Surfactants based on quaternary NH4 salts were used to develop formulations and prep. a transparent fabric softener. Viscosity and turbidity of the liq. as well as degree of softness and rewettability of fabrics after rinsing with the liq. and its corn. counterrparts were compared. The transparent fabric softener had a higher viscosity than other ones. The softened fabrics had the lowest rewettability of the surface and a comparable degree of softness.