How to Use Fabric Softener for Other Purposes

Fabric softener can be a handy, multi-faceted tool around your home. Its uses are nearly endless. Let fabric softener make your life easier by helping you remove wallpaper, eliminate static shock, clean hairspray residue, clean cookware, keep paintbrush bristles soft, untangle hair and combat water stains.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Remove old or unsightly wallpaper. Find a 1 qt. container and fill it with water. Mix in 1 capful of liquid fabric softener. Dip a sponge into the solution and apply to the wallpaper. Wait 20 minutes. Use a scraper to peel the wallpaper off the wall.
2. Put an end to static shock on your carpet. Combine 1 part liquid fabric softener with 8 parts water in a spray bottle. Shake the bottle and lightly mist the carpet. Leave the solution to dry overnight. Enjoy static-free carpets for weeks afterwards.
3. Clean hairspray residue from mirrors and walls. Combine one part liquid fabric softener and two parts water in a spray bottle, mist the affected area and use a clean paper towel to wipe away the residue.
4. Fight grime and food buildup on cookware. Add a few drops into the soaking cookware and clean away the loose grime 1 hour later.
5. Soften paintbrush bristles. Clean the brushes after use like normal. Find a coffee can and fill it with water. Add a few drops of liquid fabric softener. Dip the paintbrushes into the mixture, rinse with clean water, dry and store.
6. Make unyielding, new jeans wearable. Put your jeans into the washer with a capful of fabric softener. Start the cycle and stop it once the washer fills with water. Allow the jeans to soak overnight. The next day, complete the washing and rinsing cycle.
7. Reduce soap suds in a washing machine. Add a capful of fabric softener whenever you see too many suds.
8. Untangle your hair. Get a disposable cup and fill it 1/3 full of water. Put liquid fabric softener in the cup. Add the mixture to your hair after shampooing. Brush while completely rinsing the fabric softener out of your hair.
9. Beat hard water stains. Apply undiluted liquid fabric softener onto the hard water stain and wait 10 minutes before using a wet towel to wipe the fabric softener and residue away. Rinse the surface.
10. Keep vinyl shower curtains and liners separate. Combine a capful of fabric softener in a spray bottle filled with water. Mist the curtain and liner to reduce cling.
11. Dab a bit of liquid fabric softener onto your dusting rag and wipe hard surfaces for extra protection against dust accumulation.

Tips & Warnings

• Pre-treat water-resistant wallpaper by scoring it with a wire-bristle brush.
• You may need to experiment to find the right balance of fabric softener and water for your hair. Thick, curly hair may need more fabric softener in the mixture to see results, while fine hair will need less.

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