a b c d Eduard Smulders; Eric Sung (2012). "Laundry Detergents, 2. Ingredients and Products". Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH. doi: 10.1002/14356007.o15_013. Ecozone's vegan-friendly and cruelty-free fabric conditioner is the perfect eco-friendly alternative, much like the best rotary washing lines and a set of clothes pegs are to tumble dryers. It is free from synthetic dyes, petrochemicals and tallow, which is rendered animal fat. Ecozone’s brand focuses on using only natural plant extract ingredients in their products, which means you can feel good about yourself whilst keeping the fibres of your clothes feeling smooth and soft. So there you have it. Although fabric softeners will not make your clothes cleaner (that’s what laundry detergents do), they will give you softer, fresher smelling, garments It consists of mineral-based natural ingredients and is free of all toxic and synthetic chemicals. The softeners are also cruelty-free. If fabric softeners are so bad, shouldn't we just stop using them altogether? We don’t need to avoid fabric softeners altogether when we switch to eco-friendly fabric softeners that use organic ingredients for use in your wash. We’ve also included a few of the best zero-waste dryer balls and sheets that also work as great fabric softeners for drying.

They get their wool from registered farms only. They have a Leaping Bunny certification for their animal-friendly wool. The balls are safe to use on all types of clothing and won't leave lint or any kind of residue. What's more, they will last for at least three years. Additive-free wool This Ecozone fabric conditioner is also free from tallow. Tallow is commonly found in some fabric softeners and is derived from animal fats. If you’re all about convenience, nothing is better than the Bounce Fabric Softener Sheets. Aside from softening your clothes as they tumble dry, we love that these light-as-air dryer sheets eliminate wrinkles and static. For those with pets, these sheets can also remove hair and lint, all while infusing your clothes with a fresh, clean scent. Cost per wash: 27p | Number of washes: 40 | Litres: 1L | Brand: Attitude | Format: Liquid | Scent: Unscented | Skin type: Sensitive | Feature: Fragrance-free, non-toxic, dermatologically tested, hypoallergenic, Vegan-friendly What we love Let’s get one thing out of the way first: fabric softeners, fabric conditioners and fabric enhancers are all the same, and they’re essential to use if you want to get more freshness or softness into your clothes.The choice is yours, of course, but fabric softener can save you time and make you feel more comfortable in your clothes. Is fabric softener toxic? The scent of a fabric softener is easily one of the most important considerations. After all, you don’t want to be wearing clothes all day that have a scent you can’t stand. Surcare has dedicated the last 30 years to providing products that are, first and foremost, kind to your skin. With 0% fragrance, enzymes, acids or dyes, they’ve earned themselves an Allergy UK accreditation and the hard-won seal of approval from Mumsnetters across the forums.

So, if you think your clothes need a little bit more protection, use fabric conditioner. If you just want your clothes soft and fresh, use fabric softener. They both provide a certain amount of protection for your clothes, it just depends on the degree of protection you are after. Does fabric softener go off?Before shops existed, people of old would use natural products to soften their clothes to make them a little nicer to wear. Even a medieval knight couldn’t put up with a scratchy jumper! An old standby for a good reason, this fabric conditioner earned the Good Housekeeping Seal and always imparts the most softness in our tests. It has a strong and long-lasting floral smell that users tend to love, though it may actually be too potent for anyone who is sensitive to fragrances. The brand claims the softener protects clothes from stretching, fading and fuzz, ultimately adding to the longevity of your favorite items. They’ll reduce static in the dryer and soften your clothes. Dryer balls work to remove the static electricity that can make your laundry stiff and uncomfortable. Wool dryer balls are a great natural choice and all you have to do is toss 2-3 of them into your dryer with your laundry and you’re all set! [9] X Research source

However, these are only some fabric softeners; other fabric softeners are totally natural and perfectly good for you and your clothes. Specifically with things that stretch a lot, knits and cotton T-shirts, it can help retain the shape of the collar and the shoulders and where the underarms, the armholes and the cuffs, and the hem...because those tend to get kind of stretched sometimes after a few wears," she says. "With sweaters, when you have the friction between your arm and the body of the sweater and then [friction] with linen pants with between the legs. You might find that there's a lot of pilling that would go on, and the fabric softener/conditioner would help with that."

Comfort has always been a popular brand when it comes to fabric conditioner. Their range today is huge and includes a variety of scents, including this Blue Skies concentrate. Straying from the numerous liquid fabric softeners on this list, Molly’s Suds offers all-natural fabric softener dryer sheets. Molly’s Suds was created by Monica Leonard, a pediatric nurse and repeat mother who experienced a stillbirth. Fabric softeners come in various forms, including liquids, sheets, beads, and reusable balls. Some are unscented while others imbue your linens and clothing with fragrance. Whether you want to prioritize convenience, fragrance, or sustainability, there is a fabric softener type to suit your needs. It is recommended that children’s sleepwear or anything marked as flame resistant, should not be washed using fabric softener as it could reduce this resistance.

The formula is sustainable and cruelty-free, with mineral-based ingredients free of dyes, preservatives, and other harsh ingredients (it also has an A rating from the EWG). We love the convenient no-brainer dosage of these pods—just add one to the wash. Though we chose this fragrance-free fabric softener because it’s safe for sensitive skin, this gentle formula is also available in scented versions. And while this is the most expensive option on our list, you can opt for a subscription refill every four months for a discounted price. There are so many greenwashed fabric softeners in the market, making vague claims of being environmentally sustainable. We have combed through all the noise to bring you the best eco-friendly and natural fabric softeners. Method fabric softener uses all naturally sourced ingredients that will soften clothes whilst also reducing both static and clinginess. Fabric softeners have been in commercial use since the mid-1900s. Added to laundry during the rinse cycle, these scented conditioners soften frayed and harsh textiles, combatting the stress put on clothing fibers by the washing machine. Get static-free and soft clothes the natural way with Public Goods Our fabric softener sheets. The dryer sheet is made from plants and has no toxic ingredients. The sheet is free from phosphate, gluten, phthalates, and parabens. It won't release any toxins into your laundry or the air. No fragrance dryer sheet

The granules go in with the wash with your clothes and linens—just toss in a scoop or two (depending on the size of the load) along with your laundry detergent. They’re compatible with top- and front-loading washers and come in an unscented and Fresh scent, depending on your fragrance preferences. This brand is one of the best eco-friendly alternatives for people who like strong-smelling fabric conditioners. ECOZONE liquid fabric softeners feature a variety of scents, varying from lavender, rose, lily, and jasmine-based scents. Laundry is about more than keeping your clothes clean. Done the right way, it extends the life of your clothes. Products like fabric softeners, fabric conditioners, and dryer sheets are designed to help you out during the cleaning process. To keep your clothes in great shape and make them soft in the process, Lyndsee Campbell, laundry expert and marketing director at laundry cleaning company Laundry Care, knows exactly how to use each product for the best results. Lenor gold orchid here too. I've had guests ask me for the name of it as they think it smells so good."(Recommended by Mumsnetter Bakingdiva) Our verdict