About.com Rating

The Bottom Line

On safe-to-use fabrics, biodegradable fabric softener leaves clothing soft and static free.

Pros

• Uses plant-derived softening ingredients.

Cons

• Not safe for children's sleepwear, fleece, flannel or terrycloth.
• Higher cost per load than other commercial fabric softeners.

Description

• Biodegradable, plant-based fabric softener.
• Performs well in reducing static and softening clothes.
• Good choice for those with sensitive skin or allergies.

Seventh Generation Natural Fabric Softener Free & Clear - Product Review

Seventh Generation is a company based on providing environmentally-friendly household products. It's name comes from the Great Law of the Iroquois Confederacy, "In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations." Their website offers multiple pages of information about their products, mission, coupons and even a Seventh Generation nation you can join to share your thoughts.

Seventh Generation Natural Fabric Softener is available in 40 oz./40 load bottles and two types: Free & Clear and Blue Eucalyptus & Lavender. It is formulated to work in regular or high-efficiency washers. All Seventh Generation products are non-toxic and biodegradable, free of phosphates & optical brighteners, safe for septic & greywater systems, Kosher-certified; not tested on animals nor contain animal ingredients. The plastic bottles can be recycled and contain a minimum of 25 percent post-consumer recycled plastic.

Every product has a full listing of ingredients on the label as well as an explanation of what each ingredient does. You can also find the ingredients and Material Data Safety Sheets on their website. Free & Clear Fabric Softener contains:

• Aqua (water)
• Soy or Canola (natural fabric softener)
• Calcium chloride (viscosity control agent)
• Benzisothiazolinone (preservative)

As with any fabric softener or dryer sheet, these products are not for use on children's sleepwear or other garments labeled as flame resistant. It will reduce flame resistance. Fabric softeners can increase the flammability of fabric. Avoid using this product on fluffy, cotton-based fabrics such as fleece, flannel and terrycloth.

I'm not a big fan of fabric softeners due to build-up that reduces absorbency in natural fabrics. But after several uses, I did not detect any reduction in absorbency in towels. The clothes were soft and static free. This would be a good choice for anyone with sensitive skin or allergies.

Seventh Generation products are widely available in grocery and mass merchandise stores. They can also be ordered online. Cost per use is higher than most commercially-produced fabric softeners.
Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.