The Best Fabric Softener
Our Review Process
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Our Picks For The Top Fabric Softeners
With this liquid fabric softener, you'll reduce the risk of your clothes fading, stretching and pilling. The formula is designed to keep allergens to a minimum, with no gluten, coconut, nickel, lanolin, parabens or soy. When you use liquid fabric softener, it also helps cut down on wrinkles.
Protects Against FadingIn addition to softening your fabrics, this liquid softener is formulated to reduce fading.
This fabric softener is part of a line of products in similar scents, available in detergent, liquid fabric softener, scent booster beads and dryer sheets. Combine them to give your clothes a scent that can last for weeks. You can use it in both high-efficiency and standard washers.
Lasting ScentUse this fabric softener with the same scent in the same brand of laundry detergent and you'll get a long-lasting scent.
You can use this fabric softener with both high-efficiency and standard washing machines. You'll get double concentration in this formula, which means one container will last longer while still delivering great results. It has a unique scent that blends citrus and woodsy notes.
Concentrated FormulaWith double the concentration of other liquid fabric softeners, this product gives you great results while using less.
With this fabric softener, you'll be able to treat a whopping 200 loads of laundry. The bottle comes with a built-in handle and an angled spout for easy pouring. What you'll love most, however, is the fresh scent, which lasts a full 60 days!
Economical PickYou won't have any trouble sticking to your laundry budget, thanks to the affordable price tag on this bottle of fabric softener.
If you love fresh floral scents, grab this fabric softener. It's free of harmful ingredients and features a pleasant honeysuckle scent. In fact, it uses plant-based ingredients and essential oils to get your clothes soft and static-free.
Natural OptionWith this 32-ounce fabric softener, you'll be able to treat 32 loads of laundry.
Buying Guide
If you’ve ever owned a shirt that came out of the dryer feeling stiff, you know the value of fabric softener. Not only does it ensure your fabrics stay soft and comfortable, it can also help smooth out those wrinkles.
But when it comes to choosing a fabric softener, you’ll have some decisions to make. There are three major types on the market today:
- Dryer balls
- Dryer sheets
- Liquid softener
If softening is your top priority, liquid softener is the best, and you’ll want to buy a dedicated liquid fabric softener, rather than relying on the one that is included in your laundry detergent. Liquid softener is also better than sheets and balls at eliminating odors.
Dryer sheets win for convenience and affordability. Simply grab a sheet from the box and toss it in the dryer with your clothes to soften them and reduce static cling.
Dryer balls win in the eco-friendly category. They don’t tend to be as effective as liquid softener or dryer sheets, but they’re typically made of all-natural ingredients. Although they’re more expensive at the outset, you can use them repeatedly, so over time, the investment will pay off.
Dryer balls have another perk worth considering: Having them bounce around your dryer with your clothes is said to improve airflow, which can reduce drying time and cut your utility bill.
What to Look For
- As when buying laundry detergent, you’ll need to make sure your washer isn’t labeled “high efficiency” (HE) before shopping for liquid fabric softener. If so, you’ll have to ensure the softener you buy is safe for HE washers.
- Although dryer balls are typically the safest option for households with skin sensitivities, they aren’t the only option. Some liquid softeners are now formulated to be safer for those consumers.
- After multiple washes, fabrics can fade. Some fabric softeners are formulated to reduce fading.
- Scent is an important factor when choosing fabric softeners. If you’re sensitive to scents, dryer balls may be the best option, as they are typically unscented. Check the scent on any liquid or sheet-based fabric softener you choose.
- If you have to take your fabric softener on the go with you, such as to a laundromat or shared laundry facility in a building, dryer sheets might be a better option. You can easily toss the box on top of your laundry in the basket and transport it.
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