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Scent Booster vs. Fabric Softener – What’s The Difference?

Laundry cleaning solutions have evolved over the years, thanks to innovative young minds. People have been using fabric softeners for decades now.

As a result of their effectiveness, fabric softeners are a favorite cleaning product in a significant number of homes across the globe.

On the other hand, Scent enhancers are relatively new in the scene, but they are slowly gaining popularity in plenty of households.

If this is the first time you are learning about scent boosters, you may be wondering what the hype is all about.

Before you settle on getting your next bottle of fabric softener or your first pack of scent enhancers, keep reading this text for more information regarding the key differences between the two products and how each of them works.

When used together, this combo can make your laundry experience a pleasurable one and improve the feel and smell of your clothes.

Scent Booster
Arm & Hammer Odor Blasters In-Wash Scent Booster - Fresh Burst, 37.8oz
Fabric Softener
Downy Infusions Laundry Fabric Softener Liquid, CALM, Lavender and Vanilla Bean...
Arm & Hammer Odor Blasters In-Wash Scent Booster - Fresh Burst, 37.8oz
Downy Infusions Laundry Fabric Softener Liquid, CALM, Lavender and Vanilla Bean...
-
Scent Booster
Arm & Hammer Odor Blasters In-Wash Scent Booster - Fresh Burst, 37.8oz
Arm & Hammer Odor Blasters In-Wash Scent Booster - Fresh Burst, 37.8oz
Fabric Softener
Downy Infusions Laundry Fabric Softener Liquid, CALM, Lavender and Vanilla Bean...
Downy Infusions Laundry Fabric Softener Liquid, CALM, Lavender and Vanilla Bean...
-

Last update on 2024-11-04 at 04:00 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

What is a Scent Booster?

Laundry scent boosters are small beads that you add to your laundry load to add scent to your clothes. Scent enhancers are water-soluble, a characteristic that allows them to dissolve in the water effortlessly.

And while these beads have color, you do not have to worry about staining your clothes because the colorants are mild. These scent boosters are packed with strong perfume, which keeps your clothes smelling fresh for weeks.

How does it work?

A scent booster’s main function is to emit perfume, leaving your clothes with a pleasant smell. Considering that people clean laundry using detergent and water, these beads have to be water-soluble for them to integrate into the fabric.

Most of the companies that produce this item have only come up with in-wash pellets. This means that you have to put them in the washing machine drum together with the laundry you want to clean at the beginning of the cycle.

Before you put your clothes into the machine, throw in a few scent booster pellets into the machine drum. Add your clothes into the washer, then start your wash cycle. As soon as the cycle begins, these beads will dissolve in the water, making it easy for the scent to spread onto all the garments.

And while this product dissolves in water, it takes some time for them to diminish. Consequently, they keep releasing the fresh scent throughout the cycle. This means that your clothes won’t lose the fresh smell, especially when the machine adds more water.

The Benefits of using Scent Boosters

Sale
Arm & Hammer Odor Blasters In-Wash Scent Booster - Fresh Burst, 37.8oz
  • Long Lasting Freshness
  • Revitalizing, long lasting freshness plus pure ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda
  • Add to your washer before clothes for a scentsationally fresh laundry experience
  • HE Compatible
  • Safe for all colors, washable fabrics and load types

Last update on 2024-11-04 at 04:00 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Using these pellets comes with a few benefits. Some of the most prevalent ones include:

PROS:

  • Your clothes smelling fresh for weeks
  • There’s no need of using a fabric softener, especially if your clothes are soft
  • They reduce the need to add an extra wash cycle since you add them at the beginning of the cycle
  • They dissolve in the water effortlessly

CONS:

  • Manufacturers only list three ingredients, which makes it difficult to know whether they have toxins as part of their composition
  • Only a few manufacturers have taken up the task of creating these pellets so that they may be overpriced
  • The perfume can be chocking to people who have respiratory allergies

 



What is a Fabric Softener?

