7 Best Fabric Softeners for Clothes, Tested by Laundry Experts
Say goodbye to scratchy sweaters and staticky socks.
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Clean laundry starts with the basics: a reliable washing machine, a detergent that actually works, and a dryer that doesn’t leave clothes damp or stiff. But if you want towels that feel plush, leggings that don’t cling, or sheets that smell fresh long after laundry day, the best fabric softeners can make a noticeable difference. Whether you prefer a liquid formula in the wash or dryer sheets tossed in at the end of a cycle, the right option can help reduce static, soften fabrics, and add a light, lasting scent.
Our top picks:
- Best overall: Downy Ultra Liquid Fabric Conditioner
- Best for sensitive skin: Downy Free & Gentle Fabric Softener
- Best sheets: Bounce Dryer Sheets
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, we test every part of the laundry process, from washers and dryers to detergents, stain removers, and fabric care products. When evaluating fabric softeners, our experts test liquid formulas and dryer sheets for softness, static reduction, lingering scent, residue, buildup, and even whether they affect absorbency over time. Based on extensive Lab testing and performance data, these are the best fabric softeners to add to your routine.
Pros
- Iconic, long-lasting scent
- Protects clothing fabrics from stretching and fuzzing
- Imparts more softness than others
Cons
- Scent may be strong for some
The 2026 Good Housekeeping Cleaning Awards-winner and Seal-holder always delivers the most noticeable softness in our tests. Its recognizable, long-lasting floral scent is one most testers love, though it may be a bit strong for those sensitive to fragrances. Downy was the first brand to coin the term "conditioner," as it also protects clothing from stretching, fading, and fuzz, ultimately adding to the longevity of your favorite items.
While April Fresh is Ultra Downy's most iconic scent and can also be found in dryer sheets and scent beads, other Ultra Downy liquid versions offer extra softening benefits and luxurious scents, such as lavender, vanilla bean, eucalyptus, and cedarwood.
| Type | Liquid |
| Cost per load | 47 cents |
| Scents | April Fresh, Kyoto, Calm, Cool Cotton, Soft Refresh, Clean Breeze, Vanilla Cashmere, Snow Berry, Enchanted Woods, Balance, Cherry Blossom, Ocean Mist, Free & Gentle |
Pros
- Fragrance-free and dye-free
- A little goes a long way
- Recognized by skin care professionals
Cons
- Doesn't come as dryer sheets
For babies or anyone irritated by dyes and fragrances, Downy offers a Free and Gentle liquid version of its beloved fabric softener (though not dryer sheets), which leaves softer fabrics that are more soothing on sensitive skin. It's dye-free and perfume-free and also carries our Good Housekeeping Seal.
Our Lab tests consistently show that no fabric softener leaves clothes as soft as Downy, including the Free and Gentle formula. Plus, it's dermatologist-tested and recognized by the National Eczema Association and the National Psoriasis Foundation. And a little goes a long way—all you need is a small capful, making it a great value.
| Type | Liquid |
| Cost per load | 8 cents |
| Scents | Fragrance free |
Pros
- Convenient and mess-free
- Very effective on static
- Comes in a version that removes pet hair from fabrics
Cons
- Good for only one use
Dryer sheets work by transferring softening and anti-static ingredients onto fabrics as they tumble in the heat, and in our tests, Bounce performed best. Towels came out lightly softened and fresh-smelling, while socks and synthetic fabrics emerged virtually static-free.
