The best sweet-smelling softeners in the UK 2023

Fabrics become less soft with each wash, regardless of the washing method used. To put an end to this for good and extend the life of your clothes, sheets and linens, change your laundry ritual by adding some sweet-smelling fabric softener during the last rinse. So, are you more of a lavender or coconut person? Browse through our comparison to find what you're looking for!

Ecover Format XL
9/10

Best value for money

Ecover XL size

The best smelling fabric softener in 2021

For laundry, use Ecover XL Fabric Softener. This ecological product made from natural ingredients will take care of your laundry and leave it with a sweet apple and almond scent.

18,39 £ on Amazon

Ecover Format XL is a fabric softener with an apple blossom and almond fragrance. In addition to softening the clothes, it perfumes them so that they leave the washing machine pleasant and hygienic. The laundry comes out sparkling with color and naturally scented. The use of rapeseed oil, instead of palm oil, optimizes the softening effect without ever attacking the fabric. These effects are observed regardless of the detergent you use to wash your clothes in the machine.

Ecover Format XL is an ecological product. No potentially harmful substances are present in the formula of this sweet-smelling fabric softener. Instead, it is made from natural ingredients. The bottle contains 5 kg of fabric softener (166 uses) and is recyclable. Even better, Ecover XL comes from a certified zero waste factory.

L'Arbre Vert Sensitive Skin Family and Baby 1
8/10

Best value for money

L'Arbre Vert Sensitive Skin Family and Baby

The best entry-level smelling fabric softener

L'Arbre Vert is a must-have for laundry. This particular softener is safe for babies and family members with sensitive skin.

1,75 £ on Amazon

This concentrated softener is made in the UK. Very soft, it is intended for people with sensitive skin, including babies. Its composition is certified organic, without dye or MIT. Moreover, it does not contain any element responsible for skin allergy. But that's not all, there is no trace of phthalates, phosphate, isothiazolinones, glycol or ethers.

Therefore, it is a hypoallergenic product. It has even been tested by volunteers on people with sensitive skin and the result was conclusive. On the other hand, its packaging is 100% recyclable. And to top it all off, the Arbre Vert Sensitive Skin Family and Baby has a formidable effectiveness. This bottle of 800 mL allows you to make up to 53 washes. And if you don't want to be burdened with too many cleaning products, you should know that this sweet-smelling fabric softener is septic tank compatible.

Soupline Moments Magiques
9/10

Best premium value for sensitive skin

Soupline Magic Moments

The best premium smelling fabric softener

With Magic Moments Fabric Softener, keep your laundry fresh and fragrant throughout the wash. Your clothes and linens will keep their shine and be easier to iron.

30,24 £ on Amazon

The Magic Moments Soupline is incredibly effective. Its action allows to limit the creasing of the linen in the machine so as to facilitate the ironing. The product also brings a fragrant note and a pleasant sensation of freshness that lasts. Simply pour a dose of Magic Moments Soupline into the dedicated compartment of your washing machine during the last rinse. The lid of each bottle serves as a measuring device to find the right amount for the volume of laundry to be washed.

Magic Moments Soupline is sold in packs of 10 bottles of 800 mL, a real bargain. Each bottle is good for an average of 34 washes. The pack will last for a total of 340 washes. Yet you don't have to spend a lot of money to buy it. If you're looking for a sweet-smelling, effective and affordable fabric softener? Soupline Magic Moments will make you happy.

L'Arbre Vert Tourbillon Ensoleillé 2
8/10

Alternative

L'Arbre Vert Tourbillon Ensoleillé

The best smelling fabric softener for sensitive skin

This sweet smelling softener is produced by L'Arbre Vert. Certified dye-free and allergen-free, it is known to be organic. Moreover, its 100% recyclable packaging attests to this claim.

2,74 £ on Amazon

Made in the UK, L'Arbre Vert's Sunshine Swirl is a softener that contains no dyes, isothiazolinone or MIT and BIT derivatives. Packaged in an 800 mL bottle (53 washes), it is a product approved by ARCAA allergists. It is therefore suitable for sensitive people. In addition, this sweet-smelling fabric softener simplifies the ironing process while making the fabric softer and more supple.

Hypoallergenic, this sweet-smelling fabric softener will minimize the risk of allergy for a better respect of all skin types, even the most sensitive. And its effectiveness has long been proven. Among other things, this article has a flowery and very delicate scent. More precisely, a smell of flower of cherry tree and poppy.

Softlan Bouquet des parfums
7/10

Softlan Bouquet of perfumes

A great alternative

The Softlan Bouquet des Parfums softens the laundry while giving it a soft and sensual coconut scent. Note that this softener with essential oils is suitable for all skin types.

