DIY Fabric Softener: 4 Easy and Eco-Friendly Recipes for Softer Clothes

If you're tired of the harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances in store-bought fabric softeners, you're not alone.

Many store bought fabric softener options can irritate sensitive skin and harm the environment, plus all commercial stuff we are buying is marketing on a plastic bottle that will never break down – that’s not great for the environment!

The good news? You can easily whip up your own homemade fabric softener at home using simple, eco-friendly ingredients that are kind to both your clothes and the planet while you save money and time with these easy recipes.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Here are four easy recipes that will leave your laundry feeling softer and fresher than ever!

Why Choose Homemade Fabric Softener?

Making home made fabric softener is a fantastic way to:

• Go Eco-Friendly: Avoid commercial fabric softeners come in a plastic container that will not break down over time that's bad for our environment.

• Affordable: Commercial fabric softeners can add up, but fabric softeners made at home cost a fraction of the price, especially when using basic pantry staples like white vinegar and baking soda.

• Eco-Friendly: By making your own natural fabric softener, you reduce the amount of plastic waste from store-bought bottles, as well as the environmental impact of harsh chemicals.

• Gentle on Clothes: Natural fabric softeners are free from synthetic fragrances and artificial chemicals that can break down fabric fibres over time, making them a gentler option for your clothes.

• Customisable: You have complete control over the scent and ingredients. Add a few drops of your favourite essential oils to create a natural, pleasant fragrance.

• Save Money: Making softener is a sure way to save money once you have mastered the art of these diy recipes, you’ll wonder why you ever purchased commercial softener!

Homemade Fabric Softener Recipes

1. White Vinegar and Essential Oil Fabric Softener

Why It Works

White vinegar is a natural softener, helping to break down detergent residue and soften clothes, while essential oils add a fresh, pleasant scent. Vinegar can be used to clean so many items around the home it’s worth investigating further

Recipe Ingredients

• 2 cups white straight vinegar

• 10-15 drops of your favourite essential oil (e.g., lavender, eucalyptus)

Instructions

Combine the straight vinegar and essential oil in a glass container.

Shake gently to mix.

Add ½ cup of this mixture to your washing machine’s fabric softener compartment.

Pro Tip:

Vinegar is also a natural deodoriser, so it helps eliminate any unwanted odours in your laundry.

2. Baking Soda and Water Softener Solution

Why It Works

Baking soda helps to balance the pH of the water, reducing fabric stiffness and neutralising odours for fresher clothes.

Recipe Ingredients

• ½ cup baking soda

• One cup warm water

• 10 drops essential oil (optional)

Instructions

Dissolve the baking soda in warm water in a container.

Add essential oil for fragrance, if desired.

Pour ¼ to ½ cup of the solution into your washing machine during the final rinse cycle.

Pro Tip:

This recipe is wonderful for fabrics that need extra softness, like towels or sheets.

3. Epsom Salt Fabric Softener Crystals

Why It Works

Epsom salt helps soften the water and prevents detergent build-up, while essential oils provide a long-lasting fragrance that lingers, so your clothes smell great.

Recipe Ingredients

• 2 cups Epsom salt

• 20 drops essential oil (e.g., lemon or tea tree)

Instructions

Mix the Epsom salt and essential oils in a large jar.

Store in an airtight container.

Add 2-3 tablespoons to your washing machine during the rinse cycle.

Pro Tip:

This recipe can double as a laundry booster, giving your washing power an extra punch.

4. Hair Conditioner Fabric Softener

Why It Works

Hair conditioner can soften fabrics without leaving behind the heavy residue that some store-bought softeners may cause.

Recipe Ingredients

• One cup hair conditioner (it doesn't need to be expensive conditioner)

• 1½ cups white vinegar

• 3 cups water

Instructions

Whisk together the hair conditioner, vinegar, and water in a large bowl.

Pour the mixture into a large container or an empty softener bottle.

Use ¼ to ½ cup per load in the fabric softener compartment for the final rinse.

Pro Tip:

Choose unscented or lightly scented conditioner to avoid overpowering your laundry with fragrance.

DIY Tips for Using Homemade Fabric Softener

While making your own fabric softener is a simple and eco-friendly alternative, there are a few tips to ensure the best results and avoid any mishaps:

• Test First: Before you commit to using a new homemade fabric softener on all your laundry, do a quick spot-test on a small load. This way, you’ll be sure the recipe won’t cause any unwanted reactions with your fabrics.

• Avoid Overusing: Stick to the recommended amount for each recipe. Using too much fabric softener can result in residue build-up on your clothes or inside your washing machine, which may affect their performance.

• Store Properly: To maintain the potency of your fabric softener, store it in airtight containers. Label each one to make sure you know what’s inside.

• Skip for Certain Fabrics: Avoid using fabric softener on moisture-wicking or water-repellent fabrics. These materials work best when left untreated to maintain their special properties.

FAQs About Homemade Fabric Softeners

Is homemade fabric softener safe for sensitive skin?

Yes, DIY fabric softeners usually contain natural ingredients like vinegar and baking soda, which are far less likely to irritate skin compared to many commercial products. However, always do a patch test before using it on all your clothes to be safe.

Can I use homemade fabric softener with high-efficiency (HE) machines?

Absolutely! These diy recipes for fabric softeners are typically low-sudsing, making them perfect for HE machines. They help keep the machine’s efficiency up and even extend its lifespan.

Will vinegar make my clothes smell?

Not at all. The vinegar smell usually dissipates during the drying process. If you’re worried about it, a few drops of your favourite essential oils can mask any lingering odour and leave your laundry smelling lovely.

Conclusion

In summary, DIY fabric softeners are not only affordable and eco-friendly but also gentle on both your clothes and the environment.

By creating your own natural fabric softener, you can enjoy softer, fresher laundry without the harmful chemicals found in many commercial products and these diy recipes will soften clothes. The best part? You can customise the scent and formula to suit your needs, whether you’re after something soothing like lavender or refreshing like eucalyptus.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with these recipes to find the one that works best for your laundry routine. Mix and match, tweak the ingredients, and make it your own.

Final Tip:

For an even more sustainable laundry routine, pair your DIY fabric softener with an eco-friendly laundry detergent. Together, they’ll help you reduce your environmental impact while keeping your clothes soft, fresh, and free from harsh chemicals and you will save money.

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