People who don’t use fabric conditioners are among life’s natural optimists.
For whatever reason they say they don’t use the laundry essential (usually because, in an age of throw-in pods, a washing machine’s built-in detergent compartments are unfamiliar territory), their excuses unravel the second they check into a hotel and marvel at the incredible softness of the towels, dressing gowns and bedding.
It’s a special kind of snug being wrapped in fresh bedding, linen and clothes helped by the humble hero that is fabric conditioner. The cheap, extra step promises to enhance everyday life for you and your family.
Where does fabric conditioner go?
For many, the first hurdle is the one at which they fall. In which compartment do you add conditioner, and how much? A privileged first-world problem it may be, but a problem nonetheless.
There are several compartments in a washing machine’s detergent bank, but for conditioner, look for the smallest one with a flower or star symbol.
Pour conditioner, or softener as it’s also known, up to the marked level before closing and starting your machine. Conditioner should always be added here, never straight into the drum.
How does fabric conditioner work?
Much like hair conditioner, fabric softener detangles cloth fibres that have become entwined in the rough and tumble of the spin cycle.
Conditioners deposit a fine layer of electrically charged compounds to make fabric fluff up and feel softer against the skin. They also stop static in their tracks, detracting hair and dust the minute you pull on a freshly washed sweater. And they can reduce wrinkles, which means a smaller mountain of ironing to get through - yippee!
Persistent use can cause build-up however affecting how well clothes, bath towels and bedding absorb liquid like water and sweat or breathability.
What fabrics or clothing should be avoided when using fabric softener?
Some things should be spared from fabric softener's touch.
Delicate textiles like wool, cashmere, silk and lace should skip the stuff; for one, they're naturally soft anyway, and secondly, their fragile construction may be affected by the chemicals in the softener. Linen should also be given a wide berth to protect its breathability.
Meanwhile, fitness apparel including swimwear is unsuitable for fabric softener as it could affect its performance and its crucial ability to wick away moisture.
Many softeners contain a cocktail of chemicals, so it's best to keep baby's clothes out of the load to avoid agitating their sensitive skin.
Finally, towels. Since their main purpose is to absorb water, they should only be washed with softener sparingly to retain that essential quality.
If you’re looking to add fabric softener to your laundry routine, we’ve selected the finest on offer, from bargain to blowout. Add a measure to your next load and revel in puppy-level softness all day long.
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Bedfolk Eco Fabric Conditioner
Champion of all things bed, Bedfolk has formulated its very own fabric conditioner to care for its luxury products. Revive tired and dirty duvet covers, sheets, pillowcases and throws with the plant-based formula which comes in a recyclable pouch that holds a full litre.
The smell is pure summer holidays too, with essential oils infusing the conditioner with vanilla, patchouli, neroli and vetivert. If you’re air-drying, expect the whole room to take on the scent - not that we’re complaining.
You can expect up to 28 washes from the pouch, working out to 28p a go. Not bad for heavenly scent, less wrinkles and bedding so soft you’ll never want to emerge from under the covers.
Buy now £8.00, Bedfolk
Kit & Kin Fabric Conditioner
The list of luxury fabric conditioners is short, but Kit & Kin makes the grade. The emphasis is more on softness than scent, with a biodegradable formula made with plant-based ingredients leaving you with fresh, clean and soft laundry. It’s gentle enough to be used against sensitive skin and the refill pouches can be recycled by the brand (just send them back once you’re done).
Buy now £4.99, Kit & Kin
Clothes Doctor Basil & Mandarin Leaf Eco Fabric Conditioner
Scent layering is a technique used by fragrance houses to reinforce the potency of your favourite perfume by using skincare with the same notes. Body lotion, hair perfume, EDP - you get the picture. Now you can add laundry to the mix thanks to this fabric conditioner from Clothes Doctor, which carries a similar mix to one of Jo Malone’s bestselling colognes.
