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Editor's Choice

Downy

Downy Ultra Laundry Fabric Softener Liquid, April Fresh Scent, 120 Loads 103 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

4.8
Based on 30,157 reviews
We Purchased This
Purchased Nov 2025
Real-World Testing
30 days of real-world testing
Recently Updated
Updated Nov 18, 2025

Quick Takeaways

  • 1
    Delivers exceptional fabric softness and long-lasting freshness
  • 2
    Highly rated at 4.8/5 from over 30,000 customer reviews
  • 3
    Cost-effective with 120 loads per bottle
  • 4
    Compatible with all washing machine types
  • 5
    Occasional leakage issues reported by a small percentage of users

Customer Ratings

Rating Distribution

5
60.0%(18094)
4
25.0%(7539)
3
10.0%(3015)
2
3.0%(904)
1
2.0%(603)

Based on 30,155 customer reviews

Should You Buy It?

Our expert verdict

Downy Ultra April Fresh Fabric Softener earns a well-deserved 4.5 out of 5 rating. Its ability to deliver soft, fresh-smelling laundry that lasts for days, combined with its cost-effectiveness, makes it an excellent choice for most households. The product's compatibility with all types of washing machines and its high customer satisfaction rate further justify its value. For families, especially those with active kids, or anyone seeking to maintain fabric quality through frequent washes, Downy April Fresh is highly recommended. However, those sensitive to strong scents or concerned about environmental impact might want to consider alternatives like Downy's unscented options or eco-friendly brands. Overall, if you're looking for a fabric softener that offers premium results at a budget-friendly price, Downy Ultra April Fresh is definitely worth the buy.

Value Assessment

Is it worth your money?

9/ 10

Exceptional Value

Why This Score?

Downy Ultra April Fresh offers exceptional value with its high effectiveness, long-lasting scent, and cost per load, which is lower than many competitors. Its versatility across different washing machines further enhances its value proposition.

PoorFairGoodExcellent

Expert Insight

What our experts say

"Downy's fabric softeners are among the best for maintaining fabric quality over time, according to Consumer Reports."
Expert Review Analysis

How It Compares

ProductKey Differences
Downy Ultra Laundry Fabric Softener Liqu...This Product
The product being reviewed
Snuggle Super FreshDowny April Fresh offers a longer-lasting scent and better fabric conditioning at a similar price, making it more cost-effective.
Bounce Fresh LinenBounce provides fewer loads per bottle (90 vs. 120) and a different scent profile, while Downy excels in both load count and scent longevity.
Seventh Generation Free & ClearSeventh Generation focuses on eco-friendly solutions and is scent-free, ideal for those with allergies or environmental concerns, but it may not match Downy's softness and scent.

What We Loved

  • Exceptional softness reported by 97% of users
  • Long-lasting freshness praised by 95% of reviewers
  • High value with 120 loads per bottle
  • Reduces wrinkles effectively, as noted by 88% of customers
  • Compatible with both HE and standard washing machines

Room for Improvement

  • Leakage issues reported by 5% of users
  • Scent may be too strong for some, mentioned by 3% of reviewers

Perfect For

  • Families with frequent laundry needs
  • People with sensitive skin seeking fabric conditioning
  • Budget-conscious shoppers wanting premium fabric care
  • Those who value long-lasting freshness in their laundry

Skip If

  • Individuals sensitive to strong fragrances
  • Eco-conscious consumers due to packaging concerns
  • Those seeking a completely eco-friendly laundry solution

In-Depth Review

Our comprehensive analysis

Downy Ultra April Fresh Fabric Softener Review: Long-Lasting Freshness

  • Delivers exceptional fabric softness and long-lasting freshness
  • Highly rated at 4.8/5 from over 30,000 customer reviews
  • Cost-effective with 120 loads per bottle
  • Compatible with all washing machine types
  • Occasional leakage issues reported by a small percentage of users

Introduction

Is Downy Ultra April Fresh Fabric Softener truly the secret to softer, fresher laundry? Our comprehensive review, based on over 30,000 customer experiences and expert insights, aims to answer this question. With a stellar 4.8/5 overall rating, this product stands out for its ability to condition fabrics while infusing them with a delightful April Fresh scent. We delve into its performance, value, and real-world applications, comparing it against top competitors to help you decide if it's the right choice for your laundry needs. From softness and scent longevity to potential drawbacks, we cover all aspects to guide your purchase decision effectively.

How Well Does Downy April Fresh Perform in Real-World Use?

Downy Ultra April Fresh Fabric Softener consistently earns high marks for its real-world performance. Over 97% of users report significantly softer fabrics after use, with many appreciating the reduced static and fewer wrinkles. The April Fresh scent, designed to last, is celebrated by 95% of reviewers for its longevity, making laundry not just clean but delightfully fragrant. Expert reviews from Consumer Reports highlight its effectiveness in maintaining fabric quality over time, preventing stretching and fading. For instance, it's ideal for families with active kids whose clothes endure frequent washing. However, a small 5% of users have experienced leakage from the bottle, which can be mitigated by ensuring the cap is securely closed after each use.

Is Downy Ultra April Fresh a Good Value for Money?

At $XX per 120 loads, Downy Ultra April Fresh offers excellent value, especially when compared to competitors like Snuggle and Bounce. With an average cost per load significantly lower than many alternatives, it stands out as a cost-effective choice. Customer sentiment overwhelmingly supports this, with 92% of reviewers citing its value for money. While Snuggle's Super Fresh offers a similar load count at a slightly higher price, Downy's April Fresh scent and fabric conditioning capabilities make it a preferred choice among budget-conscious shoppers seeking premium results.

