Just remember that these won't improve the smell of your laundry; they just help to soften the fibres! How we chose our recommendations Mumsnetter recommendations Type: Some fabric softeners and conditioners only use natural ingredients, while others are purely chemical. Both have advantages and disadvantages, and it comes down to personal preference when choosing the right one. Natural fabric softeners are gentle on fabrics, better for the environment, and more subtle in their scent. However, they may be more expensive. Chemical fabric softeners are often strongly scented (ideal for those who want fragranced fabrics) and are often cheaper due to being manufactured by larger companies. However, it’s worth noting that chemical softeners can reduce the absorbency of towels. What fabric softener is designed to do is to help your clothes stay looking nice and new for longer, while also making them feel beautifully soft against your skin, as they smooth out the fibers of your clothes. What’s more, they can also provide your garments with a captivating, fresh scent. One bottle of Lenor Gold Orchid Fabric Conditioner lasts up to 48 washes, while the divine scent of vanilla with a subtle blend of Mimosa, honey rose accords, and peach makes clothes smell fresh for up to a week. So, many Mumsnetters said that it was love at first smell with this conditioner!

We spent hours scrolling through our Mumsnet forums to find the best fabric softeners that are reliable, practical and effective at softening your clothes and giving them that fresh laundry smell that we all long for. Many of these fabric softeners have been tried, tested and rated by Mumsnet users, which is why you can be sure that these products work. Expert opinions Cost per wash: 5p | Number of washes: 166 | Litres: 5L | Brand: Ecover | Format: Liquid | Scent: Apple and Almond | Skin type: Sensitive | Feature: Palm oil free, vegan-friendly, dermatologically tested What we like Whether you've been looking for a fabric softener that works for you or you simply want to spend less money on one, some alternatives can help soften your clothing. Some you can try include: Every brand has different washing guidelines and instructions, which you should follow to ensure you get the most from your fabric softener. These instructions are often on the bottle, and remember to avoid using it on specific fabrics. What happens when you use too much fabric softener? Fairy’s non-bio pods are specifically designed for babies, as well as those with allergies or eczema, which means that they need to be sure that there are no skin irritants in the formula.I have tried to be more environmentally friendly for a few years, but it’s not always possible. I use Method washing liquid, fabric softener and cleaning products.” (Brand recommended by Mumsnetter Raisinandcheese) Our verdict Opting for softeners that are free from colourants or fragrances can often prevent irritation for a lot of people. Flame-resistant clothing (such as children's sleepwear or baby clothes): Fabric softener reduces the flame-resistant coating on clothes, increasing flammability. We use Ecozone Bio Laundry Liquid with their tallow-free fabric softener.” (Suggested by Mumsnet user SimonJT) Our verdict

They have also been awarded the Skin Health Alliance seal, which indicates how safe they are for sensitive skin.Not only will your clothes and fabrics smell beautiful, but they’ll also be softer, easier to iron, have fewer wrinkles and benefit from a decreased static cling. As with all Lenor fabric conditioning products, you can also expect fabric protection against stretching and colour fading. We also like their bottle is recyclable and that their ingredients are plant-based, making it kind to skin and the environment.

Although it can't compete with the 240 washes of Fairy Fabric Softener, we love that the Lenor Burst of Sunshine offers long-lasting freshness and softness for your fabrics and helps reduce wrinkles and static cling, making clothes easier to iron (you won't even need your best clothes steamer). Our only recommendation is that if your skin is sensitive to strong fragrances, you might want to do a little test before you commit to the change. That said, it is dermatologically tested and made from plant-based ingredients that contain 0% dyes. Isn’t it remarkable just how much washing you do in a week? A never-ending pile of dirty clothes is a familiar scene for most parents. That’s why the best fabric conditioner can be an essential addition to your family’s laundry load. You just need to make sure that you choose a fabric softener that is sensitive and free from anything that could trigger your eczema. Comfort Pure or Fairy. Only ones I've found that doesn't set off my eczema.” (Tried and trusted by Tomorrowisanewday)Cost per wash: 7p | Number of washes: 21 | Litres: 750ml | Brand: Surcare | Format: Liquid | Scent: Fragrance-Free | Skin type: Sensitive | Feature: Vegan-friendly, Fragrance Free, Allergy UK approved What we like