Best Downy Fabric Softener of 2025

Bonnie Salem Avatar
Bonnie Salem
Last Updated: Jan 3, 2025

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Downy fabric softener is a popular product that helps to make clothes feel softer and smell fresher. It is designed to be used in the washing machine during the rinse cycle, and it works by coating the fibers of the fabric with a thin layer of chemicals that help to reduce static cling and make the fabric feel smoother. Downy fabric softener comes in a variety of scents, including lavender, vanilla, and fresh linen, and it is available in both liquid and dryer sheet form. It is a great way to add a little extra luxury to your laundry routine and keep your clothes feeling and smelling great.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Downy Ultra Laundry Liquid Fabric Softener Cover #TOP 1
Downy Ultra Laundry Liquid Fabric Softener
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Downy Infusions Laundry Fabric Softener Liquid, Calm Scent, Lavender & Vanilla Bean Cover #TOP 2
Downy Infusions Laundry Fabric Softener Liquid, Calm Scent, Lavender & Vanilla Bean
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Downy Ultra Laundry Liquid Fabric Softener Cover #TOP 3
Downy Ultra Laundry Liquid Fabric Softener
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Downy Fabric Softener

#TOP 1

Downy Ultra Laundry Liquid Fabric Softener

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Downy Ultra Laundry Liquid Fabric Softener Cover
Downy Fabric Softener Liquid, April Fresh Scent, 111 fl oz, 150 Loads

Experience the ultimate laundry care with Downy Ultra Laundry Liquid Fabric Softener. This 7-in-1 fabric conditioner not only adds softness and freshness but also fights against wrinkles, static, fuzz, fading, and stretching. With 3X more freshness*, this fabric softener leaves your clothes smelling April Fresh. The convenient measure and pour feature allows you to easily add the softener to your washer's fabric softener dispenser drawer or directly into the agitator, ensuring long-lasting freshness. Compatible with all washing machines, Downy Ultra Laundry Liquid Fabric Softener is the perfect addition to your laundry routine.

What We Like
7-in-1 benefits
3X more freshness
April Fresh scent

Downy Infusions Laundry Fabric Softener Liquid, Calm Scent, Lavender & Vanilla Bean

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White
Downy Infusions Laundry Fabric Softener Liquid, Calm Scent, Lavender & Vanilla Bean Cover
Downy Ultra Soft Fabric Softener Liquid, Calm, Lavender and Vanilla Bean, 56 fl oz, 83 Loads, Downy Fabric Softener, Laundry

Downy Infusions Calm Scent Liquid Fabric Enhancer is a fabric softener that transforms your laundry with the soothing scent of lavender and vanilla bean. It freshens and softens for comfy, great-smelling clothes and is safe for all washing machines. Customers have praised its calming scent, softness, and convenience, making it a great companion to your favorite detergent.

What We Like
Calming scent
Softens and freshens clothes
Safe for all washing machines
#TOP 3

Downy Ultra Laundry Liquid Fabric Softener

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No Color
Downy Ultra Laundry Liquid Fabric Softener Cover
Downy Fabric Softener Liquid, April Fresh Scent, 44 fl oz, 60 Loads

Introducing Downy Fabric Softener, the ultimate laundry companion for softness, freshness, and wrinkle-free clothes. This 7-in-1 fabric softener not only adds a delightful April Fresh scent but also fights against wrinkles, static, fuzz, fading, and stretching. With 3X more freshness, your clothes will stay fresh for longer. Just measure and pour this liquid fabric softener into your washer's fabric softener dispenser drawer or directly into the agitator, and experience long-lasting freshness every time you do your laundry. Best of all, Downy Fabric Softener is safe to use on all washing machines, ensuring a hassle-free laundry experience. Say goodbye to rough and dull clothes, and say hello to soft, fresh, and wrinkle-free garments with Downy Fabric Softener.

What We Like
Softness and freshness
7-in-1 benefits
Long-lasting freshness
#TOP 4

Downy Ultra Soft Fabric Softener

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Bronze
Downy Ultra Soft Fabric Softener Cover
Downy Ultra Soft Fabric Softener Liquid, Bliss, Sparkling Amber and Rose, 93 fl oz, 138 Loads

Downy Softener Bliss offers an exceptional laundry experience with its luxurious softness and delightful scent. You will enjoy the quadruple softening power that enhances your clothes compared to using leading detergents alone. The improved formula ensures that your fabrics feel even softer than before, making laundry day more enjoyable. Plus, it's safe for all fabric types and machine washes, giving you peace of mind. Pairing this softener with your favorite detergent enhances both scent and softness, making your laundry smell fresh and feel cozy.

