store. Using a HE front load washer, the liquid was so thick it would clog the dispenser. I would not recommend this product.
Question: How does this Clean breeze scent compare to the April fresh scent
Answer: Downy April Fresh has a sun-kissed, floral scent whereas the Clean Breeze has a crisp, clean, scent. The Downy Team

Snuggle SuperCare Liquid Fabric Softener, Sea Breeze, 95 Ounce, 90 Loads

Snuggle

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

New Snuggle SuperCare keeps clothes looking newer longer. This fabric conditioner protects the clothes you love with specially formulated technology that prevents wear & tear and color fading. All this plus the Snuggly softness and long-lasting freshness you love. This package includes one 95 ounce bottle of Snuggle SuperCare liquid fabric softener in Sea Breeze scent, enough for 90 loads. Leading value liquid detergent alone

  • Snuggle SuperCare Liquid Fabric Softener protects colors from fading, protects against wear and tear and helps clothes hold shape.
  • All the Snuggly softness and long-lasting freshness you love from Snuggle
  • Protect the clothes you love with fade protection and wear & tear protection
  • Snuggle SuperCare Liquid Fabric Softener is safe for both high efficiency (HE) and regular washing machines
  • This package includes one 95 ounce bottle of Snuggle SuperCare Liquid Fabric Softener in sea breeze scent, enough for 90 loads

User questions & answers

Question: Is Snuggle fabric softner safe for septic systems
Answer: Yes, Snuggle is safe for septic systems.
Question: can I use it for wool and cashmere
Answer: ye s
Question: Does it smell good combined with tide original
Answer: smell good
Question: Is the Snuggle HE safe
Answer: Yes, Snuggle SuperCare is HE safe

Gain Dryer Sheets Laundry Fabric Softener, Original Scent, 240 Count

Gain

Based on 24 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Fluff and tumble your way to fewer wrinkles, more softness and less static cling with Gain Original Scent Dryer Sheets. The scent is loved by millions and millions. Gain Original has an amazing green, citrus, and amber scent. What Original scent makes you feel: You know that thing you would never do when you’re really happy, because that’s too over-the-top? Sorry, but when you smell Gain Original, you’re gonna do that thing

  • Dryer sheets fight static in the dryer while adding the amazing Gain scent
  • Dryer sheets also help reduce wrinkles
  • Wash your laundry with matching scents in Gain Laundry Detergent, Liquid Fabric Softener, and Scent Booster Beads then add dryer sheets to the dryer to keep your laundry smelling amazing even after six weeks
  • You know that thing you would never do when you’re really happy, because that’s too over-the-top? Sorry, but when you smell Gain Original, you’re gonna do that thing
  • Instructions : Do not reuse

User questions & answers

Question: Does It Work With Polyester
Answer: I was worried about this as well, before I purchased. I did find some videos of people doing it - looks like it involves a bit of skill and patience, but not too bad (id est, no soldering?) - looks like it's not as easy as buying an android (or older iphone) battery that you just click in and out, but it's not as stupidly-annoyingly-hard as DIY on a newer iphone. sourcing the battery may be the hardest part - finding the right size/shape/capacity/voltage, and needs to have the right cable+connector on it (or I guess could always cut the connector off the old/dead battery and splice it)
Question: What Is The Brand Name
Answer: Absolutely! It works like a digital camera and you can select and edit the photo however you want before printing. There's an app that will sync to your phone to give you more editing options. However, there is a setting to allow it to print automatically when you take a photo of you prefer.
Question: i have some sheets that i really like... dont like ironing them though lol .... will this help with wrinkles.. or does it just smell good
Answer: I don't know why amazon is selling this one for so much money. You can get the same one, the be touch screen model, as I did, at Michaels craft stores. They are also great because it isn't ever on sale, so you can use your 40-50% off coupon, and they also let you use a senior citizen discount of 10% on top of that, or even better, you can use your Veterans card and get 15% off. My dad has come to love Michaels because I always take him with me for the Veterans discount. They are amazing with pricing on stuff you wouldn't think of looking for there. Amazon and these other little stores need to keep up!
Question: Are These Compostable
Answer: Don’t know, gave it as a gift!!

Product features

Original

Fluff and tumble your way to fewer wrinkles, more softness and less static cling with Gain Original Scent Dryer Sheets .

The scent is loved by millions and millions. Gain Original has an amazing green, citrus, and amber scent. What Original scent makes you feel: You know that thing you would never do when you’re really happy, because that’s too over-the-top? Sorry, but when you smell Gain Original, you’re gonna do that thing.

Big Softie

Gain Dryer sheets help make your clothing softer while it decreases static cling.