Bounce is a great pick if you want light softening, some scent, and reliable static control, and it can also be paired with a liquid softener for even more softness. It comes in multiple scents, including unscented options, plus specialty versions like oversized sheets and pet hair-fighting formulas we found effective in testing. And even though they’re single-use, they’re hard to beat for convenience, since there are no heavy bottles, messy spills, or dispenser buildup—just toss one in the dryer and go.
| Type | Sheets |
| Cost per use | 5 cents |
| Scents | Outdoor Fresh, Fresh Linen, Free & Gentle, Fresh Breeze, Paradise Blossom |
Pros
- Made with plant-based ingredients and essential oils
- Fresh scent isn't overpowering
- No greenwashing claims on the package
Cons
- Comes in only one scent
We were impressed by Beyond dryer sheets when we tested them for a previous Good Housekeeping Cleaning Award. The sheets are a 99% USDA Certified Biobased Product, made with plant-based softening ingredients, renewable fibers, and essential oil-based fragrance, and the packaging avoids overblown environmental claims.
Though pricier than some competitors and available in only one scent, they delivered solid softness and static control in our tests without leaving behind waxy residue. Testers especially liked the clean, subtle fragrance, which smelled fresh without being overly perfume-y.
| Type | Sheets |
| Cost per use | 11 cents |
| Scent | Lavender |
Pros
- Long-lasting smell
- No waxy residue
- Biodegradable formula and 80% recycled plastic bottle
Cons
- Easy to use too much
Liquid softeners can sometimes leave fabrics feeling coated or waxy, but Ensueño Max didn’t in our tests. This plant-based formula, a previous Good Housekeeping Cleaning Award winner, softened fabrics without making them feel slippery, and testers praised its strong static control.
It’s also a good pick for anyone who likes a long-lasting scent. The formula uses essential oils and scent capsules that release fragrance over time as fabrics are worn. We also like that it’s biodegradable and packaged in a bottle made with 80% recycled plastic. Just note that the formula is concentrated and fairly thick, so it’s important to measure carefully and avoid over-pouring.
| Type | Liquid |
| Cost per use | 7 cents |
| Scent | Spring Fresh, Violet Bouquet, Floral, Baby, Tropical Blossom |
Pros
- Safe for use on all fabrics
- Removes old build-up and restores softness
- Comes in Free & Gentle version
Cons
- Not a true fabric softener
Though not a traditional fabric softener, Downy Rinse & Refresh is used the same way—added to your washer’s softener compartment and released during the rinse cycle. Instead of coating fabrics, it uses citric acid to help wash away trapped odors and buildup from detergent and hard water, leaving towels and other stiff items fresher and softer. It’s also safe for fabrics that typically shouldn’t be washed with softener, including activewear, microfiber, and flame-resistant clothing.
A Good Housekeeping Seal Star, it impressed us in testing by reviving stiff, worn washcloths without leaving residue behind. The formula is now more concentrated for stronger odor-fighting power, and while many users love the fresh floral scent, a Free & Gentle version is also available.
| Type | Liquid |
| Cost per use | 51 cents |
| Scent | Fresh Lavender, Ocean Breeze, Free & Gentle, Cool Cotton, Active Fresh |
Pros
- Safe for all fabrics
- Softens and removes odors
- Maintains wicking ability of fabrics
Cons
- Scent is not particularly long-lasting
HEX Performance is a brand designed around caring for athletic wear, and in our Cleaning Lab experience, its detergent works very well in cleaning and removing odors from workout fabrics. And while it's not recommended to use fabric softener on items like microfiber and workout apparel, this formula is an exception. It's specially designed to be thinner than other fabric conditioners, allowing it to penetrate tightly knit fabrics, rinse out odors, prevent buildup, and maintain absorbency and moisture-wicking properties.
Though the Fresh & Clean formula does have a subtle scent, it's made with sensitive skin in mind—without heavy fragrances or irritants—so the scent may not be long-lasting enough for some. But for those who prefer, there is a fragrance-free version as well.
| Type | Liquid |
| Cost per use | 35 cents |
| Scent | Fresh and Clean, Fragrance-Free |
How we test fabric softeners
In the GH Cleaning Lab, we test fabric softeners—both liquids and dryer sheets—for the softness and scent they impart, and for any discoloration or negative effects they leave on our white test towels after multiple washes. Liquids are added to the washer dispenser per the label directions, and dryer sheets are placed atop the wet load before drying.