What We Like
Premium softness and scent
Quadruple softening power
Safe for all fabrics
Improved softening formula

Downy Ultra Liquid Fabric Conditioner

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Downy Ultra Liquid Fabric Conditioner Cover
Downy Free & Gentle Fabric Softener (Fabric Conditioner), 111 fl oz, 150 Loads, Hypoallergenic

Downy Fabric Conditioner is a hypoallergenic fabric softener that is safe for sensitive skin. Free of dyes and perfumes, it has been dermatologist-tested to ensure it won't cause any irritation. This fabric conditioner not only softens your clothes but also helps prevent stretching, fading, and fuzz. By using Downy Fabric Conditioner, you can keep your clothes in great condition for longer, making them look and feel better. It is also compatible with HE machines, making it convenient for all types of laundry. With Downy Fabric Conditioner, you can enjoy soft, fresh-smelling clothes without worrying about skin sensitivity.

What We Like
Safe for sensitive skin
Free of dyes and perfumes
Hypoallergenic
Prevents stretching, fading, and fuzz
#TOP 6

Downy Ultra Soft Fabric Softener

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Downy Ultra Soft Fabric Softener Cover
Downy Ultra Soft Fabric Softener Liquid, Calm, Lavender and Vanilla Bean, 56 fl oz, 83 Loads

Downy Ultra Softener offers a luxurious softness and calming scent to your laundry. With four times the softening power compared to leading liquid detergents, it ensures your clothes feel exceptionally soft. The improved formula provides even more softening agents than its predecessor, enhancing your laundry experience. Plus, it is safe for all types of fabrics, making it a versatile choice for any load. By pairing it with your favorite detergent, you can enjoy an extra boost of fragrance and softness in every wash.

What We Like
Exceptional softness
Calming lavender scent
Safe for all fabrics
Enhances detergent effectiveness
#TOP 7

Downy WrinkleGuard Fabric Softener Liquid, Fresh Scent

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Downy WrinkleGuard Fabric Softener Liquid, Fresh Scent Cover
Downy WrinkleGuard Liquid Fabric Softener and Conditioner, Fresh, 48 fl oz 48 Loads, Pack of 2

Upgrade your laundry routine with Downy WrinkleGuard Fabric Softener Liquid. This laundry game-changer protects clothes from wrinkling while you wear them, thanks to its breakthrough anti-wrinkle formula that penetrates fibers to soften and relax fabric. Enjoy the same Downy softness, freshness, and power against stretching, fading, and fuzz. This fabric softener is safe to use in both HE and non-HE washing machines, and it's easy to add to your washer's dispenser. With Downy WrinkleGuard, you can live every moment without wrinkle-worry, from morning meetings to surprise drop-ins from your boss.

What We Like
Breakthrough anti-wrinkle formula
Protects clothes from wrinkling while wearing
Improves flexibility and resiliency of clothes
Safe to use in both HE and non-HE washing machines
Leaves clothes soft, fresh, and protected against stretching, fading, and fuzz
#TOP 8

Downy Ultra Soft Fabric Softener

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Downy Ultra Soft Fabric Softener Cover
Downy Ultra Soft Fabric Softener Liquid, Balance, Crisp Rain and Blue Eucalyptus, 93 fl oz, 138 Loads

Downy Soft Fabric Softener offers a luxurious softness and a refreshing Balance scent that enhances your laundry experience. With four times the softening ingredients compared to leading liquid detergents, this product ensures that your clothes feel incredibly soft to the touch. The improved formula provides even more softening agents than previous versions, making your laundry feel better than ever. Additionally, it is safe to use on all fabric types and compatible with any washing machine, giving you peace of mind while doing laundry. Pair it with your favorite detergent for an extra boost of scent and softness.