Reduces Wrinkles

Dryer sheets also help reduce wrinkles.

How To Use

Simply add a dryer sheet straight into the drum of your dryer before you turn it on.

The Happy Scent

Dryer sheets fight static in the dryer while adding the amazing Gain scent.

Flings!

Who knew you could pack so much happy scent in something so small! Gain Flings are packed with 50% more scent than regular Gain, and they have the fighting power of Oxi and Febreze so they clean just as great as the smell.

Scent Booster Beads

Want more amazing scent? Just sprinkle the happy scent of Gain Fireworks to your laundry. Add them directly to your washer before your clothes and let your spin cycle take your clothes on a scent-filled ride of a lifetime.

Fabric Softener

Look good, feel good? Pshh - if your clothes feel good, it doesn’t even matter what they look like. Our fabric softener treats your clothes right. It makes them feel soft and smell amazing so you can feel like a million bucks even in that sweat suit.

Downy Ultra Plus Free & Gentle Liquid Fabric Conditioner (Fabric Softener), Concentrated, 51 oz Bottles, 2 Pack, 152 Loads Total

Downy

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

No dyes, no perfumes, no worries: Downy Fabric Conditioner is hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested-perfect for those with sensitive skin. Made with the same Downy Conditioning protection you know and love, Downy Free & Gentle helps prevent clothes from stretching, fading, and fuzz. So you can enjoy a gentler, scentless softness for all your fabrics.

  • Conditions to help prevent stretching, fading, and fuzz
  • Long-lasting freshness and soft fabrics with no dyes or perfumes
  • More concentrated: with 76 loads per bottle (compared to 60 loads in Ultra Downy)
  • Reduces more wrinkles than detergent alone
  • Compatible with HE machines

User questions & answers

Question: What are all the ingredients in this product? The label is not in the picture
Answer: They don't list the ingredients on the bottles I have. You might be able to find ingredients on the manufacturer web site.
Question: How do I get this opened? No matter how much I try to twist and turn the cap it will not open
Answer: Amazon sells items to help you grip the top. Look under jar openers.
Question: Will this fabric softner work on the rugged wrangler jeans? I love the jeans, but they are just to rigid
Answer: I cannot speak for wrangler but I did use it on a new pair of Eddie Bauer jeans and it did soften them.
Question: Is this Downy Free and Sensitive HE
Answer: Yes it is for sensitive skin

Gain Liquid Fabric Conditioner (Fabric Softener), Moonlight Breeze, 41 Oz Bottles, 4 Pack, 192 Loads Total

Gain

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Liquid Fabric Softener; Fight Static + Soften

  • Fabric softener helps make your clothing softer while it decreases static and adds more amazing Gain scent.
  • Use with Gain laundry detergent and keep your laundry smelling great even after six weeks.
  • Now in matching scents across Laundry Detergent, Scent Booster Beads and Dryer Sheets.
  • Regular Washer and HE Compatible.

User questions & answers

Question: Does each bottle do 48 loads
Answer: Yes, when used as directed, you should get 48 loads.

Product features

Gain Liquid Fabric Conditioner, Moonlight Breeze

Product Details

Moonlight Breeze Liquid Fabric Enhancer’s combination of fabric softening and delightful scent will send you over the… Well, you know.

Features:

  • Fabric softener helps make your clothing softer while it decreases static and adds more amazing Gain scent.
  • Use with Gain laundry detergent and keep your laundry smelling great even after six weeks.
  • Now in matching scents across Laundry Detergent, Scent Booster Beads and Dryer Sheets.
  • HE Compatible. Safe for use with regular washer and High Efficiency washers.

Snuggle SuperCare Liquid Fabric Softener, Lilies and Linen, 95 Ounce, 90 Loads

Snuggle

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

New Snuggle SuperCare keeps clothes looking newer longer. This fabric conditioner protects the clothes you love with specially formulated technology that prevents wear & tear and color fading. All this plus the Snuggly softness and long lasting freshness you love. This package includes one 95 ounce bottle of Snuggle SuperCare liquid fabric softener in Lilies and Linen scent, enough for 90 loads. Leading value liquid detergent alone.