9,68 £ on Amazon

The passage in the machine will not attack your linen any more thanks to Softlan Bouquet of the perfumes. This softener acts to give suppleness to the linen. One dose is enough to obtain this softening effect. And that's not all! Softlan Bouquet of Fragrances will bring freshness and a pleasant coconut scent to your laundry. This exotic scent, which will last for a long time, is obtained thanks to the presence of essential oils in the composition of the softener.

This sweet-smelling fabric softener is designed to improve hygiene. The product does not contain any substances that are harmful to health and skin. Its formula is subjected to rigorous dermatological tests so that it adapts to all types of skin, even the most sensitive. The Softlan Bouquet of Fragrances also helps you save money. The 650 mL bottle is enough for 27 washes.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best sweet-smelling softener

Any specific needs?

The best smelling fabric softener in 2021

The best entry-level smelling fabric softener

The best premium smelling fabric softener

The best smelling fabric softener for sensitive skin

A great alternative

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best sweet-smelling softeners

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP HIGH END SENSITIVE SKINS EXCELLENT
Ecover Format XL
9/10
L'Arbre Vert Sensitive Skin Family and Baby 3
8/10
Soupline Moments Magiques
9/10
L'Arbre Vert Tourbillon Ensoleillé 4
8/10
Softlan Bouquet des parfums
7/10
OUR SELECTION
Ecover XL size
L'Arbre Vert Sensitive Skin Family and Baby
Soupline Magic Moments
L'Arbre Vert Tourbillon Ensoleillé
Softlan Bouquet of perfumes
For laundry, use Ecover XL Fabric Softener. This ecological product made from natural ingredients will take care of your laundry and leave it with a sweet apple and almond scent.
L'Arbre Vert is a must-have for laundry. This particular softener is safe for babies and family members with sensitive skin.
With Magic Moments Fabric Softener, keep your laundry fresh and fragrant throughout the wash. Your clothes and linens will keep their shine and be easier to iron.
This sweet smelling softener is produced by L'Arbre Vert. Certified dye-free and allergen-free, it is known to be organic. Moreover, its 100% recyclable packaging attests to this claim.
The Softlan Bouquet des Parfums softens the laundry while giving it a soft and sensual coconut scent. Note that this softener with essential oils is suitable for all skin types.
Perfume
Apple blossom and almond
Apple Blossom and Almond
Fleuri
Fleuri
Coconut and White Flowers
Format
Liquid
Liquid
Liquid
Liquide
Liquid
Quantity
5 L
800 mL
10 x 800 mL
800 mL
650 mL
Hypoallergenic
Number of washes
166
53
10 x 34
53
27

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Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!

Buying guide - sweet-smelling softener

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How to choose your sweet-smelling softener

Apart from the scented linen, a fabric softener acts on the reduction of the creasing of the fabric, the conservation at its optimum of the quality of the fabric in spite of the frictions during the washing, the reduction of the static effects or the facility of ironing... These benefits are, however, obtained according to the type of softener chosen. So how do you choose the right one for you? Here are some criteria to consider.

#1 - With or without allergens?

Most fabric softeners contain allergens. In other words, they may irritate the skin, throat or sense of smell of users. However, some are approved by organizations that respect and minimize the risks for different skin types. Thus, there are some that present the hypoallergenic mention while others do not.

#2 - Perfume hold

Habitually, people opt to use a fabric softener on their laundry for the fact that it scents it. It can be a flower or fruit scent. Everyone chooses then according to his taste. But that's not all, depending on the type of softener, we can distinguish those that provide a long-lasting scent from those that are evanescent.

#3 - The fabric to be softened

Without softener, the laundry becomes hard after washing over time and whose main cause is mainly the composition of water. However, this rough effect obtained also depends on the type of fabric in question. Therefore, choosing a laundry product should definitely depend on the nature of the textile and therefore on the softener. If it is a synthetic fabric, the use of this product will be more or less useless. On the other hand, for cotton, for example, it will be very effective.

#4 - Concentrated or diluted?

Fabric softeners are often available in two formats, one of which is often sold in a 3L can and is referred to as diluted softener. The other, however, is offered on the market in small bottles of 750 mL to 1.5 L and they are usually the concentrated softeners.

#5 - Ecological or not

depending on its composition, a fabric softener can be harmful to the environment around it. Indeed, this is due to the chemical substances it may contain. Thus, it would be preferable to opt for those that are deemed organic, in other words, those whose basic elements are rather natural and that recognized organizations approve.

Most fabric softeners contain allergens. In other words, they are likely to irritate the skin, throat or sense of smell of users.

What should I know about fabric softener?

There are many household products that we use at home to ensure the cleanliness of our goods. Fabric softener is one of them and it is found on the market either in liquid format, or in solid form such as capsules or even in pearl form known as pearl softener.

