To make clothes soft, fluffy, and free of static, a fabric softener is an excellent choice in addition to your regular laundry detergent. However, it’s essential to ensure you use the appropriate amount for your load size by checking the label of your fabric enhancers, according to Jennifer Ahoni, a P&G Fabric Care Principal Scientist & Laundry Expert. With Ahoni’s advice in mind, we researched various fabric softeners, examining factors such as scent, formula, softening ability, and machine compatibility, to find the best options. Our list includes the top fabric softeners to consider incorporating into your laundry routine.
Seventh Generation Lavender Fabric Softener
Seventh Generation Lavender Fabric Softener is the top choice for those who want a powerful yet gentle product that is also eco-friendly. With its naturally derived plant-based ingredients mixed with essential oils, this fabric softener is free of dyes, fluoride, and synthetic fragrances, making it safe for people of all ages and skin types, including those with sensitive skin. The septic-safe, biodegradable formula effectively softens and fluffs laundry, leaving it free of static cling. The lavender scent is the perfect balance of not too strong or too light, providing a calming and refreshing aroma. It is recommended to use an ounce for large loads and a little less for medium loads, pouring it into the water during the final rinse cycle. It is essential to dry clothes immediately after washing to prevent the musty smell that can occur when wet clothes sit too long in the washer.
Meyer’s Fabric Softener
For a laundry solution you can trust, turn to Mrs. Meyer’s Fabric Softener. This product not only softens your laundry, but also minimizes static cling. It’s eco-friendly, as it’s made with biodegradable ingredients and contains no parabens or phthalates. Mrs. Meyer’s uses plant-based materials, essential oils, and enzymes to tackle tough stains and leave your clothes smelling fresh and clean.
Comfort Sunshiny Days
This 5L bottle of Sunshiny Days Comfort fabric conditioner is a favorite among parents, including parent tester Lana who said, “We use Comfort and really notice the difference if we don’t.” With a mandarin, jasmine, and cedarwood scent, this conditioner provides all-day odor protection to keep your clothes smelling fresh for longer. It’s made to last for approximately 166 washes, providing great value for money.
Not only does this conditioner provide long-lasting freshness and odor defense, but it also reduces wrinkles and leaves clothes feeling super soft. The biodegradable formula is free from parabens and phthalates, making it safe for use by everyone in the family. The only drawback is that it’s quite large to store, but the benefits make it worth finding space for in your laundry room.
Downy Infusions Fabric Softener
Product: Downy Infusions Fabric Softener Size: 56 Fl Oz, Pack of 2 Price: $19.22
Features: This fabric softener provides a long-lasting, subtle scent of lavender and vanilla bean while also protecting your clothes against fuzz, fading, wrinkles, and stretching. It is compatible with most high-efficiency washing machines, and won’t leave any residue on your clothing.
Using Downy Infusions is easy – simply add it to your machine’s dedicated fabric softener dispenser or at the appropriate time during your wash cycle. With its unique formula, your clothes will be left feeling soft, fresh, and looking great.
Heinz White Vinegar
White vinegar is a versatile household cleaning agent that doubles as a natural fabric softener. Its acetic acid content brightens, softens, and deodorizes laundry. Despite its pungent smell, the vinegar odor disappears once clothes are dried due to the heat. At an average cost of 5 cents per ¼ cup, vinegar is a cost-effective solution for fabric softening and other household cleaning tasks. Its multi-use capability eliminates the need for purchasing separate products. When using vinegar as a fabric softener, it’s important to use distilled white vinegar to avoid stains on clothes. Unlike other types of vinegar, distilled vinegar is safe for both white and colored clothes, and it won’t affect the absorbency of towels. It can also help to maintain the color of dark clothes and whiten light colors. Another advantage of distilled vinegar is that it eliminates mildew odor, softens clothes, and doesn’t leave any residue in the washing machine. The only downside to using vinegar as a fabric softener is that it doesn’t have any fragrance. However, using wool dryer balls infused with essential oils in the drying process can add scent.
Buying guide forBEST FABRIC SOFTENERS
Achieving soft and fluffy clothes and linens can make a big difference in how comfortable they feel against your skin. If you notice that your laundry doesn’t feel as soft as you’d like, it may be time to consider adding fabric softener to your laundry routine.
Fabric softener is a laundry product that can be added to either the washing machine or dryer. It works by leaving a lubricating film on the fabric, which helps to create a softer, fluffier feel to your laundry. Additionally, fabric softeners have other benefits such as adding a pleasant scent, reducing static, and preventing wrinkles.
There are various formulas of fabric softener available in the market, and the formula determines when to add it to your laundry. Some fabric softeners are added to the washing machine during the rinse cycle, while others are added to the dryer before starting the cycle. Consider the type of fabric softener that best fits your needs and preferences.
FAQs
Q: What is a fabric softener?
A. Fabric softeners are cloth cleaning products that provide you with a lot of amazing benefits. They soften your clothes, make them comfortable to wear, and leave a hint of fragrance in them while eliminating all the odors. Moreover, they excellently prevent your clothes from discoloring.
Q: Why should you use the best fabric softener?
A. The main and sole purpose of using a fabric softener is to make your clothes soft and comfortable to wear. Washing your clothes can make them super dry, and here is when a fabric softener comes to the rescue: it not only softens your clothes but removes static electricity and odors as well.
Q: Can Fabric Softeners damage your washing machine?
A. The answer is yes and no. The ingredients and substances in fabric softeners do get stuck in your washing machine, dryer, and water hoses, but if you opt for a proper care routine and clean your washing machine, fabric softeners will cause no damage. If you have a high-efficiency washing machine, be careful of non-HE fabric softeners.
David Henry
Hello, everyone! I'm David Henry, a dedicated customer and enthusiastic reviewer of Tractor Supply Company. As a farmer and agriculture enthusiast, I frequently visit Tractor Supply Company to explore and purchase a wide range of agricultural supplies, tools, and equipment. Over the years, I have accumulated extensive experience and knowledge in shopping at Tractor Supply Company, and I aim to help others make wiser choices through my sharing. I understand the importance of selecting the right products for farmers, ranchers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. That's why I enjoy sharing my insights and recommendations to assist individuals in finding the best-suited products for their needs. Join me as we embark on a journey of discovering quality products and making informed decisions at Tractor Supply Company. Together, let's enhance our farming and outdoor experiences through valuable insights and practical advice.
