How to Make Liquid Fabric Softener

Vinegar's benefits don't just apply to kitchen-related tasks.

Store-bought fabric softener not only costs a considerable amount of money, it may also be harmful to your health. The toxicity of fabric softener ingredients has resulted in the leaders of some cities, such as Tucson, Arizona, to recommend that residents use natural fabric softeners instead of commercially available products that potentially harm wildlife and exacerbate allergy and asthma symptoms. Keep your money in your wallet and your health at its peak by making liquid fabric softener with safe, readily available ingredients.

Things You'll Need

• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Large bowl
• Spoon
• Cold water
• Old bottle with lid

Instructions

1. Mix 2 cups white vinegar and 2 cups baking soda in an old fabric softener bottle that has a lid.

2. Add 4 cups of cold water to the vinegar/baking soda mixture as it fizzes. Swish the mixture around to disperse all ingredients evenly.

3. Pour one-quarter cup into your washing machine at the beginning of the rinse cycle.

Tips & Warnings

• To use fabric softener in your dryer instead of your washer, sprinkle several drops of homemade liquid fabric softener onto a wash cloth and place the cloth into the dryer as you would a store-bought dryer sheet.

References

• Binghamton University: Sustainability -- Recipes
• City of Tucson Office of Conservation and Sustainable Development: Environmental Health -- Individual Actions