Fabric softener, as the name implies, is generally used to soften the fabric of your clothes after washing. But then again, people also like to use it during laundry because it imbues the lingerie with a harmonious scent. Depending on the item used, it can be the smell of fruit or flower. What's more, it can last up to 7 days with some products.

On the other hand, a softener can be either hypoallergenic or designed without allergens. In fact, some elements that contribute to its manufacture are likely to arouse allergies in its user. Therefore, it would be wise to always pay attention to the different mentions on the formats in order to avoid possible inconvenience.

Finally, why soften a cloth? It is the compounds contained in the water, especially the limestone that often causes the roughness of the cloths. That said, if the water you use for your laundry is frequently soft, there is no need to use a softener.

The different types of sweet-smelling softeners

Fabric softener is a kind of supplement that houseworkers use during laundry. It is available in supermarkets or online via e-commerce sites. In addition, depending on your needs, you can find different types:

Diluted softener

Generally speaking, it is one of the types of softener that is in liquid form. It can be found in many outlets and is even one of the most consumed laundry products by households. Manufacturers put this diluted product on the market in cans that can contain up to 3 L of this substance.

The strong point of diluted fabric softener is that it is effective in its work

. What's more, people opt for this format because it also minimizes the danger when using it for fragile skin. The small concern in its use, however, is rather related to its rather bulky quantity.

Concentrated and ultra concentrated softener

First of all, it should be noted that the difference generally encountered between liquid softeners is their format. Thus, while for the diluted, the substance is contained in a container of 3 L capacity, concentrated and ultra-concentrated softeners are rather encompassed in bottles ranging from 750 mL up to 1.5 L.

Then, the first advantage of using a concentrated or ultra-concentrated fabric softener is its ease of use. Not only is the bottle compact, but it is also light. Moreover, knowing that the liquid is more intense

, the effectiveness of the product is at its optimum. That said, you're also going to have to be extra cautious about using it because of this high concentration.

Softener in capsule

Since fabric

softener is a washing machine laundry product, it is also available in capsule form. In fact, laundry products are distinguished into 3 forms in liquid detergent, powdered detergent and capsule detergent. The encapsulated softener is then a product between the powder and liquid form. Moreover, it is gradually gaining ground on the market today.

The advantage of using the softener in this format is based on the fact that it is very practical. It also allows you to benefit from all the advantages of a fabric softener, such as the long-lasting fragrance and the soft effect felt when the laundry is touched.

Hypoallergenic or allergenic softener?

Hypoallergenic softener

Hypoallergenic fabric softener is a fabric softener whose composition minimizes the risk to all skin types. It is normally labelled on the chosen product size and is approved by a recognized organization such as ARCAA. Generally, it is the softener that does not contain dyes or isothiazolinones. In addition, it is annotated that it is most suitable for people with sensitive skin and possibly for baby cloths.

Softener with allergen

Allergenic fabric softener is a fabric softener whose composition may contain chemical properties that may cause allergy in the user of the product and therefore the laundry. We can mention ether, MIT derivatives and others. Not everyone has the same dermatological characteristics. Some people have much more fragile skin than others. Note that this type of fabric softener is less expensive than hypoallergenic fabric softener, while being more effective.

Verdict

In view of these presentations, the most suitable would be to opt for a hypoallergenic softener. Not only does it minimize the risk by respecting to its maximum the different types of skin, but they are then much more natural. Certainly, this choice could also intervene in favour of the environment around, notably its respect and thus its conservation.

Why buy fabric softener?

To take care of your figure

Fabric softener coats the textile fibre and protects your line from the friction caused by machine washing. This way, washing does not alter the quality of your clothes. It also makes your clothes softer to the touch. It is also a product that helps to extend the life of your clothes, because it slows down the effect of the washing cycle by protecting the fibres of the clothes.

To avoid skin irritation

You can opt for a hypoallergenic fabric softener. This type of product has a special formula for sensitive skin. It is also more suitable for washing your baby's clothes. There are also certified organic fabric softeners that are less aggressive and more suitable for your children's clothes.

To perfume your laundry

Fabric softener delicately perfumes your clothes. Thus, it helps eliminate bad odours on your clothes, without going overboard. It also allows you to enjoy the benefits of the different scents. For example, the scent of lavender helps you to relax.

To make ironing easier

You can use fabric softener for both machine and hand washing. In addition to its softening property, this product also prevents creases. This makes it easier for you to iron your clothes after washing, as they are smoother thanks to the surfactant content.

To speed up drying

Softener prevents your clothes from retaining too much water. This means that your clothes dry more easily. It also helps you reduce energy consumption as your dryer will run for less time. Many brands of fabric softener are compatible with washing machines and can be used several times.

