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The 10 best fabric softeners to buy in the UK

Picture of a fabric softener

Finding the best fabric softener is always worthwhile, leaving your clothes and other fabrics feeling soft and fluffy. However, it is important to choose a good fabric softener that is suitable for your needs and preferences, which is easier said than done when there are so many products to choose from. To help find the best fabric softeners, be sure to check out the below buying guide. It covers all the information that you need to know to find the right fabric softener for your needs, including how to choose a great softener and what options are available.

What are fabric softeners?

A fabric softener is a fabric conditioner used on clothes and fabrics being cleaned in a washing machine. Applied alongside a good laundry detergent, the fabric softener coats clothes with a thin layer that helps to maintain softness by allowing the materials to keep their shape while being washed. By reducing friction, clothes remain much softer and better maintain their original shape.

Why should you buy a good fabric softener?

The best fabric softeners leave your clothes, sheets, and other fabrics feeling softer for longer. Simply add a small amount with every wash and you can expect fabrics to better maintain their original shape, helping to stay softer for much longer, which also makes them easier to iron.

How to choose the right fabric softener in 2024?

Another picture of a fabric softener

Choosing the best fabric softener is difficult when there are so many options to choose from, so here are some things to think about that can narrow your search down:

  • Skin Sensitivity: Fabric softeners contain ingredients that linger on clothes after they are washed, and these may cause a reaction to sensitive skin. If you have issues with your skin, be extra careful when choosing a softener, looking for softeners that are hypoallergenic or irritant-free. This is also recommended when used on baby clothing.
  • Size: Check the size of the fabric softener and compare this to the price, as it gives a rough idea of the cost per load. The bigger the fabric softener the more you usually save, with bulk buys and multi-buys being a great way to get more fabric softener for a better price. Also, consider how many people are using the softener, as a small bottle may be fine for one or two people households, while large families may need more volume.
  • Fragrance: One of the big selling points for fabric softeners is they provide a nice fragrance to the clothes. This is especially appealing if your detergent leaves a strong soapy or artificial smell, in which case a great fabric softener can leave clothes feeling much fresher. Always check the fragrances to see if it is something you will like, as the last thing you want is for your clothes to have a smell that you hate.

What is the best kind of fabric softener in the UK?

There are three options for softening your fabric:

  • Dryer Sheets: Dryer sheets are small sheets that are placed on top of the laundry before it is washed. They are not as effective as other types but do provide an affordable way to remove some static and keep clothes feeling softer.
  • Liquid Fabric Softeners: The best fabric softener in terms of softening and removing static, although it is also the most expensive type. This type is available in many fragrances and can come with other properties, such as maintaining fabric colour or being hypoallergenic.
  • Dryer Balls: Dryer balls are placed inside the machine before tumble drying and do a decent job of softening clothes. It is also reusable and uses no artificial ingredients, making it better for the environment.

Top 10 list of fabric softeners in the UK (2024)

The bestseller list compares brands and their fabric softeners. Which fabric softener is the best?
Best choice TOP 1
Image of Comfort 8720181324987 fabric softener
Comfort Pure Sensitive Fabric Conditioner dermatologically tested…
  • Add this gentle fabric conditioner to your wash, along with Persil Non Bio laundry…
  • Comfort Pure Sensitive Fabric Conditioner is Mumsnet Rated** and suitable for the…
  • This gentle yet effective fabric softener helps to smooth the fibres in your clothes…
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TOP 2
Image of Comfort 8720181324963 fabric softener
Comfort Blue Skies Fabric Conditioner with Stay Fresh technology for…
  • Let the fresh fragrance bursts of Comfort Fabric Conditioner take you to a happy…
  • Comfort Fabric Conditioner helps to smooth the fibres of your clothes, making them…
  • With our fabric conditioner, let your favourite jeans fly you away to a fresh meadow…
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Offer TOP 3
Image of Comfort 8720181489129 fabric softener
Comfort Pure Ultimate Fresh & Mild Ultra-Concentrated Fabric Conditioner…
  • Use alongside Persil Ultimate Fresh & Mild laundry detergent for a gentle and…
  • Comfort Pure Ultimate Fresh & Mild Fabric Conditioner is suitable for the whole…
  • The ultra-concentrated fabric softener formula unlocks incredible softness from just…
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TOP 4
Image of Ecover 4004574 fabric softener
Ecover Fabric Softener Refill Apple Blossom & Almond, 166 Wash,5…
  • MISSION STATEMENT - At Ecover, we have been pioneering green science for ever 30…
  • HOW TO USE - Pour detergent into the machine drawer for washing, or apply a small…
  • BURST OF FRAGRANCE - Transform your laundry routine with our liquid detergent, which…
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TOP 5
Image of Comfort 8720181500312 fabric softener
Comfort Botanical Summer Bouquet Fabric Conditioner softener with…
  • For irresistible softness and fragrance, pour a 15 ml dose into the conditioner compartment…
  • Embark on a multi-sensory journey with Comfort Botanical conditioner, infusing your…
  • This fabric softener is designed to be used across many different types of fabric,…
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TOP 6
Image of Procter & Gamble 8001090707314 fabric softener
Fairy Outdoorable Fabric Conditioner, 210 Washes, 2.94L (490 ml x…
  • Your favourite Fairy with a rich creamy peachy notes with floral touches, with a…
  • Protects from fading, bobbling and stretching in the wash
  • Try Fairy sensitive dream team: Fairy non-bio PODS for a gentle clean and Fairy Outdoorable…
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TOP 7
Image of Lenor 8001090707338 fabric softener
Fairy Outdoorable Fabric Conditioner 440 Washes, Ultra Concentrated…
  • Your favourite Fairy with a rich creamy peachy notes with floral touches, with a…
  • Protects from fading, bobbling and stretching in the wash
  • Try Fairy sensitive dream team: Fairy non-bio PODS for a gentle clean and Fairy Outdoorable…
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TOP 8
Image of Lenor 8001090742094 fabric softener
Lenor Outdoorable Fabric Conditioner 210 Washes, 490ml x 6, Northern…
  • Protects from fading, bobbling and stretching in the wash
  • Your favourite fabric conditioner Summer Day scent with citrus zing, buttercup brilliance…
  • Developed together with consumers to recreate the outdoor freshness
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TOP 9
Image of Comfort 8720181043833 fabric softener
Comfort Ultimate Care Heavenly Nectar Ultra-Concentrated Fabric Conditioner…
  • Comfort Ultimate Care Heavenly Nectar Fabric Conditioner is ultra-concentrated –…
  • Comfort Ultimate Care Fabric Conditioner bottle is made of recycled plastic excluding…
  • The new and improved fragrance of Heavenly Nectar Fabric Softener leaves your clothes…
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TOP 10
Image of Lenor  fabric softener
Lenor Fabric Conditioner Spring Awakening 80 Washes 2640ml
  • Fabric Conditioners Dilute
  • Lenor
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We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We consider only products that are available on Amazon while the ranking is based on factors such as customer reviews, number of sales and keyword. Last Update: 2024/10/10.