Best Liquid Fabric Softener of 2025

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Liquid fabric softener is a laundry product that helps to make clothes feel softer and more comfortable against the skin. It is designed to be added to the rinse cycle of a washing machine and works by coating the fibers of the fabric with a thin layer of chemicals that help to reduce static cling and wrinkles. This not only makes clothes feel better to wear but also helps to extend the life of the fabric by reducing wear and tear. Liquid fabric softener comes in a range of scents and formulations, making it a versatile and popular choice for many households.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Liquid Fabric Softener
Downy Fabric Softener Liquid
Downy April Fresh 140 oz is a versatile fabric softener that offers a 2 in 1 solution by providing softness and a lasting April Fresh scent to your laundry. With 3 times more freshness compared to Tide Original liquid, it ensures a long-lasting fragrance. The product is easy to use - simply measure and pour into your washer's fabric softener dispenser or agitator for continuous freshness. Additionally, it is safe to use with all washing machines, making laundry days a breeze.
Downy Cool Cotton Fabric Softener
Downy Fabric Softener offers you a refreshing laundry experience with its unique Cool Cotton scent. This product combines two key benefits: it softens your clothes while leaving them smelling fresh for a longer time compared to other brands. You will find it easy to use; just measure the desired amount and pour it into your washing machine’s fabric softener drawer or directly into the agitator. Plus, it’s compatible with all types of washing machines, ensuring that your laundry routine remains simple and effective.
Downy Ultra Soft Fabric Softener
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.
Downy Ultra Soft Fabric Softener
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.
Downy Ultra Soft Fabric Softener
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.
Gain + Odor Defense Liquid Fabric Softener
Gain Odor Defense Softener by Gain is a fabric softener that not only eliminates odors but also leaves your clothes smelling super fresh. The irresistible softness it provides will make your clothes feel cozy against your skin. This fabric softener pairs perfectly with other Gain Plus Odor Defense products, creating a harmonious and long-lasting scent. Additionally, being free of dyes, it ensures that your clothes remain vibrant and bright. Compatible with all machines and water temperatures, this softener offers convenience and effectiveness in every wash.
365 Lavender Mist Fabric Softener
365 Fabric Softener offers a delightful experience with its calming Lavender Mist scent. This product enhances your laundry routine, making it more enjoyable and refreshing. You’ll appreciate the premium ingredients that ensure your clothes feel soft and luxurious. As an Amazon brand, it provides a wide variety of choices at prices that won’t break the bank. With 365 by Whole Foods Market, grocery shopping becomes a fun and satisfying adventure rather than a chore, allowing you to feel good about your choices.
ENSUEÑO - Max Liquid Fabric Softener
ENSUEÑO Spring Fresh Scent fabric softener offers delightful spring aromas, long-lasting fragrance technology, color-safe formula to protect clothes, and a biodegradable odor cleaner. The scent booster freshens and softens clothes, eliminating odors effectively. The color-safe formula keeps your clothes vibrant and static-free. With the improved microcaps technology, enjoy freshness for up to 35 days. Additionally, it reduces wrinkles, making ironing easier and prevents fabric damage.
Gain Laundry Liquid Fabric Softener, 44 fl oz
Gain Fabric Softener offers you enhanced softness with each drop compared to the previous formula. With AromaBoost technology, it ensures lasting freshness from the wash to when you wear your clothes. By using it alongside Gain Laundry Detergent, Gain Scent Boosters, and Gain Sheets, you can amplify the beloved Original Gain Scent. Additionally, it is produced using 100% renewable wind power electricity. Compatible with both top- and front-load washers, this fabric softener guarantees a delightful laundry experience.
Downy Infusions Laundry Fabric Softener Liquid, Calm Scent, Lavender & Vanilla Bean
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it OK to use liquid fabric softener?
In addition, studies have found that liquid fabric softeners can actually make fabrics more flammable, which no one wants. Some of the most popular fabric softeners, such as Bounce dryer sheets and liquid Downy fabric softener receive grade D from the Environmental Working Group because of toxic ingredients.
2. What is liquid fabric softener used for?
Fabric softeners contain lubricating ingredients that help coat and soften fibers in your fabrics when added to your laundry load in the form of liquid, powder or dryer sheets.
3. What can I use instead of liquid fabric softener?
The Kitchen Concoction: Baking Soda & Vinegar With a few items found in your kitchen pantry, you can mix up your own natural fabric softener. All you need is water, baking soda and vinegar, plus a few drops of essential oils if you'd like it scented. Stir until mixed and add in one-part vinegar (ex: one-half cup).
During our liquid fabric softener research, we found 25 liquid fabric softener products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 417,200 customer reviews through our big data system to write the liquid fabric softener list. We found that most customers choose liquid fabric softener with an average price of $13.56.
The liquid fabric softener are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of liquid fabric softener, including Downy, Gain, 365 by Whole Foods Market. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

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.