Downy April Fresh Ultra Liquid Fabric Conditioner & Softener
Last updated date: July 28, 2020
DWYM Score
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We looked at the top Fabric Softeners and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Fabric Softener you should buy.
Overall 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. In our analysis of 19 expert reviews, the Downy Downy April Fresh Ultra Fabric Conditioner & Softener placed 3rd when we looked at the top 10 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.
Editor's Note July 28, 2020:
Checkout The Best Fabric Softener for a detailed review of all the top fabric softeners.
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From The Manufacturer
A fabric softener that also protects fabrics from stretching, fading, and fuzz^Fights static cling^Softens fabrics^Long- lasting scent helps keep clothes smelling fresh^Reduces wrinkles vs. detergent alone
Overall Product Rankings
An Overview On Fabric Softeners
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 Buying Guide
- 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.