10 Cruelty-Free and Vegan Fabric Softeners – GWC Mag

Ethical consumerism is gaining momentum and individuals are increasingly seeking products that align with their values of compassion and sustainability. One household essential that has undergone a transformative shift towards cruelty-free and vegan alternatives is fabric softener.

1. Tru Earth

Tru Earth Fabric Softener Strips offer a sustainable and convenient alternative to traditional fabric softeners, available in a 32-count pack with a fresh linen scent. With a cruelty-free, paraben-free formula, these strips are septic and greywater safe, providing eco-friendly softness for up to 64 loads for $14.36.

Nikki said, “These actually work very well. Very easy to travel with taking up minimal space. Easy to use. Clothes turn out softer and noticeably less wrinkled. Smells good but subtle and not overpowering. No clean-up. Overall great product! Will probably switch to using this at home regularly.”

2. Attitude

Attitude Fabric Softener has a plant and mineral-based formula that is both HE-compatible and vegan, providing cruelty-free care for laundry and household items. With a refreshing Citrus Zest scent, this product offers approximately 80 loads of eco-friendly softening for $20.03.

Sav said, “Using this product left my clothes smelling yummy and feeling soft! love that it’s natural/biodegradable, I didn’t have to worry about what I was using or putting down my drains!”

3. Ecover

Ecover Fabric Softener, available in a pack of three 32 fl oz bottles, features a Morning Fresh scent and is crafted with plant-based ingredients, offering a natural and refreshing softening option for laundry. It costs $24.20.

One reviewer said, “Finally a fabric softener that is not overpowering!! Most make you smell like you just came out of a perfume factory that you have been in for days. If you are like me, and you do not like the strong or even moderate perfume smell of fabric softeners this one is for you. This fabric softener has a very mild to faint clean clothes smell, just the way I like it. If you want a mild, moderate, or strong-smelling fabric softener this is not the one for you.”

4. Happy Elephant

Happy Elephant Fabric Softener is an ultra-concentrated liquid laundry softener designed for eco-friendly use, offering a gentle and fresh linen experience with a White Tea and Fig scent. Priced at $15.99, this product provides enough for 64 loads.

One reviewer said, “I love the scent of this fabric softener…. I wasn’t sure what fig and white tea would smell like, but this smells fantastic.
I haven’t used fabric softeners for years because the overly heavy-scented major brands out there are just too harsh and bother my skin. But when I saw the ingredients of this one, I decided to give it a try and see if it worked for me. And I am happy to say that it does.
It leaves my clothes with just a light hint of its scent, and doesn’t seem to be bothering my skin at all. And, it is concentrated; a little goes a long way.”

5. Dropps

Dropps Fabric Softener Pods, available in a 32-count pack, provide lavender eucalyptus-scented softness and freshness for all washers, including HE-compatible machines. Dropps has low-waste packaging, a cruelty-free formulation, and costs $12.38.

Rachel said, “These get my clothes clean, are a breeze to use, and smell amazing. Have been trying to do better by the environment and love that these have no plastic and even ship in a paper box. Tried those laundry detergent sheets but can’t get over the weird residue I get on my hands after using them and I can’t shake the feeling that I’m going to come back to a goopy envelope of melters detergent sheets.

Also, no dyes or funny artificial junk so I’m not worried about allergies or sensitive skin. Never going back to breaking my wrists on huge plastic jugs of detergent that leak and leave a pile of sticky dried goo on my laundry room floor”

6. Method

Method Fabric Softener, in a 53.5-ounce pack, provides a refreshing Ginger Mango scent and plant-based softening power for up to 45 loads. With a cruelty-free formula, this product is tested by people, not on animals, and is available for $6.64.

Dawn said, “I love this detergent and also use the softener as well it has a great fragrance it’s not overwhelming but lasts throughout the day and where of my clothing. I get a lot of compliments saying I smell very fresh. The fragrance is ginger mango and it’s just such a wonderful scent. It doesn’t irritate my skin either and is also eco-friendly which is a plus. Xoxoxo”

7. Clean People

Clean People All Natural Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets, a 160-pack product is $14.20, offers an eco-friendly and plant-based solution that naturally softens, removes static cling, and includes essential oils.

Terry Johnson said, “This product is great. I have to use no scents, dyes, etc….and those products worked ok but, our clothes just didn’t smell clean. Now, using Clean People detergent sheets, our clothes, etc smell CLEAN!! Just got some unscented dryer sheets and they work great also. Highly recommend. 👍👍👍”

8. Mrs. Meyer’s

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Fabric Softener, priced at $9.48 for a 32 oz bottle, combines the benefits of essential oils with a paraben-free formula and is Honeysuckle-scented.

One reviewer said, “This fabric softener is 100 times better than the generic ones. It really works and I will never go back to anything else. The scent is natural and much better for you”

9. Earthfresh

Cleanomic Earthfresh Fabric Softener Sheets, costing $8.99, provide a fragrance-free, vegan laundry softening option with essential oils while being environmentally conscious with compostable materials that break down into organic soil when composted.

One reviewer said, “After switching to dryer balls, I was on the lookout for another sustainable option for the dryer to keep towels & sheets nice and soft. These do the job! As suggested on the box larger loads require more than one sheet, especially for towels and flannel sheets. I can’t do strong scents. These are perfect!”

10. Caldrea

Caldrea Liquid Fabric Softener, priced at $19.00 for a 32 oz bottle, offers a plant-derived formula with a Sweet Pea scent that helps remove static and wrinkles, making it suitable for use with HE machines.

One reviewer said, “Works great – leaves clothes soft and takes away static cling. The best part is the scent though. It’s so nice, and nothing else smells similar – it’s definitely worth the extra price – and how nice not to smell like all the other supermarket softeners.”

As conscientious consumers become more discerning in their choices, the market responds with innovative solutions that cater to both efficacy and ethics. The transition towards cruelty-free and vegan fabric softeners is not just a trend; it signifies a broader shift towards a more compassionate lifestyle. By opting for these animal-friendly alternatives, you can not only contribute to a cruelty-free industry but also Support sustainable practices.

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