Homemade Fabric Softener for Use in Your Washer

I had previously posted about using aluminum foil balls in your dryer to reduce static cling.  They do not, however, make your laundry any softer.  My husband doesn't like all the waxy build up from commercial softeners and I don't like all the artificial fragrances and other toxins.  Here is a simple, inexpensive softener that does work! Give it a try!


Homemade Fabric Softener For Use in Your Washer

Ingredients:  

1/2 cup baking soda

3 cups distilled white vinegar

4 cups water, divided

Equipment:

Large plastic bucket to mix ingredients (non-metallic and larger than 1 gallon)

A plastic container to store your fabric softener (you can use an old milk jug, I used a dollar store pitcher)

Funnel

Optional, goggles

Instructions:

Measure 1/2 cup baking soda and place in a plastic bucket.

Add the 2 cups of water and mix with the baking soda

VERY, VERY slowly add the vinegar to your bucket:  the vinegar and baking soda will start to fizz.

The add the remaining 2 cups of water and swirl to mix.

Using a funnel, transfer the softener to your storage container (pour slowly)

I taped on the ingredients and instructions on the pitcher so I can easily make more and remember how much to use.  (I can also re-use the pitcher later if I choose to)

How to Use:

With the lid OFF your bottle, swirl the fabric softener to mix.  For an older model machine, use 1 cup of fabric softener in the final rinse cycle.  For my newer HE machine, I use only 1/2 cup. This can be used in a downy ball.  

Notes:

• NEVER swirl or shake your fabric softener with the lid on your bottle....it might  explode
• You can add 2 or 3 drops of an essential oil for fragrance if you'd like before you add the softener to your machine.