The 7 Best Fabric Softeners for Fresh and Cozy Laundry - Home & Texture
Best Of 2024 Best Fabric Softeners

The Best Fabric Softeners That Deliver Both Freshness and Feel

From Downy to cult-loved Maison Francis Kurkdjian.

October 19, 2024 at 4:40 AM PST
Best Of 2024 Best Fabric Softeners

The Best Fabric Softeners That Deliver Both Freshness and Feel

From Downy to cult-loved Maison Francis Kurkdjian.

October 19, 2024 at 4:40 AM PST

You’re folding warm laundry fresh from the dryer, and suddenly, that heavenly scent of the fabric softener you added hits you. It’s like a warm hug for your nose, right? That’s when you know you’ve nailed laundry day. It’s not just about clean clothes; it’s about creating that cozy, “home sweet home” feeling we all crave.

Now, let’s talk fabric softener—the unsung hero of laundry day. If you’re not using it yet, trust me, you’re missing out big time. Remember how soft and comfy your favorite t-shirt was when you first bought it? Fabric softener brings back that new-clothes feel every single wash.

And wrinkles? Forget about them. Who has time to iron these days anyway? (I do, but this isn’t about me!) But the real kicker? The smell. Oh, that smell! It turns your closet into a fragrant, sensorial journey. Every time you put on a shirt or snuggle into your bedsheets, you get a little whiff of freshness that makes your day a bit brighter. Those little pleasures make adulting a bit more bearable, am I right?

So now that we’ve got all of the good feels out the way, keep reading to learn about what a fabric softener is and the best ones to know, which will transform your laundry experience into more than just a chore.

What Does Fabric Softener Do?

Fabric softener helps to make clothes feel softer and reduce static cling. Typically added during the rinse cycle or used as dryer sheets, it contains cationic surfactants and fragrances. Fabric softener comes in liquid form for washing machines and as dryer sheets.

best fabric softener
Photo credit: Jacob Wackerhausen

Best Fabric Softener of 2024

Best Overall

DedCool Dryer Sheets

DedCool’s 40 dryer sheets provide long-lasting fragrance for your laundry. Add two sheets to your dryer load for a scent that lingers on clothes for 3 to 4 days, enhancing your laundry experience with minimal effort.

DedCool Dryer Sheets

DedCool's non-toxic dryer sheets in "Taunt" scent are a game-changer. The intoxicating blend of warm vanilla, bergamot and amber will transform your laundry experience. One sniff and you'll be hooked on this indie lifestyle brand's eco-friendly laundry solution.

Best Luxe

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Universalis Fabric Softener

This fabric softener boasts a crisp, clean scent with a hint of warmth, creating an atmosphere of refined comfort. It transforms your textiles, giving your linens a luxe and boutique hotel feel. The result is an indulgent experience with every freshly laundered item.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Universalis Fabric Softener

Master perfumer Francis Kurkdjian brings his expertise to this fabric softener. It blends warm bergamot with hints of lemon, lily of the valley and white musk. The result is a light yet refreshing scent that evokes the freshness of crisp, clean linens.

Best Budget:

Downy Liquid Fabric Conditioner

Downy’s Liquid Fabric Conditioner is at an affordable price point, and its widespread availability makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking to stick to the facts and basics of laundry day.

Downy Liquid Fabric Conditioner

For those seeking an effective and economical fabric care solution, we suggest trying Downy Fabric Softener. This concentrated liquid softener offers excellent value, combining powerful fabric softening properties with the ability to reduce wrinkles and static cling.

Best Clean Formula

Brooklinen Fabric Softener

Brooklinen’s fabric softener delivers unparalleled softness without leaving any residue on your clothes. This fabric softener utilizes a clean, effective formula that not only cares for your fabrics but also fills your laundry with a pleasant, refreshing scent.

Brooklinen Fabric Softener

Brooklinen's innovative fabric softener stands out with its powerful concentrated formula. It effectively tackles stubborn stains without relying on harsh dyes or artificial brighteners. What truly sets it apart is its thoughtful composition of plant-based, biodegradable and cruelty-free ingredients.

Best Loved By Editors

The Laundress Fabric Conditioner Classic

When The Laundress made headlines in 2023 for its formulas, the brand took a pause and returned with a newer, cleaner formula that exceeds expectations for ingredient quality. Beyond its amazing scent, the brand has garnered attention from editors for a simple reason: they understand their customers’ needs. The Laundress has shown a strong commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, solidifying its position in the laundry care industry.

The Laundress Fabric Conditioner Classic

No matter the beat, ask any editor what their favorite laundry brand is, and they will unequivocally declare: The Laundress. Why? When the brand read our reviews and heeded our voices, they diligently returned to the drawing board. The result? A  genuinely clean formula that not only meets but exceeds all editorial standards and upholds the highest levels of brand integrity.

Best Fresh

TangentGC “Kiyomi” Fabric Softener

TangentGC’s fabric softener features kiyomi, a citrus hybrid orange perfume. Despite its fragrance, it’s specially designed for sensitive skin, offering both effectiveness and gentleness.

TangentGC Kiyomi Fabric Softener

TangentGC's fabric softener features a Kiyomi scent, offering a refreshing twist to your laundry. Kiyomi, a hybrid citrus fruit, provides a sweeter and crisper aroma compared to common oranges. This unique fragrance leaves your clothes with a delightful, invigorating scent.

Best Sweet

Laundry Sauce “Egyptian Rose” Fabric Softener

Laundry Sauce’s “Egyptian Rose” is a potent, luxurious fragrance that transforms your laundry. This long-lasting scent turns each wear into an irresistible sensory journey, making you use it over and over again.

Laundry Sauce Egyptian Rose Fabric Softener

Laundry Sauce Egyptian Rose fabric softener offers a seductive rose fragrance, blending Egyptian Geranium, Briar Rose, Honeyed Hawthorn, Vanilla Bourbon and Haitian Vetiver for a luxurious floral and spicy scent that enhances your laundry.

Our editors love finding you the best products and offers! If you purchase something by clicking on one of the affiliate links on our website, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

eyebrow

From cookware to mattresses, and everything in between — these are the best buys of 2024.

FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM

#homeandtexture

Find us on social for more home inspiration where culture, personal style, and sophisticated shopping intersect to help you create a home where you love to live.