You can make cheap fabric softener using common household items like white vinegar, optionally mixed with baking soda or hair conditioner for extra softening and scent, or by creating a dry softener with Epsom salts and essential oils. White vinegar (1/2 to 1 cup in the rinse cycle) removes detergent residue and softens, while adding baking soda or a scented conditioner makes it a more traditional liquid softener for pennies.
Baking soda is a budget-friendly, natural fabric softener that both softens clothes and removes unpleasant odors from fabrics. Add between half a cup to one cup of baking soda to your washing machine during either the regular wash or rinse cycle. For first-time users, start with half a cup.
More reasons to strengthen the argument for ditching commercial fabric softeners, is that it is way more economical to make your own (you'll see why later on). Then there is the fact that you'll be reducing your household waste and minimising your impact on the environment.
In place of fabric softener, use about 1/4 cup plain distilled white vinegar. If you want some fragrance add a few drops of lavender or lemon oil. Clothes come out soft, clean, and not smelling like vinegar. Fabric softener causes buildup on your machine and your clothes, causing both to wear out faster.
Wool dryer balls could be considered the most non-toxic fabric softener. They are suitable for towels too. Since they do not contain fragrance or chemical ingredients, they're perfect for people with sensitive skin.
directions
For those people, they can go for a homemade fabric softener by using vinegar and baking soda. They're the perfect commercial fabric softeners alternatives, letting you pretreat and make your clothes soft and fresh after the wash. Here are some ideas for preparing the best-smelling DIY fabric softener.
If you don't like the idea of using heavily-scented commercial fabric softeners, but want softer clothes, distilled white vinegar acts as a natural fabric softener and leaves no residue on laundry. Just add one-half cup to the final rinse cycle.
Effective Alternatives to Fabric Softener for Soft and Fragrant Laundry
The "30 wear rule" (or #30Wears) is a sustainable fashion guideline encouraging consumers to ask, "Will I wear this item at least 30 times?" before buying, promoting mindful consumption, quality over quantity, and longevity to combat fast fashion's waste by focusing on versatile, durable pieces that offer better cost-per-wear.
Natural Fabric Softener
For a good-smelling house, three simple ingredients often used are water, baking soda, and essential oils for an all-natural air freshener spray, or for simmering potpourri, you can combine citrus (like orange/lemon), cinnamon sticks, and cloves/vanilla extract to create a warm, inviting aroma, with baking soda tackling bad odors.
♻️✨ Here's what you'll need: - 3 cups borax - 2 cups baking soda - 1 cup washing soda - 1 grated bar of Fels Naptha soap (smells divine!)
Don't use it on a regular basis, or in the wrong quantities. Don't use it on cotton, linen, rayon, or nylon. Don't add to your fabric softener dispenser.
Adding vinegar directly to the wash with your laundry detergent may compromise its cleaning performance. Laundry detergents are formulated for specific pH levels, which may be disrupted by the acidity of vinegar, leading to less effective cleaning. It's best to avoid mixing them to ensure optimal results.
Use Baking Soda
To freshen up the smell of your laundry, you can add ½ a cup of baking soda to your detergent in the washing machine. If you're washing clothes with extra bad odors, try adding a full cup of baking soda instead.
Beginning with high-quality cotton towels renowned for their softness and durability, hotels employ specialized laundering techniques. This includes the use of gentle, fabric-safe detergents and minimizing the use of fabric softeners to prevent residue buildup, which can compromise softness over time.
Placing a dryer sheet in your mailbox is a handy way to stay safe and help your mail carrier stay safe. Consider adding one to your mailbox, especially if some pests are trying to make your mailbox their new home.
What are natural alternatives to fabric softener?
Cost-Effective: Making your own softener is budget-friendly, saving you money in the long run. Custom Fragrance: You can choose your favorite essential oils to create a signature scent for your laundry.