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Recently, you purchased a scent booster, and the day after, you noticed the fabric softener container was almost empty. Now you may be questioning:
Are scent boosters the same as fabric softener? No, scent boosters and fabric softeners are not the same things. Fabric softeners are used to make clothes feel softer and smell fresher. On the other hand, scent boosters are used to add a stronger, longer-lasting scent to clothes, linens, or other fabrics.
Well, it’s just a gist. There are a lot more factors that can easily distinguish the above two laundry products. So, let’s dig into the article and learn about it.
What is Fabric Softener?
Fabric softeners are laundry products that are used to soften and freshen laundry during the washing process. They are typically added to the washing machine’s rinse cycle and are designed to coat the fibers of the fabric, making them feel softer and smoother. Fabric softeners can also reduce static electricity and wrinkles in clothes.
There are several types of fabric softeners available in the market. It includes liquid fabric softeners, fabric softener sheets, and fabric softener balls.
- Liquid fabric softeners: They are the most common and are typically added to the rinse cycle of the washing machine.
- Fabric softener sheets: Such products are placed in the dryer with clothes and are designed to release a fine mist of fabric softener as the clothes tumble.
- Fabric softener balls: They are placed in the washing machine and release fabric softener as the clothes are washed.
You can also read: Is Final Touch Fabric Softener Discontinued
What are Scent Boosters?
Scent boosters are products that are designed to enhance the scent of laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and other cleaning products. They can be used in washing machines, and dryers, or added directly to laundry as a fabric spray.
There you’ll find different types of scent boosters. Let’s get a brief idea about them.
- Liquid scent boosters: Generally, liquid scent boosters are added to the rinse cycle of the washing machine or sprayed directly onto the laundry before it is dried.
- Powder scent boosters: These are made of small granules that dissolve in water and release a pleasant scent. They can be added to the washing machine or sprinkled directly onto the laundry.
- Solid scent boosters: These types of boosters are similar to wax melts and are made of scented wax that releases fragrance when heated. They can be placed in a dryer or used in a warm-air diffuser.
- Fabric sprays: These are scented liquids that can be sprayed directly onto fabrics to freshen them up. They can be used on clothes, linens, and other household items.
Are Scent Boosters the Same as Fabric Softener?
After reading the previous segments, I think you have already understood they are not the same thing. The first thing is their function is quite different from each other. Next, they have different types. And finally, their effect on cloth is also different.
So, undoubtedly they are different laundry products. No, I’ll be adding some other points with more details to help you get over your confusion. So continue reading.
Scent Boosters Vs. Fabric Softener – Comparison
Here I’ll be discussing 4 factors head-to-head and show the differences between the two products. But first, I’ve added a table to make it more understandable for you.
| Factors | Scent Boosters | Fabric Softeners |
| Purpose | Designed to add a long-lasting and strong fragrance. | Designed to bring a soft and comfortable feel to clothes. |
| Application | Can be used in the fabric softener compartment of the washing machine or sprayed directly onto clothes before drying. | Can be used either by pouring the liquid into the fabric softener compartment or by using fabric softener sheets. |
| Effect on fabric | No effect | Makes the cloth softer and more comfortable |
| Effect on laundry detergent | No effect | Reduces the cleaning effectiveness of laundry detergent s |
Purpose
If you consider the purpose, then it’ll be enough for you to understand these 2 products are different from each other.
First, scent boosters are designed to add a strong, long-lasting fragrance to laundry. They can be used in addition to laundry detergent to boost the scent of clean clothes.
But fabric softeners are designed to add a soft, pleasant scent to laundry and make clothes feel softer and more comfortable to wear.
Application
Scent boosters are typically added to the rinse cycle of the wash. Some can be used in the fabric softener compartment of the washing machine. Or you can spray directly onto clothes before drying.
Fabric softeners are also added on the same cycle. It’s either by pouring the liquid into the fabric softener compartment of the washing machine. Or by using fabric softener sheets that are added to the dryer.
Effect on Clothes
To distinguish the products, you can also check the effect of the products on clothes.
When it’s scent boosters, it has no significant effect on the clothes. But fabric softeners can make clothes feel softer and more comfortable to wear by coating the fibers with a thin layer of conditioning agents.
Effect on Laundry Detergent
Scent boosters do not affect laundry detergent’s cleaning power. They can be used in addition to detergent to boost the scent of clean clothes.
On the other hand, fabric softeners can reduce the cleaning effectiveness of laundry detergent by leaving a residue on clothes that can interfere with the detergent’s ability to clean.
Final Verdict
The above discussion is enough to make you understand whether scent boosters are the same as fabric softeners or not.
I’ve added legit points, and by paying attention to the points, you can easily figure out when you need scent boosters and when fabric softeners.
That’s all for now. I hope you’ve overcome your confusion about fabric softeners and scent boosters.