Discover the secret to soft, fresh laundry with our homemade fabric softener recipe! Easy to make with natural ingredients and eco-friendly, transform your laundry routine today.
Tired of store-bought fabric softeners laden with chemicals and artificial scents? Say hello to a greener, more budget-friendly alternative – the easiest homemade fabric softener!
With just a few simple ingredients, like a cheap bottle of hair conditioner, a few drops of essential oils and plain white vinegar, you can create a gentle, eco-conscious solution that leaves your clothes soft, fluffy, and wonderfully fragrant.
Our homemade fabric softener recipe offers a natural and effective way to keep your laundry soft and fresh without the harsh chemicals found in commercial products, perfect for sensitive skin.
Using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, you can customize your fabric softener to your preferred scent and sensitivity level. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to reduce waste and save money in the long run.
Learn how make your own fabric softener to leave in your laundry room today!
How to Make Homemade Fabric Softener
Supplies:
- 1/3 cups of your favorite scent of hair conditioner
- 1/2 cup of white vinegar
- 2 cups of warm distilled water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 10-20 drops of lavender essential oil
- 10-20 drops geranium essential oil
- Airtight container, like a mason jar
- Large bowl
- a measuring cup
- Whisk
- Funnel (if needed)
Instructions:
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, add the hair conditioner, vinegar and distilled water and whisk until well combined.
Step 2: Whisk in the baking soda and a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
Step 3: *Pour the mixture into your container.
*You can use this directly in your washing machine according to your manufacturer’s directions or if you are using reusable dryer sheets, you can add this to your container of dryer sheets.
Tips for Using Homemade Fabric Softener:
- Start with a small amount and adjust the concentration based on your preferences.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the maximum amount of fabric softener to add per load.
- If you have hard water, you may need to use slightly more fabric softener to achieve the desired softness.
- Shake well before each use to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Store your fabric softener in a tightly sealed container away from direct sunlight to preserve its freshness.
Natural Fabric Softener FAQs
How much homemade fabric softener should I use per laundry load?
Use up to 1 cup of homemade fabric softener per load of laundry in the fabric softener dispenser, just like you would with commercial fabric softeners.
Why do I need to use distilled water?
Using distilled water for making natural homemade fabric softener is recommended due to its purity, which ensures that the solution remains free from contaminants and mineral build-up. Distilled water provides a consistent base for the fabric softener recipe, allowing added fragrances or essential oils to shine through without interference.
While it may incur an additional expense compared to tap water, the benefits in terms of effectiveness and longevity make it a worthwhile choice for maintaining soft and fresh laundry.
Will homemade fabric softener work as effectively as store-bought options?
Absolutely! Homemade fabric softener can be just as effective at softening clothes and static reduction. Plus, it’s free from artificial fragrances and chemicals.
Can I use homemade fabric softener in all types of washing machines?
Yes, homemade fabric softener is safe to use in both a front-loading and standard top loading washing machine. Simply add it to the designated fabric softener dispenser or during the rinse cycle.
Check out the following recipes for homemade laundry products:
*This DIY Fabric Softener contains affiliate links, which I will receive a small commission for.
Do I use both essential oils or just one?
I can’t wait to give this a whirl!