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Keeping the Playroom Fresh & Soft 🧸
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Magnolia Cromwell profile picture
Magnolia Cromwell
My kids' playroom blankets and rugs smelled like goldfish crackers and mystery stains 24/7. I finally found a fabric softener routine that keeps everything soft and actually smelling good between deep cleans.
Sections
6
 
Everyday Fabric Softeners
 
Sensitive Skin Picks 🤍
 
Stain & Odor Fighters
 
Dryer Balls & Reusables 🐑
 
Sprays Between Washes
 
Storage & Organization Helps

Everyday Fabric Softeners

These are what I rotate through for regular loads of playroom stuff. Blankets, pillow covers, stuffed animal cases. All of it.

 
Magnolia Cromwell profile picture
this is my default. smells clean without being overpowering for little noses.
Downy Cool Cotton Ultra HE Compatible Liquid Fabric
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Magnolia Cromwell profile picture
the odor eliminating part actually works 🙌
snuggle superfresh
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Magnolia Cromwell profile picture
I toss a capful in with heavy blankets. smell lasts forever.
Gain Firework Scent Boosters & Laundry Detergents
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Magnolia Cromwell profile picture
lavender scent is subtle enough for kids' stuff
Downy Calm Fabric Softener & Dryer Sheets
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Magnolia Cromwell profile picture
when my daughter's eczema flares up this is the only one I trust. zero fragrance, zero irritation.
All Free Clear Liquid Fabric Softener - 80 fl oz
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Magnolia Cromwell profile picture
I throw two in with the couch covers. easy.
Snuggle Plus SuperFresh Original Fabric Softener Dryer
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Sensitive Skin Picks 🤍

My youngest has the most reactive skin on the planet so I had to find stuff that wouldn't cause rashes on play mats and blankets.

 
Magnolia Cromwell profile picture
plant based and genuinely gentle. no weird residue either.
Seventh Generation Fabric Softener - Lavender
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Magnolia Cromwell profile picture
smells like nothing and that's exactly the point
Hypoallergenic Fabric Softener
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Magnolia Cromwell profile picture
these surprised me. my pediatrician actually suggested the brand 🌿
Mrs. Meyer's Dryer Sheets | Fabric Softener & Scent Options
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Magnolia Cromwell profile picture
designed for baby stuff but works perfectly for playroom textiles too
Baby Laundry Dryer Sheets
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Magnolia Cromwell profile picture
I buy these in bulk honestly. they just work.
All Free Clear Fabric Softening Sheets - 195ct
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Magnolia Cromwell profile picture
the one scented option that didn't bother my kid's skin somehow
Downy Nature Blends Honey Lavender Scent Liquid
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Stain & Odor Fighters

Playrooms are gross. I'm sorry but they are. Juice spills, sweaty socks, mystery smells. These handle the worst of it.

 
Magnolia Cromwell profile picture
I pre-soak cushion covers in this before washing. the smell difference is wild.
OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover Powder
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Magnolia Cromwell profile picture
toss it in with the softener for double duty 💪
Arm & Hammer Scent Booster: Odour Elimination Solutions
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Magnolia Cromwell profile picture
saved a rug I was about to throw away. not even kidding.
Febreze Wash Odor Eliminator
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Magnolia Cromwell profile picture
these are specifically for funky laundry and they deliver
Tide Odor Rescue Laundry Pods | Effective Stain Removal
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Magnolia Cromwell profile picture
kills bacteria in cold water which is perfect for delicate play mats
Lysol Crisp Linen Scented Laundry Sanitizer
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Magnolia Cromwell profile picture
spray it, wait five minutes, wash. stain gone.
Resolve Stain Remover Spray & Carpet Foam
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Dryer Balls & Reusables 🐑

I was spending way too much on dryer sheets every month. Switched to reusable options and honestly they work just as well for playroom loads.

 
Magnolia Cromwell profile picture
softens blankets without any chemicals. I add a drop of essential oil sometimes.
Woolzies Dryer Balls
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Magnolia Cromwell profile picture
cute little sheep faces on them. my kids love helping with laundry now lol
Wool Dryer Balls - Eco-Friendly, Effective Drying
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Magnolia Cromwell profile picture
these lasted me over a year before I replaced them
Grove Co. Wool Dryer Balls, 3 Pack, Unscented
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Magnolia Cromwell profile picture
I pair these with dryer balls when I want extra scent 🌸
Downy, Laundry Scent Booster Beads, 18.2 oz
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Magnolia Cromwell profile picture
we have a dog. playroom blankets collect SO much fur. these actually help.
Pet Dryer Sheets | Downy & Bounce Fabric Softener Sheets
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Magnolia Cromwell profile picture
bigger size means they bounce around more. fluffier results.
Sheep Dryer Balls | Wool Fabric Softener Alternatives
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Sprays Between Washes

Sometimes you just need to freshen up the bean bag chair without running a whole load. These live in my playroom closet.

 
Magnolia Cromwell profile picture
the original. I hit the couch cushions with this every other day.
Fabric Refresher | Febreze, Downy & Arm & Hammer Options
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Magnolia Cromwell profile picture
de-wrinkles AND freshens curtains at the same time
Downy Crisp Linen Wrinkle Releaser Spray - 33.8oz
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Magnolia Cromwell profile picture
kills germs on fabric surfaces. peace of mind when kids have friends over 🧼
Microban Disinfectant Spray & Wipes
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Magnolia Cromwell profile picture
smells incredible and lasts surprisingly long on throw pillows
Febreze Unstopables Touch Fabric Spray and Odor Fighter
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Magnolia Cromwell profile picture
I use this on the play tent. can't exactly toss that in the washer.
Fabric Sanitizer Spray | Clorox & Lysol Options
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Magnolia Cromwell profile picture
commercial strength but safe for home use. handles the tough smells.
zep air fabric odor eliminator
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Storage & Organization Helps

Keeping playroom fabrics fresh is half about how you store them. These keep everything breathable and not musty.

 
Magnolia Cromwell profile picture
I fold clean blankets into these so they don't sit on the floor getting dusty
Sterilite Storage Containers
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Magnolia Cromwell profile picture
the kids actually use this one. it's the right height for them.
Whitmor : Laundry Hampers: Foldable, Bamboo & Washable
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Magnolia Cromwell profile picture
perfect for stuffed animals that need to air out between washes 🧸
Fabric Bins & Storage Solutions | Room Essentials
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Magnolia Cromwell profile picture
keeps the storage closet dry so nothing gets that mildew smell
Arm & Hammer Moisture Absorbers
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Magnolia Cromwell profile picture
I wash small plush toys in these so they don't get destroyed
Woolite Mesh Wash Bag
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Magnolia Cromwell profile picture
breathable storage for throw blankets. looks nice too.
Metal Wire Laundry Basket with Fabric Liner - Brightroom
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