Downy Liquid Fabric Softener Versus Ultra Purex Liquid Fabric Softener

I use fabric softener in most loads of laundry. Downy is the brand I have always preferred, but it can get rather pricey, even with clipping coupons. I am often unwilling to spend a lot on new products, thinking that I may not like them once I've tried them, and then I would be stuck with the remainder and out the money I spent. When I saw a coupon in my newspaper for Ultra Purex liquid fabric softener, I decided to give it a try. It turned out to be less than half the price of my usual Downy, with my using the coupon.

The store where I was shopping offered only two scents of the Purex brand fabric softener. This was okay with me, since I smelled each of them in the bottle and was satisfied with the scents. I ended up purchasing the Fresh scent, which was pleasant and not at all overpowering or cloying. It came in a bright yellow bottle much larger than the bottles of Downy that I usually purchase. It was also approximately half the cost of Downy.

I followed the directions on the bottle of Ultra Purex and used it on the first load of towels that I washed after purchasing the liquid fabric softener. It is apparently not as concentrated as the Downy, since I was instructed to use more of it than I usually do. I noticed the aroma of the Purex during the wash cycle, and again as I moved the wet towels from the washing machine into the dryer.

One real test for the Purex would be whether it was able to keep static electricity at bay. I ran the dryer through its cycle, then began to remove my towels. I noticed only a few crackles of static electricity. With Downy, however, there is usually no static electricity at all. The towels still had the nice, fresh scent of the Purex and felt soft on my hands.

My towels washed with Downy usually retain their scent and softness for several days after they are cleaned. I was unable to detect the Purex fresh scent, however, as soon as the next day after washing. The towels did appear to retain their softness until I was ready to use them. Downy fabric softener is available in several different scents and formulas. There were only two different scents of the Purex fabric softener available on the shelf at my local store.

My overall view of the Ultra Purex liquid fabric softener is as follows. It is very affordable, and comes in large bottles designed to last a long time. The formula appears to be less concentrated than its counterpart, requiring you to use more to get similar results. The few available scents are pleasant, but do not appear to stick with your laundry for very long after washing.

The Downy liquid fabric softener comes in a wide variety of scents and formulas, giving the buyer many choices. The scents are pleasing, and the smell stays with your laundry for several days after washing. It comes in a concentrated form, requiring you to use less of it, but it is much more expensive than its counterpart.

I believe that after I have used up my bottle of Ultra Purex, I will go back to my former brand, Downy. Although it is more expensive, I think it is worth the price to have the scent and softness stick with my clothes for as long as it does. Plus, the more concentrated form of Downy helps to close the price gap; I do not have to use as much of it per laundry load as I do the Purex. On the other hand, if scent staying power does not matter as much to you as it does to me, Ultra Purex may be the liquid fabric softener for you.