Yeah, the 'Downy' part is kind of a gimik really. It is designed to remove the fibers, but can give a bit of softening effect as a result.

Yeah, makes sense. Guess that's good that it isn't leaving anything behind on my synthetics then!

Greeny, how many washes did it take before you noticed a difference?

My laundry was softer after the first wash.

I've been using it for the last few months, and I like it. I mainly use it for darks.

Jason, hugs to you for asking this question!

I was worried about which Downey they put in there. Actually happy with the gimik aspect, since FS isn't exactly my favorite thing.

Fabric softener is incompatible with detergent. Detergents that claim to be + softener likely are referring to the scent. IMO.

YAY.

I think what dadoes said is true for most other formulas but there is no scent in this particular one. The cellulase smooths the fabrics, making them feel softer.

I have some scrubs that are starting to pill relatively bad (at least in my opinion). I purchased Tide with Downy Free to give it a shot. I will say I actually am impressed. I used a true 100ºF wash to give the enzymes their best chance. Cleaning was really good, the scrubs do have slightly less pilling, but do not look like new. Now, are they softer? Ehh. Not noticeably. I was afraid that there would be sudsing issues like there is with the regular Tide Free, but there was no issue.

Dorey, that’s been my experience with Tide with Downy Free. I just did my third wash with it last night and I am noticing less pilling on already pilled clothes and less signs of pilling on about-to-fuzz ones, but nothing dramatic. They’re a tad bit softer but only more than with some of the other free and clear liquids I’ve tried.