Downy fabric softener is formulated to keep clothes exceptionally soft, fresh and static free. Relentless agitation, high speed spinning and intense dryer heat can damage clothes at the fiber level. Downy helps strengthen fibers so your clothes maintain their original shape. Downy also smooths fibers, reducing the friction between them that causes them to break and lead to pilling and fuzz. When fibers break, they also cause colors to appear dull, so using Downy also helps keep your clothes from fading.