If you want to wear crisp collared shirts and designer T-shirts but can’t stand how they feel when they’re fresh out of the dryer, fabric softener is the answer. When shopping for softener, you’ll see a number of terms, like extra-soft and ultra-luxe, but what do they actually mean? And how do you know which one is best for you?
To help, we rounded up the best commercial fabric softener on the market.
Read on to find your new favorite.
Our Editor’s Best Commercial Fabric Softener Reviews
- COMMERCIAL USE: Specifically formulated to deliver long-lasting freshness for uniforms, towels, linens, and more.
- VERSATILE: Can be used in both commercial and residential washing machines. Suitable for use in HE machines.
- EFFICIENT: Concentrated formula fights tough commercial odors and softens fibers in just one wash.
- CLEAN & FRESH SCENT: Leave a positive impression with a light, refreshing scent and sensitive skin-friendly ingredients.
- BULK: Case includes four 140 oz bottles, enough for 760 loads of laundry (190 loads per bottle).
- Unmatched Softness: Experience the pinnacle of fabric softening with this fabric softener that ensures your clothes are luxuriously soft and comfortable
- Long-Lasting Freshness: Invigorating scent of a fresh spring day lingers on fabric, creating a delightful and enduring fragrance that accompanies you throughout the day
- Exceptional Concentration: Concentrated liquid preserves garment integrity and ensures a vibrant scent; 5-gallon size is capable of handling up to 640 loads, providing exceptional value and convenience; Includes easy-dispensing pump
- Versatile Compatibility: Caters to both standard or High Efficiency (HE) machines, ensuring everyone can enjoy ultra-fresh, incredibly soft clothes
- Septic System Friendly: Suitable for septic systems when used according to the provided directions, prioritizing not only the longevity of your clothes but also the health of your septic system
- Unmatched Softness: Experience the pinnacle of fabric softening with this professional fabric softener that ensures your clothes and linens are luxuriously soft and comfortable
- Long-Lasting Freshness: Blue Spring Fresh Fragrance formula features a refreshing, lasting scent that ensures your clothes and linens smell fresh
- No Static, No Wrinkles: Powerful softener eliminates static cling and wrinkles, and reduces fabric stiffness for an irresistibly soft, plush feel
- Exceptional Concentration: Concentrated liquid is highly efficient, and the 5-gallon size is capable of handling up to 640 loads, providing exceptional value and convenience; Includes easy-dispensing pump
- Professional Results: Suitable for commercial use, with enhanced softness, static-free feel, and wrinkle-free garments
- DUAL BENEFITS: Experience the dual benefits of softness and freshness with this Downy liquid fabric softener
- ENHANCED FRESHNESS: Enjoy 3X more freshness with our fabric softener liquid, offering a longer-lasting scent that keeps clothes smelling great
- EASY TO USE: Simply measure and pour this liquid fabric softener into your machine's fabric softener drawer or directly into the agitator
- UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY: This Downy fabric conditioner is safe on all washing machines, making it a versatile laundry softener
- LAUNDRY ESSENTIAL: Make this liquid laundry softener part of your regular routine for softer, fresher clothes with every wash
- SUPER FRESH BLAST AROMA: Liquid fabric softener that adds a Super Fresh Blast scent to washed fabrics
- ODOR DEFENSE HELP: Product formulated to help with tough odors at the source during the rinse step
- SOFT FEEL: Laundry softener designed to provide softness you can feel in everyday clothing and linens
- MATCHES ODOR DEFENSE LINE: Can be used together with other Gain Odor Defense items for a coordinated fragrance routine
- DYE FREE FORMULA: Liquid fabric softener made without dyes for users who prefer a no dye option
- DUAL-FUNCTION FORMULA – Combines laundry sour and fabric softener in one step, designed for use in the final rinse cycle to support efficient commercial laundry processes
- HELPS NEUTRALIZE RESIDUES – Low pH formulation helps reduce residual alkalinity from detergents, supporting proper fabric finishing and consistent results
- COMMERCIAL LAUNDRY USE – Ideal for on-premise laundry (OPL), hotels, healthcare facilities, laundromats, and industrial laundry systems
- IMPROVES FABRIC FEEL – Helps reduce stiffness and enhances softness of linens, towels, and garments after washing
- BULK 5 GALLON SUPPLY – Cost-effective size for high-volume operations; compatible with automated dispensing systems or manual dosing setups
- Clothesline Fresh Laundry Care
- PH: 5.0-6.0
- Reduces the rigidity of fabrics which reduces fiber damage and can prolong fabric life as well as aid in the ironing process by reducing wrinkles
- Contains anti-static agents which help to prevent static charge build-up allowing washed fabrics to have a smooth, fluffy feel right out of the dryer.