  • Snuggle SuperCare liquid fabric softener protects colors from fading, protects against wear and tear and helps clothes hold shape.
  • All the Snuggly Softness and Long-Lasting Freshness you love from Snuggle
  • Protect the clothes you love with Fade Protection and Wear & Tear Protection
  • Snuggle SuperCare fabric softener is safe for both high efficiency (HE) and regular washing machines
  • This package includes one 95 ounce bottle of Snuggle SuperCare liquid fabric softener in Lilies and Linen scent, enough for 90 loads

User questions & answers

Question: Is this a sops and a softener combination? Or do I harvest to mix this with a separate door
Answer: Snuggle SuperCare Liquid is fabric softener, it is not detergent.
Question: Can i subscribe to this
Answer: Yes
Question: Is it just softener liquid or does it come with the dryer sheets also
Answer: Snuggle Super Care is a liquid only fabric softener

Gain Liquid Fabric Softener, Original, 41 fl oz, 4 Count

Gain

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Cool and crisp with intangible charm. One sniff and you'll understand why it's the scent that started the phenomenon. Original Fresh combines these sniff-tastic elements, overtones of orange, lemon and blossoms with a modern fruity, green twist and undertones of white floral jasmine with a hint of woody amber. Amazing Scent? We think so!

  • You Will Receive Gain Liquid Fabric Softener, Original, 41 fl oz
  • Use with Gain laundry detergent and keep your laundry smelling great even after six weeks
  • Now in matching scents across Laundry Detergent, Scent Booster Beads and Dryer Sheets
  • Regular Washer and HE Compatible
  • You know that thing you would never do when you're really happy, because that's too over-the-top? Sorry, but when you smell Gain Original, you're gonna do that thing

User questions & answers

Question: Is this the ultra
Answer: Yes, this is Ultra. - The Gain Team
Question: Is it septic saf
Answer: Absolutely, all of our laundry products have been thoroughly evaluated and are safe to use in homes with septic tanks. Using normal, recommended amounts of these products will not disturb the septic system, including aerated systems, or damage plumbing systems with a properly functioning septic tank. If you have more questions, feel free to give us a call at (800) 888-4246. -The Gain Team
Question: The liquid used to be green. I got four bottles this month and the liquid is white. Did the color change or did I get bum liquid
Answer: I got watery white liquid in all 4 bottles. Not the same as what I received the last 6 times I ordered this exact product.
Question: oz total
Answer: Yes, but beware. I have ordered this twice and 1 bottle spilled completely on each order. Made a mess and only had 3 to use.

Product features

Gain Liquid Fabric Softener

Some people call this fabric softener, we call it liquid amazing. Because something that can make your clothes soft, and smell this good, deserves all the accolades it can get.

  • Fabric softener helps make your clothing softer while it decreases static and adds more amazing Gain scent.
  • Use with Gain laundry detergent and keep your laundry smelling great even after six weeks.
  • Now in matching scents across Laundry Detergent, Scent Booster Beads and Dryer Sheets.

Suavitel Fabric Softener, Morning Sun - 102 Small loads

Suavitel

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Suavitel Fabric Softener with Morning Sun fragrance brings the light, fresh scent of a bright summer morning to every wash. The delightful fragrance will give your clothes a special fresh scent that will last for weeks. This liquid fabric softener provides an incredible softness to your garments. The large container includes a handle for easy pouring. There's enough liquid for 102 loads. This fabric softener is also compatible with regular and HE washing machines.

  • Incredible softness. Irresistible fragrance
  • 45 Days of Freshness
  • Compatible with regular and HE washing machines. HE fabric softener with Morning Sun fragrance
  • Includes a handle for easy pouring
  • Contains 135 fluid ounces for 102 loads

User questions & answers

Question: Does this work with the Downy ball
Answer: Yes
Question: where id this made
Answer: Our Suavitel Morning Sun is either made in our Cambridge, OH or Mission Hills, MX manufacturing plants. If you wish to know where your bottle is made exactly you can check out the LOT code, in Julian Calendar format, on the back of bottle on the label.
Question: where is this made
Answer: Made in Mexico
Question: What does the suavitel in the “morning sun” scent smell like
Answer: Great question! Our Suavitel Fabric Softener Morning Sun has a field flowers fragrance.

Downy Ultra Plus Liquid Fabric Conditioner (Fabric Softener), April Fresh, Concentrated, 51 oz Bottles, 2 Pack, 152 Loads Total

Downy

Based on 9 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Downy April Fresh liquid Fabric conditioner softens, freshens, and protects your clothes from stretching, fading, and fuzz-leaving them with a long-lasting Febreze-fresh floral scent you'll want to keep on sniffing. This conditioning fabric softener fights static and reduces more wrinkles than using detergent alone in the wash. Easy to use and compatible with top- and front-loading machines, Downy is the must-have addition to laundry day-so your clothes can always look and feel their best.

