Fabric softener Finder: Should you be using fabric softener?
Find out if fabric softener is worth adding to your laundry routine.
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
Key facts about fabric softener:
- For many people, the risks of using a fabric softener far outweigh the costs.
- Fabric softeners can cause a build-up of residue in your washing machine, make certain clothing less fire resistant, damage fabrics and irritate skin.
- While fabric softeners are relatively low cost at around $0.40 - $10 per litre, many people find using fabric softener to be unnecessary.
Best Rated Fabric Softeners Brand: ALDI
If you want a fabric softener that delivers, then Aussies recommend ALDI. Best rated for softness of clothes and value for money, it's the clear winner in this category.
What is fabric softener?
Fabric softener is a conditioner used to soften the fabric and decrease friction when washing clothes. By applying a thin, waxy coating to your laundry, it helps to keep clothes in their original shape and limits colour fading. It also helps reduce fuzz and pilling.
Generally, fabric softeners are made of oil or silicon-based compounds that coat the fabric, making it feel softer. Some brands may use animal fat by-products.
Fabric softener vs laundry detergent
While fabric softener softens clothes, laundry detergent does the heavy duty work, helping to clean clothes of dirt, sweat, food particles, hair and more.
Why should I consider (or ditch) fabric softener?
Pros
- Softens clothes. The main benefit to using fabric softener is that it makes your clothing feel soft to the touch.
- Reduces static. Fabric softener can help reduce static electricity in your clothing.
- Fragrance. Most fabric softeners include perfumed scents. However, if you are sensitive to perfume, fragrance-free formulas are also available.
- Reduces fabric stiffness. If you dry your clothes on a clothesline and find that some items feel stiff when they dry, fabric softener could help.
- Easier ironing. Fabric softener can help straighten out the fibres in clothing and make them easier to iron, or in some cases eliminate the need for ironing entirely.
Cons
- Less fire-resistance. Fabric softener can make fabrics less flame retardant. Most manufacturers do not recommend using fabric softener on children's sleepwear.
- Residue build-up. Fabric softeners can contribute to residue deposits. This residue can trap moisture in elastane and nylon clothing and slowly clog up the inside of your washing machine. To minimise residue when using fabric softener, ensure you run an occasional hot water cycle.
- Skin irritants. Perfumes used may irritate skin, especially for kids and those with eczema or asthma.
- Fabric damage. Fabric softener can damage certain fabric types, including synthetic, sweat-resistant clothing found in sports gear, linen, silk and bamboo.
- May contain animal products. Some brands of fabric softener use animal fat and are not vegan-friendly.
- Environmental risks. Many fabric softeners contain non-renewable petroleum-based chemicals that are not easily biodegradable and can be toxic to marine life.
If the cons of using fabric softener outweigh the positives for you, read on to find out what alternatives you could try instead.
Which fabric softener is best for me?
If you decide to use fabric softener, look for brands with a good water absorbency score or else your towels might not be as effective.
If you or anyone in your household has sensitive skin, look for brands that are hypoallergenic or low-irritant to avoid irritating eczema, rashes or allergies.
If you have children, ensure that you don't use fabric softener on your kids' sleepwear to avoid reducing its fire resistance. You don't want to lose sleep worrying about flammable sleepwear. Check the labels of fabric softeners and you will probably find a warning not to use them with children's sleepwear. If possible, look for one that doesn't reduce clothes' fire-resistance.
Fabric softener alternatives
For those who would rather go without fabric softener, here are several low-cost alternatives you could try instead:
Distilled white vinegar
Pros:
- Eco-friendly and affordable
- Helps neutralise odours and whiten clothing
- Cleans away dirt and other deposits in your washing machine
How to use it: Add half a cup or one cup during the rinse cycle. For a pleasant scent, you can add essential oils to the vinegar.
Note: Do not mix vinegar with bleach, ammonia products or other household chemicals. Also, you shouldn't use vinegar certain fabrics such as silk and acetate.
