Achieving clean, fresh-smelling clothes needs more than just a washing machine and detergent. Detergents work best at cleaning the stubborn stains, dirt, and grease, whereas fabric softeners leave the clothes feeling smooth, soft.
Fabric softeners work by coating the fiber layer of the fabric to create a softer touch and reduce cling. It basically enhances the effectiveness of the laundry detergents. But if your goal is elegant and luxurious-smelling clothes, in addition to the softness, this blog will help you find the best-smelling fabric softeners for your next laundry load.
11 Best Smelling Fabric Softeners
Procter & Gamble Downy Ultra Liquid Fabric Conditioner
Procter & Gamble’s Downy Ultra fabric conditioner is considered a “Gold Standard.” This is because people recognize the conditioner by its lasting fragrance; however, the scent may be too intense for those with fragrance sensitivity.
Downy was the first one to use the term “fabric conditioner,” emphasizing its ability to keep the clothes from stretching, fading, or pilling, in addition to softening them.
Out of all the fragrances, April Fresh remains the most recognizable fragrance, available in dryer sheets and scent beads. The brand also offers several other options, with varying scents, such as lavender, vanilla bean, eucalyptus, and cedarwood.
Downy Free & Gentle Fabric Softener
Downy Free & Gentle fabric softener is formulated especially for baby clothes and anyone who’s suffering from allergies or has sensitive skin. It is fragrant and dye-free, and is dermatologist-tested. It is also recognized by the National Eczema Association and the National Psoriasis Foundation.
The best part of using Downy Free & Gentle is that a little goes a long way, which makes it cost-effective, too. However, as it comes in liquid form, it may spill, making it a hassle to clean every time you use it. But the skin-sensitive formulation makes everything worth it.
Bounce Dryer Sheets
Bounce Dryer Sheet is perfect for those who’re looking for light fabric softening, a pleasant scent, and static control. They can be paired with a liquid softener for more added benefits. The dryer sheet is available in varieties, scented and non-scented. Also, they’re available in oversized sheets, which are approximately three times bigger than the regular ones.
Additionally, some of the variants can help remove pet hair from the fabric. Although they are single-use sheets and are mostly disposed of after use, the convenience they offer cannot be undervalued. You’ll have no heavy bottles that might slip, drip, or leave gunky dispenser residue to scrub away later, especially for those who go to the laundromat for washing their clothes.
DedCool x OUAI Melrose Place Dryer Sheets
ICYMI, OUAI launched a detergent with its iconic Melrose Place fragrance. The beautiful scent lasts longer when used with matching dryer sheets. The detergent is available in a mix of fragrances that make your clothes smell luxe, elegant, and delightful. The scent notes include -
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Rose
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Lychee
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Bergamot
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White musk
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Cedarwood
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White musk
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Champagne
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Pink peppercorn
Washing the laundry with just one sheet gives it a soft, rosy smell. So, if you like a stronger smell, consider doubling the detergent and the dryer sheets. It will leave the fabric and the room fresh and smelling beautiful for several days after the laundry is finished.
Capri Blue Volcano Fabric Softener
Capri Blue, often known as the signature “Anthro Scent,” became popular through the Capri Blue Volcano candle that helped shape the in-store ambience at Anthropologie. The same unique fragrance is now available in a fabric softener, with a blend of tropical fruits, sugared oranges, lemons, limes, and a subtle hint of mountain greens.
The scent is described as sweeter and softer than the usual bright, tart scent that is mostly associated with citrus. This may be due to the influence of tropical notes. This has contributed to a strong following being the brand’s concentrated softener. However, some reviewers have even claimed that overusing it can be overwhelming, and some experience headaches, given its strong smell.
Laundress Fabric Conditioner Classic
This fabric conditioner is a laundry favorite because it brings back nostalgia. It has a classic scent of the detergent that you must have grown up with, and makes your linen softer than ever. The top notes of fresh aldehydic and citrus, along with floral notes, like lavender, rose, jasmine, and lily, make the fragrance unique.
Also, the scent has a hint of musky and masculine base notes, with a hint of oakmoss, patchouli, sandalwood, and cedarwood. All these make the fragrance remain noticeable for hours and linger on the clothes for days.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Universalis Fabric Softener
Baccarat Rouge, a famous perfume brand, also has its own line of detergent products. Maison Francis Kurkdjian implemented his years of experience in making luxury perfumes. The detergent has a base note of warm bergamot and Calabria, topped with a soft hint of lemon, lily of the valley, and white musk.
Though the Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Universalis fabric softener is expensive, it enhances the softness of the fabric and makes it feel luxurious and smell good for a long period. It has a soft scent that offers clean, fresh-smelling linen that lasts well after the laundry is done.
The citrus note in the detergent is not too intense, and is complemented by delicate florals and a very clean musk. This results in fresh fragrance and a gentle, comforting warmth.
Method Ginger Mango Fabric Softener
The Method Ginger Mango Fabric Softener has a refreshing scent, with a combination of gentle ginger spice with the sweet tropical aroma of ripe mango. This results in a slight sweet, soft, and clean fragrance, without being saccharine.
This fabric softener is made of plant-based ingredients and provides a long-lasting fragrance. An Amazon reviewer claimed that the smell is amazing and it lasts longer, as it is ultraconcentrated, making the clothes feel exceptionally soft to touch. The only downside is that the smell might wear off after a day.
Snuggle Blue Sparkle Liquid Fabric Softener
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly fabric softener that offers a gentle yet lasting scent, consider Snuggle Blue Sparkle liquid fabric softener. It keeps your fabric soft and static-free, and is known for its subtle, clean, and floral scent.
Along with the liquid softener, it is available in dryer sheets as well. It’s the best alternative if your washing machine does not have a liquid dispenser. Though the sheets are stronger in scent than the liquid, they work the same way.
Gain Odor + Defense Liquid Fabric Softener
If the goal is to keep your fabric smelling fresh and good, Gain’s Odor Defense fabric softener is the best choice. Gain has been a constant pick among all the other laundry fabric softeners, because of its fresh smell that stays for up to six weeks. It is also noteworthy that the formula minimizes static clinging to the fabric as well.
Though the scent eliminates the odor from the laundry load, some customers may find it too strong, especially those with allergies. So, it is better to opt for something that’s formulated for sensitive skin.
HEX Performance Fabric Conditioner
Athletic wear is often exposed to sweat and odor, and can benefit greatly from HEX Performance fabric conditioner is best for gym-goers and anyone who frequently wears performance or athletic wear. HEX laundry detergent can help remove stubborn smells from tightly-woven and moisture-wicking fabric. But when paired with the brand’s fabric conditioner, it can make the laundry more effective.
Though it is fragrance-free, it keeps your fabric fresh by eliminating odor, and also prevents it from developing again. Also, it preserves their stretch and moisture-wicking properties.