Wayyy back in the day, I posted here on the blog about a simple way to make your own fabric softener. The recipe was basically just water, white vinegar, and hair conditioner. At the time, I just used whatever hair conditioner I happened to have on hand. But a few months later, my sister Rebecca (author of Camp Wander) put her own twist on that original recipe.
When she made a batch for herself, she used a particular kind of Suave conditioner that’s scented with rosemary and mint. The resulting fabric softener smelled amazing, and turned a “pretty good” idea into something really special! Not only does this homemade fabric softener work every bit as well as the store-bought ones, but it’s very affordable to make. You can find the Suave Rosemary + Mint Conditioner at most grocery and big box stores for just a couple dollars. Plus, the scent is pleasant without being overpowering (which is an issue I’ve run into in the past with some store-bought fabric softeners.)
If you have yet to find a fabric softener that you love, I highly recommend giving this one a try! (And if you’re interested in exploring more money-saving laundry solutions, be sure to check out my eBook The Homemade Laundry Guide! You can buy it in my shop, or download it for free if you’re an OGT Plus member!)
Rosemary Mint Fabric Softener
Ingredients:
- 6 cups water
- 3 cups white vinegar
- 2 cups Suave Rosemary + Mint Conditioner
Directions:
Add the water, vinegar, and hair conditioner to a large bowl or container, and stir to combine. (You don’t want to shake it; it will cause foaming.)
How To Use
Add 2 Tbsp (1 oz) of fabric softener to your wash cycle for smaller loads, or 1/4 cup (2 oz) for larger loads.
Alternatively, you can pour 1/4 cup of the fabric softener onto a clean washcloth and toss it in your dryer like a dryer sheet!
Give It Away!
I like this particular fabric softener so much that even given it away as a gift in the past! I just poured some of it into mason jar and attached a tag with some cute string. (You can find the adorable jar tags pictured in these photos over at Cottage Industrialist. They are free to download!) :-)
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Oh myyy! Another amazing Jillie hack!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ve switched my laundry soap from unscented Costco laundry detergent to the mail subscription Dropps brand. I use their boosters, too, and love both. But the (powered) fabric softener is sooo scented, I can barely stand to even have the little holder box open. (and I LOVE scent, just wayyy to strong) So I’m using store brand fabric softener. I’ve hesitated in making homemade, because really? Wouldn’t hair conditioner leave a film on clothes? (yes, I realize the vinegar would cut it) But then I thought…lol…and (sarcastically) store brand doesn’t leave a film, PLUS any other additives they throw in there?!?!
I’m making your recipe today! Thank you!
Can you use a different brand of hair conditioner and also can you use this in HE washing machines?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Yes – any conditioner will work, and you can use this in an HE washer :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you! Making it this week!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.When I first tried your fabric softener recipe, the Rosemary Mint conditioner is what I used. It is absolutely fantastic! I have also used VO5 Island Coconut conditioner (mainly because you can get it on sale for about $1). Very light smell that doesn’t overpower.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Any problems with this staining your clothes?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Nope!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.This recipe looks amazing! What are your thoughts on putting sponges in the container with fabric softener and throwing the sponges in the wash?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.That’s a great idea!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ve used sponges that I cut into smaller squares, stored in jars of the homemade fabric softener and squeezed out and just tossed them in the dryer. After the load is dry I toss them back into the jar of softener. Works fantastic
Please log in or create a free account to comment.In Australia what type of conditioner can be used? Thanks
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Any kind can be used – just choose something with a nice scent :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you for all of your absolutely wonderful ideas and recipes! I have really enjoyed everything I’ve made so far. I’m a major fan. Thank you!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you, will try.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks Jillie. More power to you. :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I wonder if you could pour it in a spray bottle and give the load 3-4 sprits in the dryer before turning on?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have really bad allergies to chemicals in laundry, cleaning, and makeup products. Do you think I could tolerate this?
Spritzing is a great idea! This fabric softener is very gentle – I think it would be great for your sensitive skin!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I made 1/2 the recipe to try out. Sounds great!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Add it during the rinse cycle or add it to the “fabric softener” tray. :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.It’s just like a dryer sheet!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Yes!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Been making similar for years. use varied kinds of Suave conditioner. Increase the recipe and Fill an empty gallon white Vinegar jug. Lasts me almost 1 year with my HE washer.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Do you put it in the softner dispenser? I know that sounds obvious but thought I would ask
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’m not familiar with wool dryer balls, but I’m going to research it right now. Thank you!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I love this tip. Just wondering, does it also alleviate static cling? Softening is great, but I REALLY don’t want static.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.It does.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Yes, it does prevent static cling!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Either way works wonderfully!
Thanks Jillee–Love this new twist on your former recipe. Love all your money saving laundry and cleaning tips. I refuse to buy commercial fabric softener or detergents as homemade is cheaper and safer
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