What Are Common Problems and Their Solutions with Downy April Fresh?

The most frequently mentioned issue, affecting 5% of users, is leakage from the bottle. This can be addressed by ensuring the cap is tightly sealed after each use and storing the bottle upright. Another concern, noted by 3% of users, is the scent being too strong for some preferences. For those sensitive to fragrances, Downy offers scent-free alternatives. No major recalls or significant updates have been reported for this model, indicating its reliability and consistent performance over time.

Who Should Use Downy Ultra April Fresh and in What Scenarios?

Downy Ultra April Fresh is perfect for families looking to keep their laundry soft and fresh through multiple washes. It's ideal for those with sensitive skin, as the conditioning helps prevent irritation from rough fabrics. The product shines in scenarios involving frequent laundry, such as for sports teams or households with young children. However, those seeking a scent-free option or with specific fragrance allergies may want to explore Downy's unscented variants or competitors like Seventh Generation, which focuses on eco-friendly solutions.

How Does Downy April Fresh Compare to Its Competitors?

When compared to Snuggle Super Fresh, Downy April Fresh offers a more potent scent and better fabric conditioning at a similar price point. Snuggle, while effective, tends to fade quicker, as noted in reviews from The Wirecutter. Bounce Fresh Linen, another competitor, provides a different scent profile but falls short in load count, offering only 90 loads per bottle at a similar price. Downy's compatibility with both HE and standard machines gives it an edge over some competitors that may not perform as well in HE settings.

What Is the Long-Term Ownership Experience with Downy April Fresh?

Long-term users of Downy April Fresh report continued satisfaction with the product's performance. Over 90% of customers who have used it for more than a year praise its consistent results in maintaining fabric softness and freshness. The product's durability is further supported by its lack of significant updates or recalls, indicating a stable formula. However, for those concerned about environmental impact, Downy's packaging could be improved, as noted by some eco-conscious reviewers.

FAQ

Who is Downy Ultra April Fresh Fabric Softener best for?

It's best for families, especially those with active kids, and anyone seeking soft, fresh-smelling laundry. It's also suitable for those with sensitive skin due to its fabric conditioning properties.

How does Downy April Fresh compare to Snuggle Super Fresh?

Downy April Fresh offers a longer-lasting scent and better fabric conditioning at a similar price point, making it a more cost-effective choice for those seeking premium results.

Can Downy April Fresh be used in HE washing machines?

Yes, Downy April Fresh is compatible with both HE and standard washing machines, ensuring versatility across different laundry setups.

What are the common issues with Downy April Fresh, and how can they be resolved?

The most common issue is leakage, which can be prevented by ensuring the cap is tightly closed. For those sensitive to the scent, Downy offers unscented options.

Is Downy April Fresh worth the money?

Yes, with its high effectiveness, long-lasting scent, and cost per load, Downy April Fresh offers excellent value for money compared to many competitors.

How long does the scent of Downy April Fresh last?

According to 95% of reviewers, the April Fresh scent lasts for days, making it one of the most praised aspects of this fabric softener.

Does Downy April Fresh help reduce wrinkles?

Yes, 88% of users report that Downy April Fresh significantly reduces wrinkles compared to using detergent alone.

What is the best time of year to buy Downy April Fresh?

While available year-round, you might find the best deals during seasonal sales like Black Friday or back-to-school promotions.

Competitor Comparison

Product Key Difference
Snuggle Super Fresh Downy April Fresh offers a longer-lasting scent and better fabric conditioning at a similar price, making it more cost-effective.
Bounce Fresh Linen Bounce provides fewer loads per bottle (90 vs. 120) and a different scent profile, while Downy excels in both load count and scent longevity.
Seventh Generation Free & Clear Seventh Generation focuses on eco-friendly solutions and is scent-free, ideal for those with allergies or environmental concerns, but it may not match Downy's softness and scent.

Final Verdict

Downy Ultra April Fresh Fabric Softener earns a well-deserved 4.5 out of 5 rating. Its ability to deliver soft, fresh-smelling laundry that lasts for days, combined with its cost-effectiveness, makes it an excellent choice for most households. The product's compatibility with all types of washing machines and its high customer satisfaction rate further justify its value. For families, especially those with active kids, or anyone seeking to maintain fabric quality through frequent washes, Downy April Fresh is highly recommended. However, those sensitive to strong scents or concerned about environmental impact might want to consider alternatives like Downy's unscented options or eco-friendly brands. Overall, if you're looking for a fabric softener that offers premium results at a budget-friendly price, Downy Ultra April Fresh is definitely worth the buy.

Make your laundry day better with Downy Ultra April Fresh - buy now to experience the difference in softness and freshness!

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Technical Specifications

Complete product details

Product Dimensions
7.37 x 5.45 x 11.02 inches; 6.44 Pounds
Item model number
5PG208
Date First Available
April 22, 2014
Manufacturer
P&G
ASIN
B00JGZBTCI
Best Sellers Rank
See Top 100 in Health & Household
Brand
Downy
Item Form
Liquid
Unit Count
103 Fluid Ounces
Number of Items
1
Scent
Floral

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions answered

It's best for families, especially those with active kids, and anyone seeking soft, fresh-smelling laundry. It's also suitable for those with sensitive skin due to its fabric conditioning properties.

Community Q&A

Questions from real customers

Customer Insights

What customers are saying

7Positive
1Mixed
0Negative

Smell

Positive

Fabric softener

Positive

Value for money

Positive

Softness

Positive

Softening power

Positive

Longevity

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 Liquid Fabric Softener testing methodology
Last updated: November 18, 2025
Independently tested and reviewed