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
Pros:
- Helps to soften your clothing
- Eco-friendly and affordable
- Deodorizes clothing
How to use it: If you use liquid detergent, add a quarter to half cup of baking soda when you load your clothing into the washer. If you use powder, add the baking soda while the washing machine is rinsing your clothing.
Dryer sheets
Pros:
- Softens fabric
- Decreases static cling
- Adds a pleasant fragrance to clothing
Cons:
- Residue can build up on the lint filter and stick to your clothes
How to use it: Add dryer sheets to the dryer with your wet laundry.
Dryer balls
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Reusable and eco-friendly
- Lifts and separates your laundry, helping air in the dryer to flow more efficiently
How to use it: Add dryer balls directly into the dryer
Tips to reduce clothing stiffness and save money on laundry
- Use less laundry detergent. If your laundry is coming out stiff and scratchy, you may be using too much laundry detergent. You may only need to use as little as a quarter cup for a load. Excess detergent can also cause skin irritation, build up and damage your machine and waste water as your machine needs to perform several rinse cycles to get rid of the suds.
- Use lower spin speeds. Generally, many front-loading machines offer very powerful spin speeds greater than 1000 rpm. Forcefully wringing water from your clothing could make them stiffer. When drying towels, spin them at 600-800 rpm to make them softer and fluffier.
- Line dry. You can line dry your laundry to avoid static getting onto your clothing. If you live in an apartment and don't have space to hang your clothes, check out our laundry hacks for small spaces to get some ideas or find out how much it costs to renovate your laundry space.
Best rated fabric softener brand award breakdown
| Total Score | Overall rating | Value for Money | Packaging | Scent | Softness of clothes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other | 8.26 | 4.50 | 4.30 | 4.40 | 4.40 | 4.45 |
| ALDI | 8.25 | 4.48 | 4.74 | 4.28 | 4.22 | 4.46 |
| Earth Choice | 8.06 | 4.36 | 4.52 | 4.34 | 4.30 | 4.34 |
| Huggies | 8.05 | 4.43 | 4.12 | 4.36 | 4.29 | 4.21 |
| Comfort | 7.96 | 4.30 | 4.10 | 4.28 | 4.30 | 4.30 |
| Fluffy | 7.88 | 4.28 | 4.06 | 4.28 | 4.26 | 4.28 |
| Coles | 7.74 | 4.22 | 4.22 | 4.06 | 4.06 | 4.08 |
| Woolworths | 7.71 | 4.23 | 4.20 | 4.09 | 4.27 | 3.91 |
| Cuddly | 7.70 | 4.20 | 3.88 | 4.02 | 4.18 | 4.16 |
Data: Finder Retail Brand Survey, 2020, Kantar. Metric out of 5 stars unless indicated. Methodology and more info. 
More guides on Finder
-
Supermarket statistics 2022
Finder collected statistics on supermarket spending in 2021 and found that 4 in 5 Aussies are signed up to a supermarket rewards program.
-
Best chocolate brands in Australia
These are the best chocolate brands in Australia according to consumers.
-
Where to buy hemp seed oil online in Australia
From ingestibles to body products, we've rounded up the retailers with a range of hemp seed oils in stock.
-
Best supermarket brands in Australia 2021
Aussie consumers have chosen the best supermarket brand in Australia plus the best brand for value for money, customer service, range of produce and more.
-
Best air fresheners in Australia
From the best option for cars to the top spray type product, these are the nine best air fresheners available online.
-
CBD oil in Australia: What it is and how to access it
If you are keen to learn more or you're interested in how you can access CBD oil in Australia, this is the guide for you. Here's everything you need to know.
-
Best ice cream tub brands in Australia
Here are the five best ice cream tub brands in the country, according to Aussies.
-
Best ice cream multipack brands in Australia
Here are the 5 best ice cream multipack brands in Australia according to consumers.
-
Best frozen vegetable brands in Australia
These are the 5 best frozen vegetable brands in Australia, as chosen by consumers.
Ask an Expert
