The Best Fabric Softener | 2023
We looked at the top 12 Fabric Softeners and dug through the reviews from 16 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Fabric Softeners.
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Our Picks For The Top Fabric Softeners
- The Best Fabric Softener
- 1. Downy April Fresh Floral Scented Fabric Softener
- 2. Gain Original Long-Lasting Fabric Softener, 4-Pack
- 3. Snuggle Blue Sparkle Concentrated Liquid Fabric Softener
- 4. Presto! Static Control Wrinkle-Free Fabric Softener
- 5. MRS. MEYER’S CLEAN DAY Biodegradable Fresh Fabric Softener
- 6. Suavitel Morning Sun Bleach-Free Fabric Softener
- 7. Mrs.Meyer’s Clean Day Cruelty Free Lavender Fabric Softener, 2-Pack
- 8. Bounce Biodegradable Fabric Softener & Dryer Sheets
- 9. Method Ginger Mango Plant Based Fabric Softener
- 10. Smart Sheep Eco-Friendly Fabric Softener Wool Dryer Balls, 6-Pack
- 11. FREY Liquid Concentrated Fabric Softener, 2-Pack
- 12. Presto! Free & Clear Concentrated Hypoallergenic Fabric Softener
Protects Against FadingIn addition to softening your fabrics, this liquid softener is formulated to reduce fading.
Lasting ScentUse this fabric softener with the same scent in the same brand of laundry detergent and you'll get a long-lasting scent.
Concentrated FormulaWith double the concentration of other liquid fabric softeners, this product gives you great results while using less.
Economical PickYou won't have any trouble sticking to your laundry budget, thanks to the affordable price tag on this bottle of fabric softener.
Why we recommend these fabric softeners?
Products Considered
Products Analyzed
Expert Reviews Included
User Opinions Analyzed
Our experts reviewed the top 12 Fabric Softeners and also dug through the reviews from 16 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Fabric Softeners.
DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.
The Best Overall
Downy April Fresh Floral Scented Fabric Softener
Our Take
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.
What other experts liked
What other experts didn't like
The Best Bang For Your Buck
Presto! Static Control Wrinkle-Free Fabric Softener
Our Take
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!
Overall Product Rankings
5. MRS. MEYER’S CLEAN DAY Biodegradable Fresh Fabric Softener
7. Mrs.Meyer’s Clean Day Cruelty Free Lavender Fabric Softener, 2-Pack
10. Smart Sheep Eco-Friendly Fabric Softener Wool Dryer Balls, 6-Pack
12. Presto! Free & Clear Concentrated Hypoallergenic Fabric Softener
Our Fabric Softener Findings
Downy April Fresh Floral Scented Fabric Softener
What We Liked: 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.
Gain Original Long-Lasting Fabric Softener, 4-Pack
What We Liked: 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.
Snuggle Blue Sparkle Concentrated Liquid Fabric Softener
What We Liked: 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.
Presto! Static Control Wrinkle-Free Fabric Softener
What We Liked: 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!
MRS. MEYER’S CLEAN DAY Biodegradable Fresh Fabric Softener
What We Liked: 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.
Our Fabric Softener 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.
DWYM Fun Fact
Liquid fabric softeners got their start in the early 1900s, when manufacturers sought to do something about the fact that clothes were often stiff after being washed. By the 1960s, manufacturers were producing liquid softeners in large enough quantities that they became common in households.
But there was one problem: Liquid fabric softeners had to be added during the rinse cycle, which meant people had to go to the washer as it reached the rinse cycle and pour the softener in.
That inconvenience led to dryer sheets, which replaced liquid softeners for a while, but soon washing machines were designed with special compartments that automatically dispense liquid fabric softener at the right time.
The Fabric Softener Tips and Advice
- 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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About The Author
Alicia Bodine is a New Jersey-based writer specializing in finance. With more than 15 years of experience, her work has appeared in leading financial publications. She's also a financial coach and mother to two daughters. When she's not writing, you'll find her gardening, spending time with her kids, cooking in the kitchen or playing with her two kitties, Flitter and Otter. Alicia loves researching the latest and greatest gadgets, products and items that help her save time, energy and money.