The editorial staff of 20 Minutes was not involved in the production of this article.

In order to carry out these tests, we used the different products on the same garment as well as on a washed garment without fabric softener in order to compare the results with each other. Then, we paid particular attention to their fragrance, texture, consistency and composition. Finally, we judged the practicality of their packaging and calculated the costs of the products per machine.

The selection of the 3 best fabric softeners to choose in 2023

  • Ecover Sensitive Apple and Almond Blossoms (0.75 L): suitable for sensitive skin
  • The Green Tree Breath of Purity (0.8 L): the most economical
  • Cajoline Soin Complet Freshness Sparkling (1,125 L): best sweetness/low price ratio

Ecover Sensitive Apple and Almond Blossoms (0.75 L): suitable for sensitive skin

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A little thicker than other fabric softeners, this product is based on plant and biodegradable ingredients. It includes less than 5% apple blossom and almond blossom fragrance but we still noted the presence of 3 allergens, which makes it a less suitable product for allergic skin. Nevertheless, it has not caused any skin irritation and remains suitable for sensitive skin. In addition, it leaves a good floral smell, which fades to give way to a fresh smell on clothes. Finally, the linen is neither softer nor rougher and therefore offers a good compromise between the two.

The most:

  • Plant and biodegradable ingredients
  • No irritation
  • Good floral smell
  • Perfect linen to the touch

Cons:

  • Thick product
  • The smell fades
  • Less suitable for allergic skin

The Green Tree Breath of Purity (0.8 L): the most economical

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With its soft and light fragrance, this fabric softener is an ecological but also economical solution. Indeed, it is the one that cost us the least per machine. In addition, the product is hypoallergenic, making sure to protect all skin types. Note that the bottle has an easy-to-use cap. Finally, when we came out of the washing machine, we enjoyed the slight smell of jasmine. Nevertheless, she does not stay very long.

The most:

  • Jasmine smell
  • Soft and light fragrance
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Inexpensive
  • Reusable packaging

Cons:

  • The smell does not stay

Cajoline Soin Complet Freshness Sparkling (1,125 L): best sweetness/low price ratio

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This softener with a pleasant fragrance made our laundry very soft. It is very liquid, making it very simple to dose with the cap/cap of its bottle. In addition, its cost proved to be reasonable, with €0.11 per machine. Regarding its composition, it includes nearly 7 different allergens and it is therefore to be avoided if you have sensitive skin, atopic or if you are allergic. Finally, we found its fragrance quite present on dry clothes, with a rather fresh and floral result.

The most:

  • Pleasant fragrance
  • Soft linen
  • Liquid product
  • Simple to dose
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • 7 allergens
  • Not suitable for sensitive, allergic or atopic skin

Other models tested

  • Bounce freshness of fresh air: This softener is unfortunately not hypoallergenic.

4 key criteria for choosing the right fabric softener

According to our product experts, here are the key criteria to consider when choosing your fabric softener.

The purpose of use

  • Their primary purpose is to make the laundry softer and smoother
  • They prevent the laundry from becoming rough
  • They also reduce static electricity in clothes and perfume them.

The shape of the container

  • Liquid products are the most convenient and used. They are in diluted or concentrated form
  • They are usually more economical because washing machines require only a minimum of product
  • Fabric softeners serve the same purpose as liquid fabric softeners and reduce static electricity in clothing
  • Bullets, on the other hand, have the advantage of being reusable but they can be noisy

Composition

  • It is imperative to check the composition of fabric softeners before any purchase
  • Many brands do not give precise information about the composition of their product and it is therefore important to inquire
  • Ingredients ending in "isothiazolinone" are to be avoided
  • It is important to give preference to components of synthetic and natural origin

Natural alternatives

  • More and more natural and ecological brands offer fabric softeners
  • You can also use white vinegar as a fabric softener. It is very effective and odorless

Content proposed by our experts good deals, partners of 20 Minutes. The editorial staff was not involved in its realization. The prices mentioned in this article are indicative and are subject to change.
Some links in this article are affiliate links, likely to use trackers to allow 20 Minutes to collect a commission in case of purchase on the partner site.

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