What We Like
Exceptional softness
Refreshing scent
Safe for all fabrics
Compatible with detergents
#TOP 9

Downy Ultra Soft Fabric Softener

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Downy Ultra Soft Fabric Softener Cover
Downy Ultra Soft Fabric Softener Liquid, Refresh, Birch Water and Botanicals, 93 fl oz, 138 Loads

Downy Soft Fabric Softener offers an exceptional level of softness and a refreshing scent that enhances your laundry experience. With four times the softening power compared to leading liquid detergents, you can enjoy softer clothes that feel great against your skin. The improved formula provides even more softening ingredients, ensuring that your garments stay cozy and comfortable. Plus, it is safe for all fabrics, making it a versatile choice for any load. When paired with your favorite detergent, this fabric softener adds an extra layer of fragrance and softness, elevating your laundry routine.

What We Like
Premium softness and scent
Safe for all fabrics
Enhanced softening formula
Compatible with any detergent
#TOP 10

Downy Ultra Laundry Liquid Fabric Softener

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Downy Ultra Laundry Liquid Fabric Softener Cover
Downy Fabric Softener Liquid, Clean Breeze Scent, 44 fl oz, 60 Loads

Downy Fabric Softener is a versatile laundry product that offers 7-in-1 benefits. It not only adds softness and freshness to your clothes, but also fights wrinkles, static, fuzz, fading, and stretching. With its 3X more freshness, your clothes will smell clean and revitalized. The Clean Breeze scent adds a refreshing fragrance that lingers throughout the day. Using Downy Fabric Softener is easy - simply measure and pour it into your washer's fabric softener dispenser drawer or directly into the agitator. This ensures long-lasting freshness for up to 60 loads. Plus, it is safe to use on all washing machines, making it a convenient choice for any household. Experience the convenience and benefits of Downy Fabric Softener and enjoy softer, fresher, and wrinkle-free clothes.

What We Like
7-in-1 benefits
3X more freshness
Clean Breeze scent
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why not to use Downy fabric softener?

Downy fabric softener may have some drawbacks. It can reduce flame resistance on children's sleepwear, create a buildup of residue in the washing machine that promotes mildew growth, and diminish the wicking ability of workout clothes.

2. What should you not use Downy softener on?

Downy softener should not be used on certain items, including microfiber, sportswear, towels, flame-resistant clothing, and water-repellent fabric. These materials may not benefit from the use of fabric softener or may be adversely affected by it.

3. Why do so many clothes say not to use fabric softener?

Many clothes have instructions to avoid using fabric softener because it can potentially ruin the fabric over time. Fabric softener creates a waxy coating on laundry, which is water-resistant and can negatively impact the fabric's performance and durability.

4. Is it true that fabric softener is bad?

Fabric softener can have negative effects, such as causing allergies and skin irritations. It often contains compounds that can trigger asthma and inflame the skin. Therefore, using fabric softener should be done with caution, especially for individuals with sensitivities or respiratory issues.

5. How do hotels keep towels soft?

Hotels use various techniques to keep towels soft. One method is drying the towels with tennis balls, which helps remove creases, speed up the drying process, and soften the towels. Additionally, hotels may use a lower dryer setting to prevent shrinkage and line-dry damp towels to avoid mildew buildup.

6. What happens if you use too much Downy?

Using too much Downy fabric softener can lead to the ingredients in the product precipitating. This can result in a layer of residue in the washing machine drum and drainage tube after the rinse cycle.

7. When should you not use fabric softener?

Fabric softener should not be used on moisture-wicking performance fabrics, such as workout clothes. The coating left behind by fabric softener can harm the fabric's ability to wick away moisture, compromising its performance.

8. What are the three types of fabric softener?

There are three main types of fabric softeners: liquid fabric softener, dryer sheets, and dryer balls. Each type offers different benefits and methods of application.

Editor's Notes

During our Downy fabric softener research, we found 24 Downy fabric softener products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 481,348 customer reviews through our big data system to write the Downy fabric softener list. We found that most customers choose Downy fabric softener with an average price of $12.26.

The Downy fabric softener are available for purchase. The top 10 picks range in price from a low of $4.00 to a high of $20.00, find the one that fits your budget. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Bonnie Salem Avatar

Bonnie Salem is a stay-at-home mother with two-year-old twins and has spent almost half of her life surrounded by baby products. As a mother and a professional copywriter, she has an insightful and unique eye for researching products suitable for infants. Bonnie Salem is an expert in health and nutrition who lives with her family in New Jersey. She has over 15 years of working experience in an institute of medicine after graduating from the University of Toronto. She is highly interested in personal health and wellness.