Homemade Fabric Softener Recipes

Here are two recipes for homemade fabric softener using natural ingredients that can also save you money. One is for your washing machine, and the other for use in the dryer.

I love taking my clothes out of the dryer, or off the clothes line, and them feeling soft on my skin.

I think many people do, which is why many of us use fabric softener.

However, there are some cons to using commercial fabric softeners too.

These can include the cost (especially the natural and eco-friendly varieties, and the unknown chemicals in the not so eco-friendly brands.

I also personally love a nice scent from my fabric softener, but one of my children is allergic to such things so I dread trying to find an unscented fabric softener for our family, because there is a much more limited choices.

In addition, if you use too much fabric softener it can stain your clothes.

Those are some of the reasons that I looked into creating homemade versions of this product.

Here are some fabric softener recipes you can try:

Homemade Fabric Softener With Natural Ingredients

This recipe is nice for those that want softened clothing, but do not like any residual scent from their fabric softener on their clothing.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup white vinegar

Directions:

Add the baking soda fabric softener while you are washing the clothing in the washing machine, along with the detergent.

Add the white vinegar fabric softener to the final rinse cycle (or add the vinegar to your softener dispenser if your washing machine has one).

Hint: If you don't have a dispenser, try this tip from a reader who uses a Downy Ball to dispense vinegar fabric softener.

Please note, a word of caution with vinegar fabric softener.

Vinegar is acidic in nature and repeat exposure to it can weaken certain natural fibers, such as cotton.

Therefore, use vinegar as a fabric softener with caution, especially if you plan to use it on a regular basis.

You can just use the vinegar every couple of loads if you always use the baking soda, and it seems the clothing stays soft, at least in my experience.

Fabric Softener Recipe For Dryer

This recipe is nice if you want to both soften your clothing and give it a nice scent, at the same time.

Ingredients and equipment needed:

• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional)
• 3 drops essential oil (your favorite scent)

Directions:

Sift the dry ingredients.

Then, add the essential oil, mixing first with a fork and then sifting the mixture 2-3 more times to thoroughly mix the oil in with the dry ingredients.

Hint: Here are some suggested essential oil recipes for homemade laundry supplies if you want some guidance on the essential oils to choose from.

Put this mixture in a plastic container with a lid.

Make a refillable pouch out of a piece of sheer fabric, using either a rubber band, string or ribbon to tie it closed.

Place 1 tablespoon of the mixture into the bag, close it, and toss it in the dryer.

Essential Oils Packages {Referral Links}

Do You Have A Recipe For How To Make Your Own Fabric Softener To Share?

I know there are lots of other recipes for fabric softener that people use successfully.

Please share how how you make your own fabric softener here so we can all learn some additional recipes.

I've got several good recipes from others, so also check out the link to read even more recipes already submitted to the site.

Bottom photo by Viewoftheworld

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CAUTION: This website is provided for informational purposes only. It is provided as is, without warranties or guarantees. Some stains and messes just won't come out, and are permanent. Further, some cleaning methods can harm your item, so if what you want to clean or launder is sentimental or expensive call a professional. See disclaimer of liability for more information.