A recent visit to the Downy Difference pop-up Laundromat this week has changed the way I do laundry. Fashion designer, author, and former reality TV star Lauren Conrad, (best known as LC from The Hills) and experts from the brand were on hand to demonstrate the benefits of using fabric softeners and scent boosters instead of just detergent when washing clothes and what a difference it made.

Many people, including myself, don’t use fabric softener because they don’t understand the added benefit it has by providing protection and freshness to clothing. Research and development expert Amy Dowden compares the product to conditioner for the hair. “The detergent would be the shampoo,” she explains. “Its job is to clean the clothing and the job of the fabric softeners and scent boosters is that last finishing step in the process that really protects and seals in the softness and the protection.”

Dowden went on to show how you can see the difference with Downy products that keep clothes looking newer, longer by eliminating the fraying of fibers and pilling and fuzzing of the fabrics that usually occurs during a regular wash cycle. She also talked about smelling the difference with the scent boosters that contain microcapsules of perfumed aroma. Throw a few of these beads in the washing machine with your dirty clothes for a noticeable burst of freshness. Dryer sheets and fabric softeners allow its users to feel the difference by reducing the dreaded static cling that we’ve all had to deal with at some point or another.

Conrad, who had items from her clothing line with Kohl’s on display, was excited to be working with Downy. She recalled her mother using their products ever since she was a young girl. “The scent reminded me of home,” she said. “Obviously I’m very involved with fashion with my two clothing lines and I love to shop and it’s important with all of the time and money that you put into your own wardrobe to take care of it.”

I couldn’t agree more.

– Angela Thomas