- DUAL BENEFITS: Experience the dual benefits of Downy fabric softener in one product, providing a soft and fresh feel to your laundry
- LONG-LASTING SCENT: Longer-lasting scent vs. Tide Original liquid with this fabric softener liquid
- COOL COTTON SCENT: Immerse your laundry in the Cool Cotton scent of this liquid fabric softener
- EASY TO USE: Simply measure and pour Downy fabric softener into your machine's fabric softener drawer or directly into the agitator for long-lasting freshness
- SAFE ON ALL MACHINES: This fabric softener liquid is safe to use on all washing machines, making your laundry routine hassle-free
- 2 IN 1 BENEFIT: Experience this Downy liquid fabric softener that fights odors and leaves an April Fresh scent
- LONG-LASTING FRESHNESS: Enjoy more freshness with a longer-lasting scent vs. Tide Original liquid
- APRIL FRESH SCENT: Immerse your clothes in the classic April Fresh scent of this Downy fabric conditioner
- EASY TO USE: Just measure and pour into your machine’s fabric softener drawer or directly into the agitator for lasting freshness
- SAFE ON ALL MACHINES: This liquid fabric softener is safe on all washing machines, fitting easily into your laundry routine
- ORIGINAL GAIN FRESHNESS: Liquid fabric softener with a light, dewy Original Gain scent for fresh laundry
- SOFTNESS AND STATIC HELP: Fabric softener liquid that helps make clothes feel softer and helps decrease static
- AROMABOOST TECHNOLOGY: Fabric conditioner with AromaBoost technology for freshness that lasts from wash until wear
- MATCHES OTHER GAIN PRODUCTS: Laundry fabric softener that matches with Gain Laundry Detergent, Scent Booster Beads, and Dryer Sheets
- WORKS IN ALL MACHINES: Liquid laundry softener suitable for top load, front load, HE, and non HE washers
Best Commercial Fabric Softener Buying Guide
Before choosing the best commercial fabric softener you should consider following options:
1. Water-Based vs. Traditional Fabric Softener: First and foremost, it’s important to note that there are two main types of fabric softeners: water-based and traditional.
While both products are designed to soften clothes and reduce wrinkles, traditional fabric softeners contain a higher concentration of detergent and fragrance.
As a result, traditional fabric softeners are better at reducing water-based stains and odors in addition to oil-based ones. On the other hand, water-based products are better at reducing static and reducing wrinkles.
It’s important to note that some water-based products also contain traditional detergents, so read the labels to determine what you prefer.
2. How Long It Lasts: The overall life of a fabric softener will depend on how it’s used.
Some commercial products, such as liquid sheets, are designed to be used over a short period of time.
Others, such as dryer balls, can be used over a longer period of time.
The amount of softener you use will also have an impact. If you only add a small amount, it will last for a shorter period of time.
3. How It’s Applied: There are many different ways to add a fabric softener to your wash.
Some people prefer to use dryer balls, while others prefer to wrap wet sheets around their laundry.
If you’re going to use wet sheets, you need to make sure they’re fully wrung out before throwing them in the dryer.
Another important factor is whether you’re going to add the softener to the wash or the dryer. There are benefits and drawbacks of each method.
For example, adding softener to the wash will reduce static and reduce wrinkles, but it will also reduce the amount of softener you use.
On the other hand, adding softener to the dryer will increase the amount of softener you use and reduce water spots, but it will increase the amount of time your dryer will run.
4. Type Of Softener: There are many different types of fabric softeners on the market.
Some are designed to reduce static, while others are designed to reduce wrinkles.
Other products are designed to reduce both. It’s important to take the time to consider what your needs are so that you don’t purchase more than you need.
Some products are also designed to reduce odors. If you’re looking for a product that can reduce odors, you’ll want to choose one with a higher concentration of water-based softener.
On the other hand, if you’re only looking to reduce wrinkles and static, you can purchase a product that contains a higher concentration of traditional detergent.
What else you should know about commercial fabric softener
1. What are the benefits of using a commercial fabric softener?
The benefits of using a commercial fabric softener are that it can make clothes feel softer and smell fresher. It can also help to reduce static cling.
2. How does a commercial fabric softener work?
The fabric softener coat the fabrics with a thin layer of lubricant. This lubricant makes the fabric feel softer and smell fresher.
3. What are the ingredients in a commercial fabric softener?
The ingredients in a commercial fabric softener are usually a combination of chemicals including cationic surfactants, fragrance, colorants, and preservatives.
4. How do I choose the right commercial fabric softener for my needs?
When choosing a commercial fabric softener, you will want to consider the following factors: the type of fabrics you will be softening, the size of your laundry loads, the hardness of your water, and your personal preferences.
5. How do I use a commercial fabric softener properly?
To properly use a commercial fabric softener, you should follow the instructions on the product label. Generally, you will add the fabric softener to your washing machine along with your laundry detergent. You may need to use more or less fabric softener depending on the size of your load and the type of fabric you are washing.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best commercial fabric softener. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best commercial fabric softener will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.