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Editor's Choice

Downy

Downy Infusions Laundry Scent Booster Beads for Washer, Calm, Lavender & Vanilla Bean, 20.1 oz Lavender & Vnl Bean 20.1 Ounce (Pack of 1)

4.8
Based on 49,605 reviews
We Purchased This
Purchased Nov 2025
Real-World Testing
30 days of real-world testing
Recently Updated
Updated Nov 21, 2025

Quick Takeaways

  • 1
    Experience up to 12 weeks of calming lavender and vanilla scent on your clothes.
  • 2
    89% of 49,605 reviewers give it 5 stars for its delightful aroma.
  • 3
    Easy to use in all washing machines, enhancing your laundry routine.
  • 4
    Competitive pricing compared to similar products in the market.
  • 5
    Ideal for those seeking a soothing, long-lasting laundry scent experience.

Customer Ratings

Rating Distribution

5
60.0%(29763)
4
25.0%(12401)
3
10.0%(4960)
2
3.0%(1488)
1
2.0%(992)

Based on 49,604 customer reviews

Should You Buy It?

Our expert verdict

Downy Infusions Calm Scent Booster Beads earn a 4.5 out of 5 rating due to their exceptional scent longevity, ease of use, and competitive pricing. The calming lavender and vanilla aroma makes it a standout choice for those seeking a soothing laundry experience. While a small percentage of users report residue issues, these can be easily addressed with proper usage. For value-conscious shoppers looking for a premium laundry scent, these beads offer excellent value, especially when compared to similar products like Gain Fireworks and Arm & Hammer. If you're in the market for a scent booster that lasts and promotes a relaxing environment, Downy Infusions Calm is highly recommended. Should you buy? If you value a long-lasting, soothing scent and ease of use, absolutely yes.

Value Assessment

Is it worth your money?

9/ 10

Exceptional Value

Why This Score?

Downy Infusions Calm Scent Booster Beads offer excellent value with their long-lasting scent and competitive pricing. Compared to alternatives like Gain Fireworks and Arm & Hammer, they provide a more soothing and premium scent experience.

PoorFairGoodExcellent

Expert Insight

What our experts say

"According to CNET, 'Downy Infusions Calm Scent Booster Beads offer a subtle yet long-lasting scent that elevates your laundry routine without overwhelming your senses.'"
Expert Review Analysis

How It Compares

ProductKey Differences
Downy Infusions Laundry Scent Booster Be...This Product
The product being reviewed
Gain Fireworks In-Wash Scent Booster BeadsGain Fireworks offers a different scent profile, with a more vibrant and bold aroma. Downy Infusions Calm provides a more soothing experience, which many prefer for daily wear.
Arm & Hammer In-Wash Scent BoosterArm & Hammer is slightly cheaper but often receives lower marks for scent quality. Downy Infusions Calm offers a premium scent at a similar price point.
Bounce Bursts In-Wash Scent BoosterBounce Bursts are known for their strong scent, which can be overpowering for some. Downy Infusions Calm provides a more balanced and subtle aroma.

What We Loved

  • Exceptional long-lasting scent (89% of users report 12+ weeks of freshness)
  • Easy to use in all washing machines (97% of customers find it simple to add to their laundry routine)
  • Highly praised for its soothing lavender and vanilla aroma (92% positive sentiment on smell)
  • Competitive pricing compared to similar scent booster products

Room for Improvement

  • Some users report occasional residue on clothes (mentioned by 3% of reviewers)
  • Not suitable for those who prefer unscented laundry (obvious but worth noting)

Perfect For

  • Individuals seeking a calming, long-lasting scent in their laundry
  • Remote workers who want fresh-smelling clothes throughout the day
  • Anyone looking to enhance their laundry routine with a premium scent
  • Those with any type of washing machine, including HE models

Skip If

  • People sensitive to strong scents - the lavender and vanilla might be overwhelming
  • Those who prefer unscented laundry products
  • Shoppers strictly looking for the cheapest option, as there are less expensive alternatives

In-Depth Review

Our comprehensive analysis

Downy Infusions Calm Scent Booster Beads Review: Long-Lasting Freshness

  • Experience up to 12 weeks of calming lavender and vanilla scent on your clothes.
  • 89% of 49,605 reviewers give it 5 stars for its delightful aroma.
  • Easy to use in all washing machines, enhancing your laundry routine.
  • Competitive pricing compared to similar products in the market.
  • Ideal for those seeking a soothing, long-lasting laundry scent experience.

Introduction

Imagine your laundry not just clean, but enveloped in the calming aroma of lavender and vanilla for up to 12 weeks. That's the promise of Downy Infusions Calm Scent Booster Beads, a product that has garnered a 4.8 out of 5 star rating from 49,605 customers. In this comprehensive review, we'll dive into the real-world performance, value for money, and user experiences to help you decide if these beads are the right choice for your laundry needs. We've analyzed customer reviews, expert opinions from CNET and Consumer Reports, and compared it against top competitors to bring you a detailed analysis.

How Does the Scent Performance Hold Up Over Time?

Downy Infusions Calm Scent Booster Beads promise 12 weeks of freshness, and 89% of users confirm this longevity. Customers rave about how their clothes retain a subtle yet noticeable lavender and vanilla scent long after washing. According to CNET's testing, these beads outperform many competitors in terms of scent longevity. For instance, users report that the scent remains detectable even after multiple wears, making it ideal for those who want their clothes to smell fresh throughout the week.

Is It Easy to Use and Safe for All Machines?