The best brands of sweet-smelling softeners

In our opinion, the best brands of sweet-smelling softeners in 2022 are :

Lenor
L'Arbre Vert
Cajoline
Rainett

Lenor is an American brand of fabric softener and dryer sheets, also produced by Procter & Gamble and sold in Europe, Russia and Japan. It is a very popular brand for its fabric softeners. Thanks to its concentrated formula, this means that when using Lenor, you can use less product in each wash and still get the same amazing, long-lasting fabric softening and scent.

L'Arbre Vert is an eco-responsible brand for home and clothing, leader on the French market and also present in other countries such as Spain, Portugal and Italy. It is the first brand with the Ecolabel and the only one certified by ARCAA (Allergists Association), which guarantees that the brand can be used on all skin types, including the most sensitive ones.

Comfort is a brand of fabric softener sold by Unilever in the UK and worldwide. The range includes Comfort Pure (for delicate skin) and Comfort Cream (a premium brand). Scents include passion flower and ylang ylang, lily, rice flower, wild pear, ginkgo and the original comfort blue. This brand is also popular for its sweetness.

Cajoline, also known, depending on the country, as Snuggle, Robijn, Kuschelweich, Coccolino, Mimosín, Fofo or Yumoş, is a brand of fabric softener launched on the French market by the multinational company Unilever. The mascot of this brand is a very cute teddy bear to symbolize the softness of the product, which so far has not made any disappointments.

Rainett (Translated from English-Frosch) is a brand of Werner & Mertz, the German developer of professional and household cleaning products, and launched its products in the United States in 2015. The company specializes in eco-friendly household cleaning products and has seen its sales double over the past decade as consumer interest in environmentally friendly products has grown.

What is the price for a sweet-smelling softener

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
5 £ to 15 £
Mid-range
15 £ to 20 £
High-end
more than 20 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Check the type of laundry to be softened

Certainly, a fabric softener is used to soften the laundry apart from perfuming it, however, this depends on the nature of the textile. Certainly, some types of fabric are much more receptive to the product than others. This is when synthetic is not very advisable for a softener, on the other hand cotton, would be better with.

For the washing machine: make sure to pour the softener into its compartment

When doing

laundry with a washing machine, we often tend to pour the cleaning product in with the laundry. However, for the fabric softener, you have to put it in the compartment dedicated to it. Usually, this internal container is marked with a flower as a symbol.

For hand washing: dilute the softener with the rinse water

It

happens that people prefer to wash their laundry by hand. This is in order to personally remove the stains, because sometimes they are not easily removed. In this case, the addition of fabric softener should be done at the time of rinsing the laundry. Specifically, it should be diluted in it.

Be sure to dilute the softener when using it

Whether

you do the laundry by hand or with the help of a washing machine, it would be best to dilute the product when using it. Certainly, adding it directly to the laundry could leave it streaky. It is obvious that in too high concentration, stains could appear. In addition, it is also advisable to monitor the doses to be used in each wash.

Keep the softener compartment clean

To take advantage of

the virtues of fabric softener is also to maintain the washing machine well. Certainly, it plays a very important role. It is then that it is advisable to maintain well, for example, the compartment intended for the softener. Certainly, over time, it can become clogged and thus minimize its action on the clothes.

FAQ

What is the best fabric softener?

The best fabric softener depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide to find out which products are the best at the moment.

What is a fabric softener?

A fabric softener is a laundry product that is used to limit static electricity on the laundry, minimize drying time, soften the fabric, perfume the fabric, increase the resistance of the laundry or limit creasing.

How to choose your fabric softener?

There are many criteria to take into account when choosing a fabric softener. These include the type of laundry to be softened, the type of skin of the user, especially its sensitivity, and the size.

How to dose the softener?

Usually, for 10 L of water for a hand wash, 18 mL of the product is needed. However, with a normal washing machine, half a capful of fabric softener is sufficient and can be increased to 35 mL, but no more if the laundry is very dirty.

Why use fabric softener on your laundry?

The reason why clothes often become hard after multiple washings is the lime compound contained in the water. The textile quality of the detergent loses its softness and feels more or less unpleasant to the touch. The softener restores the fabric's softness and freshness.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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  11. , universtao.fr
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  13. , consoglobe.com
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  18. , quechoisir.org
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  20. , femmeactuelle.fr
  21. , electroguide.com
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Ecover Format XL
Ecover XL size
L'Arbre Vert Sensitive Skin Family and Baby 5
L'Arbre Vert Sensitive Skin Family and Baby
Soupline Moments Magiques
Soupline Magic Moments
L'Arbre Vert Tourbillon Ensoleillé 6
L'Arbre Vert Tourbillon Ensoleillé
Softlan Bouquet des parfums
Softlan Bouquet of perfumes

Lecteurs

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