A fabric softener is a liquid solution that softens your garments. During the wash cycle, clothes rub against each other. Consequently, they form static energy, which causes garments to cling onto your body. This can be quite embarrassing, especially if you’re out in public.

Fabric softeners reduce static energy, allowing you to enjoy a static cling-free garment. Manufacturers advise consumers to add the fabric softener at the end of the cycle for the best results.

How does it work?

Fabric softeners are a smooth blend of oils, emulsifiers, dye, and perfume. They are a water-soluble conditioning liquid that mixes well with water for effectiveness.

Considering that fabric softeners are liquids, it is unwise to add them at the start of the wash cycle, especially if your machine has only one slot that you can use to add cleaning agents into the load.

Allow the machine to clean the clothes regularly, and then add your fabric softener at the end of the load. The conditioning emulsifiers blend well with water, meaning that the softener will disperse evenly into your clothes.

Pros and cons

Downy Infusions Laundry Fabric Softener Liquid, CALM, Lavender and Vanilla Bean...
  • Liquid Fabric Softener designed with luxurious scent that lasts 3X longer vs. leading liquid laundry detergent from wash...
  • Lavender Fabric Softener scent with notes of freesia, vanilla, and musk
  • Fabric Softener Liquid works in the washer to soften laundry to the touch, for an irresistible laundry experience
  • Downy Fabric Softener is compatible with all washing machines, including HE washing machines
  • Reduce static cling and elevate the scent of your laundry routine with Downy Infusions Dryer Sheets and In-Wash Laundry...

Last update on 2024-11-04 at 12:00 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Using fabric softeners has a few perks. For example:

PROS:

  • Your clothes feel soft to the touch
  • The softeners also leave a great scent on your clothes
  • They reduce static cling from your clothes
  • You enjoy an easier time when ironing your clothes since the iron slides easily over the garments

CONS:

  • The ingredient that helps combat static cling may irritate your skin and nose
  • Over time, fabric softeners form a layer that makes it hard for water and detergent to penetrate the fabric, making it harder to clean your clothes

 



Scent Booster Vs. Fabric Softener: What are the Differences?

Scent boosters and fabric softeners have two distinct functions.

Here is a list of the differences between the two cleaning products that will give you a clear understanding of how both work.

Scent Booster:

  • It is added at the start of the wash cycle
  • It does not reduce static cling
  • It doesn’t soften clothes
  • It comes in the form of pellets
  • It is a salt-based water-soluble product
  • Dispenses a strong scent onto clothes

Fabric Softener:

  • Disperses a mild scent to your clothes
  • It is an oil-based conditioner.
  • It comes in liquid form.
  • Softens your clothes
  • Reduces static cling on the garments
  • It is added at the end of the wash cycle.

Scent Booster
Arm & Hammer Odor Blasters In-Wash Scent Booster - Fresh Burst, 37.8oz
Fabric Softener
Downy Infusions Laundry Fabric Softener Liquid, CALM, Lavender and Vanilla Bean...
Arm & Hammer Odor Blasters In-Wash Scent Booster - Fresh Burst, 37.8oz
Downy Infusions Laundry Fabric Softener Liquid, CALM, Lavender and Vanilla Bean...
-
Scent Booster
Arm & Hammer Odor Blasters In-Wash Scent Booster - Fresh Burst, 37.8oz
Arm & Hammer Odor Blasters In-Wash Scent Booster - Fresh Burst, 37.8oz
Fabric Softener
Downy Infusions Laundry Fabric Softener Liquid, CALM, Lavender and Vanilla Bean...
Downy Infusions Laundry Fabric Softener Liquid, CALM, Lavender and Vanilla Bean...
-

Last update on 2024-11-04 at 04:00 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Summary

Scent boosters have only one function: to give your clothes that luxurious smell that will last for long.

Fabric softeners, however, soften your clothes. This makes it easier to iron them, considering that they have minimum wrinkles.

Even so, some instances require that you use more fabric softener than scent booster or vice versa. And in special circumstances, you may have to use both cleaning products to achieve high-grade results.

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