For each softener tested, a towel is removed from the load after one wash, and a panel of testers feels and rates it for softness and scent. This same load is washed four more times, with softener added to either the washer or the dryer, and then a second towel is removed and rated. After five more washes—for a total of 10—a third and final towel is removed and rated.
We also assess and note any yellowing or waxy feel the test towels may exhibit after washing, the size of the dryer sheets, the cost per use, the quality of the packaging, any impact on absorbency, and any reduction in static during drying. Finally, the labeling of each softener is reviewed for accuracy, thoroughness, and the inclusion of necessary safety statements. Documentation to support any environmental claims is also requested and reviewed.
What to look for when shopping for fabric softener
While most fabric softeners can be used to smooth wrinkles, reduce static, and impart a 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:
✔️ Type: Liquid and sheets are the two main types of fabric softener, and your choice is largely dependent on preference. Liquid fabric softeners, which are typically added to the rinse cycle of the wash, tend to be more potent conditioners than sheets. Sheets provide light softening and static control to help prevent items from clinging together in the dryer or from attracting hair or lint. Liquids also condition fibers, helping reduce wrinkling, stretching, and fading.
✔️ Machine compatibility: Just as you would with any laundry detergent you're considering, make sure to read package instructions to ensure the product is safe to use with your appliance. If you have a high-efficiency (HE) washer, make sure any liquid fabric softener is also labeled as such. And never use more than is indicated in usage guidelines, since this can lead to unnecessary buildup on clothes and inside the machine. Remove and clean your machine’s fabric softener dispenser regularly to scrub away any residue that may build up there too.
✔️ Scent: Some fabric softeners have a very potent and long-lasting scent. While some users may like this, those with babies, skin sensitivities, or allergies should seek out formulas that don't contain harsh fragrances and dyes.
Do you really need to use fabric softener?
No, fabric softener isn’t a laundry must-have, but it can make clothes, towels, and bedding feel softer, smell fresher, and come out with less static and fewer wrinkles. Think of it like conditioner for fabrics—it coats fibers, smoothing and softening them.
That said, it’s not right for every load. Because fabric softener leaves behind a coating, it can reduce absorbency and moisture-wicking performance over time. Unless you’re using a specially formulated option, skip it on:
- Microfiber cloths
- Athletic wear
- Water-repellent fabrics
- Flame-resistant fabrics, including many children’s pajamas
Are dryer balls better than dryer sheets?
Not necessarily, since they do different things.
- Wool dryer balls are reusable and help clothes tumble more freely, which can speed drying and add fluff, especially for bulky items like comforters and jackets. Compared to dryer sheets, they offer less softness, scent, and static control. They mainly fluff fabrics rather than truly soften them, though they can reduce some static.
- Dryer sheets, meanwhile, deliver more noticeable softness, stronger static reduction, and added fragrance, but are single-use.
Which fabric softener is best for psoriasis?
The best choice is a fabric softener that carries the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) Seal of Recognition, which indicates it has been reviewed for sensitive-skin safety. “Fabric softeners and other products that earn the National Psoriasis Foundation Seal of Recognition demonstrate their commitment to creating safe and non-irritating products for people who live with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis by submitting independent lab tests and undergoing review by a panel of Board-certified dermatologists and rheumatologists," says Matt Werbach, director of communications at the National Psoriasis Foundation. These products “provide data showing sufficient safety by demonstrating they are non-toxic and do not cause harm to people with sensitive to severely sensitive skin and those with skin or joint affected by psoriatic disease.”
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Brigitt Earley is a writer and editor with over 15 years of experience covering home products, including laundry detergent and fabric softeners. To research and review the fabric softeners recommended in this story, she worked under the close guidance of Home Care & Cleaning Lab product analyst Noah Pinsonnault, who helps design and perform tests on various product categories, including laundry machines and must-haves like detergent, stain fighters, and fabric softeners.
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