How to Make Chemical-Free Fabric Softener

Commercial fabric softeners reduce static and soften our clothes, but they may adversely affect health and the environment. If you suffer allergies, have sensitive skin or want to reduce chemicals in your home, making your own chemical-free fabric softener is an easy transition. As common kitchen ingredients are all you need to soften fabrics, you will find homemade fabric softener cost effective and simple to make. Homemade softener works just as well as commercial products, and you can even add your own scent.

Things You'll Need

• Baking soda
• Essential oil (optional)
• White distilled vinegar

Instructions

1. Add 1/2 to 1/3 cup of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to the washing machine before starting the wash cycle. The baking soda reduces static while also whitening and deodorizing your clothes.

2. Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil---of any scent you desire---to 1/2 cup of white distilled vinegar, and stir.

3. Pour the vinegar and essential oil mixture into your washing machine during the rinse cycle, or add it to the fabric softener compartment of the machine. The vinegar will soften fabrics and only leave the scent of oil. However, if you do not use essential oils, the scent of vinegar will not cling to clothes.

4. Dry your clothes as usual. If you line dry your clothes, tumble them through the dryer for 5 minutes before hanging them. Otherwise, the excess water may stiffen sunned clothing.

Tips & Warnings

• For additional static removal, add a crumpled piece of aluminum foil to the dryer. You can use 1 cup of natural hair conditioner in place of vinegar. You can add more drops of essential oil to increase scent.

Resources

• Global Campaign Toxicity Brochure
• Toxic Chemicals in Fabric Softener
• Frugal Fabric Softener Tips