Spiked with peppery, herbal notes of basil and mandarin, each one-litre bottle holds enough to see you through 118 washes and is safe to use on the likes of wool and cotton alongside everyday fabrics.
Buy now £12.51, Clothes Doctor
Comfort Pure Fabric Conditioner
Anyone who lives in a big household knows all too well that the washing machine never stops running: there’s always a couple of loads lined up, ready to go next. For such homes, Comfort has a jumbo-sized tank that holds a stonking 4800ml of its hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested fabric conditioner. That should be enough to see you through 160 washes.
Thanks to all its testing and recognition from the British Skin Foundation, this conditioner can be used on all the family, even those with sensitive skin like babies and toddlers. It leaves clothes clean-feeling and fresh-smelling, reduces creases and leaves behind a light, comforting scent. Lovely stuff.
Buy now £5.99, Amazon
Wilton London Eco-Friendly Fabric Conditioner
If you’re not wild about the idea of coating your stuff in chemicals but still want touchably soft clothes and bedding, Wilton may have the answer.
The London-born brand has devised a carbon-neutral conditioner made from plant-based ingredients and scented with essential oils to do the job. It is a little dearer than the other options on our list with £6 for 40 washes (still only 15p a wash) but for less ironing and softer washing, it's a price we’re willing to pay.
Buy now £6.00, Amazon
Fairy Outdoorable Fabric Conditioner
Before you baulk at the price, know that it's for six packs of conditioner making it perfect for those who like to bulk-buy household essentials.
From cleaning heavyweight Fairy comes this Outdoorable fabric softener, designed to imbue clothes with the fresh, clean scent you get from hanging washing in the open air. Made with 80 per cent plant-based ingredients, the formula has been tested for skin sensitivity and hypoallergenic qualities and has made the grade, meaning it is suitable for all the family.
The scent is delightful - you’ll want to bury yourself in fresh laundry - and it lasts for ages too.
Buy now £14.19, Amazon
Bower Fabric Conditioner Refill – Fresh Linen 1L
Cut creases, static and harshness from clothing fibres with Bower Collective’s fabric conditioner which carries the universally appealing scent of fresh, sun-dried linen. The non-bio formula is made with completely natural ingredients, leaving behind nothing but clean, static-free clothes to revel in. Made in the UK without SLS or parabens, this formula is eco-friendly enough to be used in greywater and septic tanks.
Buy now £3.99, Bower Collective
Smol fabric conditioner
Fabric conditioner through the post - why not? If it means one less thing to add to the shopping list, we’re on board. Smol parcels super-concentrated fabric conditioner in powder format to be mixed with water once it reaches your washing machine. The fragrant formula leaves washing loads looking, feeling and smelling brighter: no wonder it’s got a legion of loyal fans.
The starter pack includes a dispensing bottle and a recyclable refill carton that should be enough for 62 washes, with subsequent dispatches of two 500ml cartons at a delivery frequency of your choosing.
Buy now £5.50, Smol
Miniml Fabric Conditioner Fresh Linen
Suitable for handwashing as well as machine spin cycles, Miniml’s fabric conditioner is a plant-based solution made with natural essential oils to infuse laundry with the calming floral scent of lavender. Eco-friendly softening agents smooth tangled fibres and leave clothes clean, soft and fresh.
Buy now £4.00, Ocado
Ecover Fabric Softener, Rose & Bergamot
Cleaning nerds will know that aside from eco-friendly cleaning products to give the house a spruce, Ecover also makes detergents for keeping the contents of your wardrobe in good nick too. Its fabric softener comes in a range of scents, but we love Rose & Bergamot best. The plant-based formula uses a palm oil-free softening active, drawn from European rapeseed oil, making it suitable for those following a vegan lifestyle too. The bottle is both made with recycled materials and can be recycled after use - just be sure to wash it out thoroughly first.
This purchase is for a twin bundle, allowing you to stock up for less.
Buy now £10.50, Amazon
