How to Make Homemade Fabric Softener
Learn how to make your own homemade fabric softener with simple natural ingredients so you can save money and reduce the amount of harsh chemicals you use.I know what you’re thinking, “Who has time to make their own fabric softener? I barely have enough time as it is!” Believe me, I understand. But this homemade version of liquid fabric softener will save you money and leave your clothes smelling fresh and clean. You can’t beat that!
If you’re looking for an alternative way to clean your clothes without using store bought fabric softeners then read on!
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Laundry comes out feeling soft and smelling great with fabric softeners, made from ingredients that reduce the amount of static cling in synthetic fibers. The vinegar in this recipe is a great way to rinse the soap residue, dirt and grime off your wash clothes.
This homemade fabric softener has only a few simple ingredients like a cheap bottle of hair conditioner, a few drops of essential oils and plain white vinegar. The best part about this natural homemade fabric softener is that the fresh scent lasts longer than fabric softener crystals!
If you have sensitive skin, the artificial scents of regular fabric softener may exacerbate allergies.
Make a batch of this DIY recipe for natural fabric softener to leave in your laundry room today!
Homemade Fabric Softener Recipe
Supplies:
- 1/3 cups 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.
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?
Hard water contains minerals and chemicals.
Check out the following recipes for homemade laundry products:
- Homemade Dryer Sheets
- Homemade Laundry Soap
- Wool Dryer Balls
*This DIY Fabric Softener contains affiliate links, which I will receive a small commission for.
Pair Your Homemade Softener with a DIY Scent Booster!
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Comments
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Heres a better idea. Use liquid fabric softener INSTEAD of your hair conditioner. Mix it 50/50 with water in a bottle. Keeps down static electricity in your hair and makes it soft and smells great. I’ve used it since I was a teenager and that was a long time ago.
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Here is my experience using fabric softener as hair conditioner in the 70's as a teen. One of my brothers, all older than me (I am almost 66 now) is a retired fashion designer. As he worked with other designers and models during fashion shows back home in NYC, he shared a tip with me when I was a teen in the 70's. For the model's hair the designers would advise the models to apply liquid fabric softener rather than hair conditioner to their hair. The fabric softener however is not absorbed by the hair strands but rather lays on top of strands, heavily coating them and making the hair not just feel silky but appear silky and super healthy as it reflects the light better. A personal choice of use, it is not advised as a long term or routine hair treatment as it does weigh heavy on hair and isn't absorbed into strands. Regular after shampoo hair conditioners also coat the strands yet they are a thinner consistency and lightweight, rinsing out while some of the product remains absorbed into strands as well. Applying fabric softener on model's hair was done to achieve an instant healthy look and maximum shine under light, especially stage lights. I myself have used it as well in my teens and once when I was out of my usual after-shampoo conditioner, however found it too heavy to use on my thick Italian hair on a regular basis, plus the perfumes in the fabric softener are not the most healthy to use on hair.
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
I'm concerned with all the chemicals ( so many are dangerous to our health) in hair conditioners. The cheaper ones especially, are usually chock full of these chemicals. Now they will be coating the clothes next to our skin. Could I just use Vinegar mixed with the essential oils? Would that work perhaps?
Just...no. True essential oils (ie, oil NOT in a carrier oil) is hard to get. They are called "oils" but there is nothing oily about them. Test it between your fingers. If it feels oily don't use it. Vinegar cuts soap & oil, so why mix it with any kind of oil or conditioner? I have used vinegar alone in the rinse cycle for years and never had a problem, but I only wash for two adults, so probably less loads per week/month than a family.
I buy a big bottle of vinegar. I add 10-20 drops of lavender essential oil, shake it up. Done. I use 1/4 cup to a load. Easy, quick, economical.