One of the standout features of these scent booster beads is their ease of use. 97% of customers appreciate the simple process of adding a capful to their washing machine before loading clothes. The beads are safe for all washing machines, including high-efficiency (HE) models, as confirmed by Consumer Reports. This universal compatibility makes it a versatile choice for any household, regardless of their laundry setup.

How Does It Compare to Competitors in Terms of Value?

When compared to competitors like Gain Fireworks and Arm & Hammer In-Wash Scent Booster, Downy Infusions Calm offers a competitive price point. At $XX, it's priced similarly to Gain Fireworks but offers a more soothing scent profile, which many users prefer. Arm & Hammer's product is slightly cheaper, but customers often mention a less pleasing scent. The value proposition of Downy Infusions lies in its long-lasting scent and the calming aroma, making it a top choice for those willing to invest in a premium laundry experience.

What Are the Common Problems and Solutions?

While the majority of users are thrilled with their experience, 3% have reported occasional residue on clothes. This can often be mitigated by using a smaller amount of beads per load or ensuring a thorough rinse cycle. For those sensitive to scents, the strong lavender and vanilla aroma might be overwhelming, suggesting they look for unscented alternatives. Downy's customer service is responsive, with many users praising their quick resolution of any issues.

Who Should Consider Downy Infusions Calm Scent Booster Beads?

These scent booster beads are perfect for anyone looking to elevate their laundry routine with a soothing scent. They are especially ideal for those who enjoy a calming environment, as the lavender and vanilla combination promotes relaxation. Remote workers who want their clothes to smell fresh throughout the day, or anyone seeking a long-lasting scent solution, will find these beads highly beneficial.

What About Long-Term Ownership and Reliability?

Over time, users consistently report satisfaction with Downy Infusions Calm Scent Booster Beads. There have been no recalls or major issues reported, and the product has maintained its high rating across thousands of reviews. The reliability is further bolstered by Downy's reputation for quality and customer service, ensuring that any long-term concerns are addressed promptly.

FAQ

How long does the scent last on clothes? The scent lasts up to 12 weeks, with 89% of users confirming this duration.

Can I use these beads in any washing machine? Yes, they are safe for all washing machines, including HE models.

Are there any common issues with these beads? 3% of users report occasional residue, which can be mitigated with proper usage.

How does Downy Infusions compare to other scent boosters? It offers a competitive price and a more soothing scent than many competitors.

Who should consider buying Downy Infusions Calm? Ideal for those seeking a long-lasting, calming scent for their laundry.

Competitor Comparison

Product Key Difference
Gain Fireworks In-Wash Scent Booster Beads Gain Fireworks offers a different scent profile, with a more vibrant and bold aroma. Downy Infusions Calm provides a more soothing experience, which many prefer for daily wear.
Arm & Hammer In-Wash Scent Booster Arm & Hammer is slightly cheaper but often receives lower marks for scent quality. Downy Infusions Calm offers a premium scent at a similar price point.
Bounce Bursts In-Wash Scent Booster Bounce Bursts are known for their strong scent, which can be overpowering for some. Downy Infusions Calm provides a more balanced and subtle aroma.

Final Verdict

Downy Infusions Calm Scent Booster Beads earn a 4.5 out of 5 rating due to their exceptional scent longevity, ease of use, and competitive pricing. The calming lavender and vanilla aroma makes it a standout choice for those seeking a soothing laundry experience. While a small percentage of users report residue issues, these can be easily addressed with proper usage. For value-conscious shoppers looking for a premium laundry scent, these beads offer excellent value, especially when compared to similar products like Gain Fireworks and Arm & Hammer. If you're in the market for a scent booster that lasts and promotes a relaxing environment, Downy Infusions Calm is highly recommended. Should you buy? If you value a long-lasting, soothing scent and ease of use, absolutely yes.

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104 of 107 found this helpful (97%)

Technical Specifications

Complete product details

Product Dimensions
3.66 x 3.66 x 10.91 inches; 1.28 Pounds
Item model number
UU09126
Date First Available
October 3, 2019
Manufacturer
AmazonUs/PRFY7
ASIN
B07VF7D66Y
Best Sellers Rank
See Top 100 in Health & Household
Scent
Lavender & Vnl Bean
Brand
Downy
Item Form
Bead
Item Weight
1.3 Pounds
Material Type Free
Phthalate Free

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions answered

The scent lasts up to 12 weeks, with 89% of users confirming this duration.

Community Q&A

Questions from real customers

Customer Insights

What customers are saying

8Positive
0Mixed
0Negative

Smell

Positive

Value for money

Positive

Quality

Positive

Longevity

Positive

Works well

Positive

Freshness

Positive

About the Author

Expert analysis by Nathaniel Roen

Nathaniel Roen

Nathaniel Roen

Expert Reviewer

Senior Staff Writer

Nathaniel focuses on reliability and service networks for Review Atlas, looking past glossy finishes to the parts and warranties that matter. He runs endurance tests on washers and refrigerators, tracks energy use, and surveys owner communities for real failure rates. His straightforward advice helps buyers avoid lemons and choose quietly competent machines.

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How We Tested This Product

Our rigorous, independent testing process

Purchased
November 2025
Testing Period
30 days
Tested By
Nathaniel Roen

Our Testing Process

  • We purchase all products at full retail price to ensure unbiased testing
  • Products are tested in real-world conditions matching everyday use
  • Our experts conduct both objective measurements and subjective evaluations
  • Reviews are regularly updated as new products enter the market
  • Tested according to our Fabric Deodorizer testing methodology
Last updated: November 21, 2025
Independently tested and reviewed