In what appears to be another case of skimpflation — the watering down of a product — P&G may have dramatically reduced the freshening power of its in-wash scent booster, Downy Unstopables, that you toss in the washer.
Since its introduction in 2011, the company has claimed that the fresh scent absorbed by clothing washed with Unstopables lasts for up to 12 weeks in your closet.
2012 commercial
In 2025, however, the packaging and claims have changed to a promise of only 24 hours of freshness.
*MOUSE PRINT:
2025 commercial
Why in the world would Procter & Gamble, in essence, dilute the freshness imparting capabilities of the product so dramatically? Do they really think consumers would prefer a short-lasting fresh scent to a long-lasting one (if they want any at all)? We asked P&G some very pointed questions about the change, but they did not respond.
I guess they’re now stoppable
Ha! Touche!
Well they do say from wash until wear on the old container so do you only get 24 hours of so called freshness when you finally wear it once in those 12 weeks??
Yes, the oils and etc. from your body that rub off onto the clothing will remove the scent, but those aren’t a factor when it is hanging in your closet.
That scent is unnatural, from unnecessary chemicals. You’re better off without it, even if your nose doesn’t agree.
These always felt like they were solving a problem that didn’t need solving.
It’s like laundry companies ran out of ways to sell us more detergent, so instead they’re selling us more scent.
That and the new trend of adding “disinfectant” to your laundry as if soap doesn’t already clean.
Joel, you are exactly right. Detergents are a commodity, and so sellers need to invent something to make theirs stand out. That lasts until competitors catch up. As if most people don’t apply under-arm deodorant before putting on their clothes; as if the deodorant wouldn’t obviate that “laundry fresh” smell. And so, someone NOW comes up with the “disinfectant” grift. Good observation.
It’s the same with the toilet paper brand that thinks the issue of how toilet paper tears was a problem that needed to be solved. Who cares if the paper tears are erratic or need to be cleanly torn?
My wife and I, are apparently the only ones who DON”T sniff our laundry. Must be something wrong with us.
I have been using cleaning vinegar instead of softener. Works fine. No discernible vinegar aroma.
I also like using vinegar (just regular white vinegar works fine) in my final rinse. However, be aware that vinegar is not recommended for use in most modern washers – particularly front loaders – because they can corrode some parts, particularly rubber gaskets and hoses. If I’m not mistaken the use of vinegar can actually void some warranties.
What is the final scent of your laundry when the Downy Unstopables is fresh scent, your Downy fabric softener is lavender, your Downy bounce sheet is Apirl Fresh scent and your detergent is Clean Breeze scent……
Vitameatavegamin.
(You must be GenX or older to get that joke, though.)
She shouldn’t have been drinking it before the commercial. That woman was talented
I smell something here .., or do I?
In my interpretation of those two claims you’re comparing apples and oranges. The first claim is that your clothes will retain the scent for twelve weeks hanging in your closet. The second is claiming that your clothes will retain the scent through a full day of wear without reference to how long the scent lasts in your closet.
To me the biggest problem is the claim that this product imparts freshness. It doesn’t. What it does do is impose a scent on your laundry. However much some folks might like perfuming their laundry it is the opposite of freshness which would be no smell at all.
My wife likes these. I personally think they are one of the greatest wastes of money anywhere in the store. Is our entire sense of well being reduced to how our clothes smell?
Just another ploy of companies that think you absolutely need the “new and improved” product. Waste of money.