Today I want to share a easy recipe for Homemade Fabric Softener. This is another wonderful Pinterest idea, so I was so excited when I found it. If there's on thing I hate buying it's Fabric Softener. I love the scent it leaves on my clothes, but a good brand can be quite pricey.
I love making homemade cleaners, because they're so economical and they really do work. This recipe requires only three ingredients, hair conditioner, white vinegar and hot water.
For (1) gallon of homemade fabric softener it cost me $2.82. Pretty cheap if you ask me. How does it work you ask?
Well, I found that the homemade version doesn't leave a fresh scent like store bought fabric softeners. It definitely does the job and my clothes come out soft, but I do miss that wonderful fabric softener smell.
I still plan on using the homemade version, just not all the time. I'm going to use it on whites, t-shirts, undergarments and towels, because this is where it made a huge difference.
My towels no longer have that musty smell they get even after they have been washed and dried.
This recipe is definitely a solution to that problem. So, from here on out I will be using the homemade version on whites and towels and saving the store bought softener for the rest of our clothes. This recipe is a keeper in my book.
I have included a few step by step photos, so you can see how easy it is to make homemade fabric softener. Also one last note. If you're worried about the vinegar smell don't be, because by the time your clothes are dry the vinegar smell is gone.
I still plan on using the homemade version, just not all the time. I'm going to use it on whites, t-shirts, undergarments and towels, because this is where it made a huge difference.
My towels no longer have that musty smell they get even after they have been washed and dried.
This recipe is definitely a solution to that problem. So, from here on out I will be using the homemade version on whites and towels and saving the store bought softener for the rest of our clothes. This recipe is a keeper in my book.
I have included a few step by step photos, so you can see how easy it is to make homemade fabric softener. Also one last note. If you're worried about the vinegar smell don't be, because by the time your clothes are dry the vinegar smell is gone.
In large (microwave safe) bowl, mix the vinegar and hair conditioner together (it will look a bit clumpy). Place
the whole bowl in the microwave and heat for a minute or two.
This will ensure the ingredients will blend together more easily. Remove from microwave and stir. (I used a whisk). Add hot water and mix to make sure everything is blended. Pour mixture into a one gallon container and store in laundry room.
This will ensure the ingredients will blend together more easily. Remove from microwave and stir. (I used a whisk). Add hot water and mix to make sure everything is blended. Pour mixture into a one gallon container and store in laundry room.
Homemade Fabric Softener
Ingredients:
6 - cups Hot Water
3 - cups White Distilled Vinegar
2 - cups Hair Conditioner (any brand)
1 - Empty Gallon Container
1 - Empty Gallon Container
Directions:
In large (microwave safe) bowl, mix the vinegar and hair conditioner together (it will look a bit clumpy).
Place the whole bowl in the microwave and heat for a minute or two. This will ensure the ingredients will blend together more easily. Remove from microwave and stir. (I used a whisk).
Add hot water and mix to make sure everything is blended. Pour mixture into a one gallon container and store in laundry room.
Use the same amount you normally use in a rinse cycle (approx 1/2 cup).
Note: Add to fabric dispenser department, downy ball or directly in the second rinse cycle. Before each use give the bottle a good shake to mix it up.
Source: Hillbilly Housewife
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58 comments
My cousin makes this and loves it.
x for the great recipe!
It helps my regular fabric softener last longer by just using the homemade version for whites an towels and the regular softener on everything else.
That is correct if you want a strong scent you do need to add some essential oils. I can't use that with my daughters sensivity. I love it just how it is for whites, undergarments and towels. I use regular fabric softener on the rest of my clothes.
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I also make my own laundry soap and one batch lasts me 18-24 mths. We also use these types of recipes with vinegar for all of the household cleaning, the house is cleaner and no residue. Can't ask for more, and no chemicals/
The conditioner is added along with the vinegar as softening agent.
Thanks!!
would need to look in your owners manual for that information. I'm sorry I just don't know. Maybe if you go through the comments you might find a answer to that question as well.
Also, I've learned to soak a heavy washcloth in fabric softener (any kind), wring out, air dry (will make your laundry room smell nice as it dries), then throw in dryer. You will get up to 10 loads with this one wash cloth.