2 DIY Homemade Fabric Softener Recipes (at Home)

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Last Updated on September 5, 2023

DIY Homemade Fabric Softener Recipes: For those of you who love making your own household products, I have some fantastic DIY fabric softener recipes that will save you money and keep your clothes soft and static-free. Traditional fabric softeners often leave behind a waxy residue on your clothes and the inner workings of your washing machine, not to mention the overpowering scent. So, why not try making your own?

DIY homemade fabric softener recipes

Here, I’ll share two simple and effective homemade fabric softener recipes, one using white vinegar and the other with natural ingredients like Epsom salts and essential oils.

In Addition – Fabric Conditioners vs. Fabric Softeners

Recipe 1: White Vinegar Fabric Softener

White Vinegar Fabric Softener

White vinegar is a versatile household ingredient that can do wonders for your laundry. Here’s how to make your own white vinegar-based fabric softener:

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Pour the white vinegar into a one-liter bottle.
  2. Add 10 drops of your chosen essential oil. You can mix and match to create your signature scent. In this example, we’re using five drops of rosemary and five drops of lemon for a refreshing fragrance.
  3. Shake the bottle well to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
  4. Measure out the appropriate amount of your DIY fabric softener. Use a quarter cup for high-efficiency washers and half a cup for regular washers.
  5. Add the fabric softener to the rinse cycle of your laundry, and let it work its magic.

Recipe 2: Epsom Salt and Baking Soda Fabric Softener

Epsom Salt and Baking Soda Fabric Softener

If you prefer an alternative to vinegar, this Epsom salt and baking soda fabric softener recipe is a great choice. It’s free from any chemical residues and has a delightful, natural scent.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. In a container, combine 2 cups of Epsom salts and half a cup of baking soda.
  2. Add 40 drops of essential oils to the mixture. Again, you can choose your preferred scents. Here, we’re using 20 drops of rosemary and 20 drops of lemon for a fresh aroma.
  3. Seal the container and shake it well to blend the ingredients thoroughly.
  4. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of your DIY fabric softener for each laundry load to the rinse cycle. Your clothes will come out feeling soft and smelling wonderful.
In Addition – Can You Put Fabric Softener on Wool Dryer Balls?

FAQ – People Also Ask

DIY Homemade Fabric Softener Recipes

Is homemade fabric softener as effective as store-bought ones?

Yes, homemade fabric softeners can be just as effective as commercial products in softening your clothes and reducing static cling. The key is to follow the recipes and measurements accurately to achieve the desired results.

Will my clothes smell like vinegar if I use the white vinegar-based fabric softener?

No, your clothes won’t smell like vinegar. The essential oils added to the white vinegar-based fabric softener will provide a pleasant and fresh fragrance, masking any vinegar scent. You can choose your favorite essential oils to customize the scent.

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

Yes, you can use homemade fabric softeners in HE washing machines. Just be sure to adjust your amount based on the recipe instructions. Use the recommended quarter cup of white vinegar or 2-3 tablespoons of the Epsom salt and baking soda mixture for HE machines.

Will homemade fabric softener damage my washing machine or pipes?

Homemade fabric softeners are generally safe for your washing machine and pipes. They are less likely to cause buildup and damage than commercial fabric softeners. However, cleaning your washing machine periodically is a good practice to prevent any potential residue buildup.

Can I use these fabric softeners on all fabrics, including delicate ones?

These homemade fabric softeners are generally safe for most fabrics, including delicate ones. However, always check the care label on your clothing items for specific instructions. If you have concerns about a delicate item, you can do a spot test on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure compatibility.

Are there any allergies or skin sensitivity concerns with homemade fabric softeners?

While these homemade fabric softeners are made from relatively safe and natural ingredients, some may be sensitive to essential oils or other components. Suppose you or your family members have allergies or skin sensitivities.

In that case, it’s a good idea to test a small amount of the fabric softener on a garment and check for any adverse reactions before using it on all your laundry.

How long can I store homemade fabric softener?

Homemade fabric softeners can be stored for several months if kept in a sealed container in a cool, dark place. Ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent evaporation of essential oils or moisture absorption by Epsom salts.

Can I mix different essential oils to create a custom fragrance for my fabric softener?

Yes! Mixing different essential oils is a great way to create a unique fragrance for your fabric softener. Experiment with different combinations to find the scent that suits your preferences best. Just be sure to stay within the recommended number of drops mentioned in the recipes.

Conclusion

With these two simple and cost-effective DIY fabric softener recipes, you can say goodbye to commercial fabric softeners’ chemical residue and overpowering scents. Whether you choose the white vinegar-based option or the Epsom salt and baking soda recipe, your clothes will be softer, static-free, and pleasantly scented.

Making your own fabric softener saves you money and reduces your environmental footprint by avoiding disposable plastic bottles. Try these recipes and enjoy the benefits of homemade fabric softeners. Thanks for reading, and happy laundering!

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