Fabric softener creates a chemical reaction in your washer or dryer—the ingredients in fabric softener contain positive charges, while the fabric of clothes and linens have negative charges. When the two mix, everything neutralizes, resulting in softer fabrics with less static. Take Our Word for It While most fabric softeners can be used to smooth wrinkles, reduce static and impart fresh scent on any number of laundry items, there are still a few things to consider when choosing the best fabric softener for your home:

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

Cost per wash: 6p | Number of washes: 240 | Litres: 4.8L | Brand: Fairy | Format: Gel| Scent: Floral | Skin type: Sensitive-safe | Feature: Hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested What we love Traditional chemical softeners predominantly work by adding a waxy coating to your clothes and fabrics, which is designed to be waterproof to survive the laundry process. This means that everything comes out touchably soft, but it can also mean that sometimes this variety of softener ends up reducing the absorbency of towels, and the effectiveness of sweat resistant fitness gear. A fabric softener may be great for your laundry routine but not so much for the environment. Traditional fabric softeners and dryer sheets release chemicals that pollute the environment and endanger our health. Those chemicals include parabens, toluene, phthalates, galaxolide, and quats. We're a Surcare household - both the washing powder and softener. My son has had no problems with his eczema since I started using it when he was five months old. His eczema was not very severe though, but it was troublesome." (Vetted by Mumsnet user PuffTheMagicDragon) Our verdict Method is, without a doubt, one of the frontrunners when it comes to popular eco-friendly products. Method’s fabric softener contains a naturally derived softening agent designed to reduce static.

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 verdictIn addition to fabric softening chemicals, fabric softeners may include acids or bases to maintain optimal pH for absorption, silicone-based anti-foaming agents, emulsion stabilizers, fragrances, and colors. Method fabric softener uses all naturally sourced ingredients that will soften clothes whilst also reducing both static and clinginess. Those who claim not to like fabric softener usually do so because they don't like the waxy, coated feeling some softeners can leave in their wake. Ensueño leaves no such residue behind. In our tests, this plant-based formula — a recent winner of a 2023 Good Housekeeping Best Cleaning & Organizing Award — softened without leaving items feeling slippery. And one tester praised the product for how well it reduced static. Everyone likes soft fabric, whether it’s sheets or clothes. As such, fabric softeners are a key part of the washing process in many homes. 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.

Everybody knows that the best laundry detergents, whether powder, liquid or pods, lift stains and kill bacteria. However, you might not know that every time you wash your clothes in your washing machine or tumble dryer, you could damage the fabric leading to faded colours, smelly odours and itchy, rough clothes. Hence why choosing the best fabric softener can be so important. It is one of those magical cleaning products that can prevent damage and transform sweaty, tired clothes into freshly smelling, soft and pristine garments that you’ll want to wear again and again. Price: Price is another important consideration; you might save money buying larger bottles or bulk. Natural fabric softeners are often more expensive than ones containing chemicals, but harsh chemicals could irritate the skin. The price tag on these dryer balls is higher than some of our other selections but is arguably one of the best values when you consider how many times you have to replenish liquid fabric softener and dryer sheets. All you have to do is remove the balls after your laundry is dry and store them for next time—we think this is money well spent.Dropps fabric softener pods are adored by the people that use them, and it isn’t hard to find repeat buyers and sustainability enthusiasts that swear by them. However, perhaps because of their price, they haven’t been adopted by the masses. They are regularly compared to their competitor, Tides, and come out on top by reviewers. Each bottle of the liquid fabric softener provides you with about 37 full-load washes. To offer up great softening power, the fabric softener uses only plant-derived ingredients to offer great softening power. When you choose ECOZONE products, you won’t be selecting synthetic dyes, artificial colors, harsh fragrances, or petrochemical ingredients. We use Ecozone Bio Laundry Liquid with their tallow-free fabric softener.” (Suggested by Mumsnet user SimonJT) Our verdict

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 Early cotton softeners were typically based on a water emulsion of soap and olive oil, corn oil, or tallow oil. [ citation needed] Softening compounds differ in affinity to various fabrics. Some work better on cellulose-based fibers (i.e., cotton), others have higher affinity to hydrophobic materials like nylon, polyethylene terephthalate, polyacrylonitrile, etc. New silicone-based compounds, such as polydimethylsiloxane, work by lubricating the fibers. Manufacturers use derivatives with amine- or amide-containing functional groups as well. These groups improve the softener's binding to fabrics.If using dryer sheets, add a new sheet to the top of your load before starting a dry cycle or simply toss in 2-3 dryer balls after loading laundry into your dryer. Learn more about using dryer sheets and how they work. It consists of mineral-based natural ingredients and is free of all toxic and synthetic chemicals. The softeners are also cruelty-free. Cost per wash: 3p | Number of washes: 166 | Litres: 5L | Brand: Comfort | Format: Liquid | Scent: Fresh citrus | Skin type: Sensitive | Feature: British Skin Foundation Accredited, hypoallergenic What we love