One of the best DIY products I’ve begun making since starting the blog is my own homemade laundry detergent! It’s easy to make, is better for my clothes and skin, and saves me “loads” of money. In addition to detergent, I’ve also made a lot of other DIY laundry-related products, including a bunch of ideas for fabric softeners.
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Here is a collection of my favorite DIY ways to soften fabric:
I started by making my own fabric softener crystals. I love using these, especially as an ingredient in my detergent. They add a nice, fresh scent to the laundry and are so easy to use. But, they can be pretty pricey to buy at the store!
My DIY version couldn’t be easier. Just combine epsom salts and your favorite essential oil – I chose lavender. You can learn more about making your own fabric softener crystals here.
After you have made your own fabric softener crystals, all you need are a couple more ingredients to make your own liquid fabric softener!
Take 1/2 cup of crystals and mix them with 1 cup warm water. Stir them until the crystals dissolve.
Place 1 cup of baking soda into a large container – a container that will hold at least 8 cups of liquid, with some extra space for shaking.
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Very slowly, add 6 cups of white distilled vinegar. I would suggest warming the vinegar in the microwave first. You don’t need it super hot, but the baking soda will dissolve more easily if it’s a little warm. Stir the two ingredients until they combine.
Now, add the fabric softener crystals and water to the container. Put the lid on and give it a good shake! It will separate when it sits, so shake before each use. Add half a cup per load of laundry. The liquid fabric softener works great, and adds a nice, fresh scent.
This fabric softener works really well softening fabric. The baking soda regulates the pH level of the rinse water, which counteracts the stiffening effects of mineral deposits and leftover detergent. The vinegar actually removes soap residue, softens water and reduces static! I just love vinegar!
The fabric softener crystals provide the scent, but I would go with store-bought crystals if you want the classic fresh-scent! Essential oils definitely provide a more subtle smell.
While I do love the liquid fabric softener recipe, I have to say that my favorite fabric softener method is using dryer sheets. They are just so convenient! Fortunately, it’s really easy to use any liquid fabric softener to make your own reusable dryer sheets!
I just placed clean eight rags directly into the container with my homemade fabric softener (you can use store bought as well.) There will be a lot of extra liquid, but just wring out each towel before hanging it, and save the rest of the fabric softener for making more later.
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Let the fabric softener-soaked towels hang to dry, and then store them in the laundry room. Just add a towel to the dryer with each load, and reuse the rags over and over (at least a dozen times each!) before re-soaking them.
You can use any kind of rag you like, recycle some old dishcloths, or even use coffee filters (although they are better for one-time use!)
Here are a couple more DIY fabric softener/static reducer ideas:
Felted Wool Dryer Balls actually speed up your drying time while they soften fabrics, reduce static cling, and they’re great for fluffing up pillows, puffy vests, blankets, etc. :-)
Rebecca’s Rosemary Mint Fabric Softener is SUPER easy to make, and it smells so nice! :-)
What fabric softener method do you prefer?
Categories
Homekeeping Laundry