A fabric softener question...

[steve_b79]

So, I have a bit of a dilemma, and would love some opinions...

Growing up, whenever my family would use liquid fabric softener (which was not often), we’d use Downy. And as I entered adulthood (college, marriage, divorce, et al), that was the brand I almost always stuck with, unless there was a sale on something else.

Fast-forward to a few years back, when Downy changed its wonderful April Fresh scent, to something resembling cheap “old-lady” perfume mixed with bar soap. I damn near gagged. But that was with Ultra Downy. For some reason, Non-Ultra Downy kept the fragrance that I knew and loved.

The problem?

I’m halfway through my bottle, and have noticed that all of my local stores have stopped carrying this version. Some online sellers have it, but it is cost-prohibitive. The fact that I no longer see it advertised on Downy’s website, leads me to believe that P&G is phasing it’s out.

I’ve tried other brands, and I can’t seem to get what I want. Suavitel blue has a non-objectionable scent, but I don’t feel as though it softens as good as Downy. Not sure what the latest formulation of Final Touch is like, but the last version softened no better than plain water. A supermarket near me, carries NuSoft, which I haven’t seen in eons. I’m wondering if that’s worth a try.

The other option? Acme Markets, has their store brand. It’s in the same bottle as non-concentrated Snuggle (Huish/Sun/Henkel), but I like the fragrance a lot more. The question though...does Huish/Sun/Henkel make a decent store brand product? Or are they all garbage like their “Sun” line?

What do all of you use for liquid softener? Any preferences? Any that I should stay away from? I’m quite fond of Lenor, but again, mail-ordering it can get pricey.

No dryer sheets, please. With the exception of towels, jeans, and undergarment, I air dry everything.

Thanks so much!

 

[golittlesport]

I've stood in the detergent aisle at the grocery store uncapping and sniffing every softener before choosing. (May look crazy, but I don't really care what others may think. Haha) I can't stand any Downey or Gain softeners, except the Downey Free & Gentle, which is what I use for clothing.

For bed linens, I often pick up a generic brand with a lighter scent than Downey. Right now I have a bottle of store-brand Simply Done - Mountain Air scent, which is fresh but not over powering.

When I'm walking my dogs in the morning, I'll sometimes pass a house and almost be overcome by the fumes from their dryer exhaust. I don't know how they can stand to have their clothes carry such an overpowering floral scent. Yuck!

 

[DADoES]

 
Snuggle® Exhilarations® Lavender & Vanilla Orchid® for some long while (not on every load).  The scent seems less intense on the last few purchases.

Lavender & Vanilla Orchid® Liquid Fabric Softener | Snuggle® Exhilarations®

Snuggle into serenity and enjoy unforgettable softness with cozy lavender and vanilla orchid® scented liquid fabric softener from Snuggle® Exhilarations®.

www.snuggle.com

 

[appnut]

I use Snuggle Blue Sparkle.  I've used Snuggle since the early 2000s, back when I still had the DD LK.  I find it doesn't oeave a waxy build-up in the dispenser nor on my towels.  Unlike Downey.  

 

[lakewebsterkid]

FS

The non-concentrated version seems to always be available at Dollar General. It is one of my favorites that they make. Recently I have been using the new WrinkleGuard (which is Clean Breeze scent) and I really like it. There is something about Snuggle that I do not like. Once the clothes are dried, it smells quite bad and overpowering. The only acceptable combo that I found was Tide + Downy AF (before the recent scent change) and the blue sparkle Snuggle. However, air drying will leave a stronger scent versus heat drying. In this case Downy F&G might be the best bet. You could always try the all FS that is unscented, or even the new Snuggle sensitive (I don't like the way it smells). Let us know what you decide to do!

 

[givemehotwater]

Closest thing to old Downy April Fresh you'll ever find! Up & Up Spring Bloom from Target. It's light, and wonderful smelling, unlike anything other P&G garbage of today. I've been using it for years, until it was discontinued, and recently brought back again.

https://www.target.com/p/spring-blo...ner-51-oz-60-loads-up-38-up-8482/-/A-75668163

I also, occasionally will use Non-Ultra Downy, Clean Breeze when I find it on sale for $2 or so. I like that it's a watery consistency, so it rinses out of the dispenser thoroughly. I know Ultra Downy may be cheaper, but I prefer a clean washer.

 

[dometicsavant]

I always use a cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle which always makes everything super soft and doesn’t affect the absorbency of towels like fabric softener does. If you want fragrance to your items you could add some essential oils which will lightly fragrance them.

 

[rp2813]

Following this discussion.

 

My new FWB uses Downy.  I've never used FS on a regular basis, but must say that when I'm staying over at his place, I'm impressed by the softness of his towels.  I bought a bottle of Gain FS to try out.  Downy is expensive.  The Up & Up from Tarzhay sounds like it's worth a try too.