Ultimate Guide To Purex Softener Crystals: Reviews
And Information, Plus How They Work

Here's the ultimate guide to Purex softener crystals, including how this fabric softener and scent booster works, how to use it, and allergic reactions some people have experienced because of it.

How Purex Crystals Are Different Than Traditional Oil-Based Fabric Softeners

Most fabric softeners that go into the washing machine are liquid, and are oil-based to help soften clothes. This product is different, in that it is not a liquid, but instead comes in crystal form, and is 87% natural (they used to say 92% natural, but for some reason lowered that claim later).

As explained in more detail in this page about how to use liquid fabric softener, traditional liquid based softeners must be added to the last rinse cycle to work properly.

One of the key differences with crystals is that you don't add them during the rinse cycle, but instead you add it to the wash at the same time as your regular laundry detergent.

Another key difference between the crystal and liquid based softeners is that these crystals are advertised to be safe even for flame-resistant garments, such as children's pajamas. With traditional liquid fabric softeners they warn not to wash these clothes with the liquid softener because it can reduce its flame resistance.

Further, liquid softeners do reduce the absorbency of towels, and crystals are advertised not to do this.

Finally, liquid softeners can inhibit the ability of athletic wear, which is designed to wick away sweat from your body, from doing its job. Purex softener crystals, because they work in a different way, do not cause this problem either.

It is safe to use in both standard and HE washers.

This product comes in four fragrances, currently (it used to be three, but recently a baby version was added to the product line). Unfortunately, there is not a scent free version available, which I hope Purex will correct in the future. In addition, they've also added the product to detergent itself recently (click here to read review of this version).

I think a scent free version is even more important now that I've started getting reports of this product causing allergic reactions. You can learn more about this below!

Other Fabric Softeners Made By Purex

This is not the only type of fabric softener made by Purex though. Purex also makes a traditional oil-based liquid softener, and also has introduced Purex Complete 3 In 1 Laundry Sheets, which contain detergent, fabric softener for the washing machine, and then also act like dryer sheets in the dryer.

Difference Between Purex Softener Crystals And In Wash Scent Boosters

These crystals were unique on the marketplace for quite a while, but the fact that they were so popular meant that other manufacturers were bound to come out with similar products sooner or later. As such, recently Procter & Gamble has come out with two new products, called in-wash scent boosters, called Downy Unstopables and Gain Fireworks, which look very similar to the Purex crystals, and are next to them in the store shelves.

The main difference between Purex's version and these new scent boosters is that Purex's version actually softens your clothes. The other products only add scent, so while Purex's version does two things (soften and add scent) the others only do one.

***Update: The idea of a product that could both soften and add scent at once, and without oil, was too good to stay unique for too long. Recently, Dropps has also come out with a similar product to the Purex version, with Dropps coming in indiviaully wrapped pacs. You can read more about the Dropps fabric softener pacs here.***

Please note that I am a Purex Insider, meaning that I have been chosen by the company to provide feedback and ideas about their products, and am often given a chance to review and preview products before they reach the market. However, I will always tell it like it is about Purex products, the good and the bad. Being an insider merely helps me get additional information and access to products to help you, my readers, make the right choices for you.

I would love to hear your reviews about Purex softener crystals, good or bad. You can skip down to share your review here.

These crystals are found in the laundry aisle of most stores, and can also be purchased online through the links below.

Purex Softener Crystals Reviews From Readers

This is where you can share your "Mom reviews" of this fabric softener, telling whether you would recommend it or not. In addition, if you are considering buying this product, in any of the various scents, find out what other "Mom reviewers" and other people have said about it here.

Here are the reviews submitted so far:

Share Your Fabric Softener Review Here

Fresh Spring Waters Scent

Lavender Blossom Scent

How To Use Product In An HE Machine

Problem With Them Not Dissolving

Spotting On Ironed Clothing After Using This

They Work Great In My HE Washing Machine

What Are The Ingredients In This Product?

Couldn't Figure Out From Packaging What It Actually Does

How I Make Sure They Dissolve In The Washer

Baby Scent Good If Want To Use Softener On Children's Sleepwear

Has Been Spotting My Clothes

Got Hives From Tropical Splash Scent

Allergy To Fresh Mountain Breeze Scent

Experiences With Allergic Reactions To Purex Crystals

In addition to the reviews I've listed above either praising or critiquing the product itself, please note I've also gotten several stories and experiences from readers who've shared they've had an allergic reaction of some sort when using this product.

This issue is not unique just to this product, but basically any laundry product which is supposed to add scent to clothing, since some people just can't have it that close to their skin.

I just want to make sure you keep it in mind if you're choosing to use this product for yourself or your family members, or guests who come into your home.

Top photo, and bottom collage photos courtesy of Mike Mozart

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CAUTION: This website is provided for informational purposes only. It is provided as is, without warranties or guarantees. Some stains and messes just won't come out, and are permanent. Further, some cleaning methods can harm your item, so if what you want to clean or launder is sentimental or expensive call a professional. See disclaimer of liability for more information.