  • Conditions to help prevent stretching, fading, and fuzz
  • Leaves long-lasting freshness and softens fabrics
  • More concentrated: with 76 loads per bottle (compared to 60 loads in Ultra Downy)
  • Reduces more wrinkles than detergent alone
  • Compatible with HE machines

User questions & answers

Question: Is the Ecobox available in the sensitive fragrance free version
Answer: I believe so. You have variety of choices to choose from.
Question: This (real ) form Downy Company
Answer: Yes
Question: Does this smell like the original April Fresh before they changed it in
Answer: The Downy Ultra Plus April Fresh Fabric Conditioner is the a strongest of the Ultra Downy scents, giving your clothing a long lasting freshness that can be felt and smelt. Recently there was an upgrade in the fragrance so that it would smell the same from the bottle, on wet, and on dry fabrics. If you have any questions or if we can help you further, Please give us a call at (800) 688-7638. We're here to help. -The Downy Team
Question: is it alcohol free
Answer: The fragrance does contain some alcohol. We'll be glad to answer any additional questions you have. Please feel free to give us a call at: (800) 688-7638. - The Downy Team

Product features

About Us

The agitation, spinning, and heat of the laundry process can damage clothes at the fiber level. But Downy Fabric Softener smooths and strengthens fibers to protect clothes from the damage of the wash, helping them maintain their shape. By smoothing fibers, Downy reduces the friction between them that causes them to break and leads to pills and fuzz. And when fibers break, colors appear duller, so using Downy also helps keep your clothes from fading.

Downy Ultra Liquid Fabric Conditioner (Fabric Softener), April Fresh, 48 Oz Smart Pouches, 3 Pack, 168 Loads Total

Downy

Based on 12 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Downy April Fresh Fabric Conditioner is more than just a fabric softener. It softens, freshens, and protects your clothes, leaving them with a pleasing floral scent. And it's easy to use in both top- and front-loading machines. When you use Downy, fabrics just feel better. Now available in the convenient new Downy Pouch. Downy Pouch packaging makes your fabric conditioner convenient to store and easy to use-just pour it from the pouch into an empty Downy bottle or use it directly from the pouch using a measuring cup. For best results, use WITH detergent. Ultra Downy is a fabric conditioner that will provide your clothing with scent, softness, static reduction and protection from the laundry damage of stretching, fading and fuzz.

  • Downy Ultra Liquid Fabric Conditioner is a fabric softener that protects clothes from stretching, fading, and fuzz
  • With half the packaging (versus 51 OZ bottle), Downy Pouch is easy to pour and easy to store
  • Downy Pouch takes up less shelf space (versus 51 OZ bottle)
  • Fights static cling and softens fabrics
  • Long-lasting scent helps keep clothes smelling fresh

User questions & answers

Question: Is the pouch recyclable
Answer: I asked P&G directly and they advised me the pouches ARE NOT recyclable. DO NOT BUY.
Question: Is it 3 48oz packages or a total of 48oz
Answer: 3 48oz packages
Question: Is the cap resealable? I am looking to take this on vacation with a Downy ball dispenser
Answer: Yes, The cap is resealable.
Question: is this product HE compliant
Answer: Yes, our Fabric Conditioner is HE compatible.

Product features

Ultra Downy April Fresh Pouch

Downy April Fresh Fabric Conditioner softens, freshens, and protects your clothes. It’s easy to use in both top- and front-loading machines, and is now available in the new Downy Pouch—making it convenient to store and easy to use.

Fights Stretching

Downy protects fabrics from stretching and losing their shape. Keep your clothes safe by using Downy.

Fights Fading

Downy protects fabrics from fading. Help keep your colors from fading by using Downy.

Fights Fuzz

Downy protects fabrics from pilling and fuzz. Help keep your clothes smooth with Downy.

Softens and Freshens

Downy conditions your clothes, not only softening, but also giving them long-lasting freshness.

For Bottle Refill

While you can easily pour straight from the pouch, you can also refill an old Downy bottle. Just twist off the cap, pour contents into the empty Downy bottle, and then continue using Downy as directed on the bottle.

Direct Measurement Guide

If you don’t have an old Downy cap lying around, just use a measuring cup. For medium loads, use 1/8 cup; for large loads, 1/4 cup; and for HE full loads, 1/2 cup. The back of the pouch lists these measuring instructions, too.

Automatic Dispensers

Most top-loading and HE front-loading washing machines have a built-in automatic dispenser. Simply pour the desired amount straight from the pouch into the dispenser, or measure the amount using a measuring cup or an old Downy bottle cap.

Manual / Downy Ball

If adding fabric softener by hand, add it during the rinse cycle (not the wash cycle). Pour Downy into the deeper pockets of water and avoid direct contact with fabrics. If using the Downy ball, measure and fill the ball, pull the ring tight, and toss it in the washer at the beginning of each load.

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