I wanted to tackle laundry. I’ve made homemade laundry soap, how about Homemade Dryer Sheets and Fabric Softener?

DIY Fabric Softener

Many people will find that when you make your own laundry soap, there’s little need for a fabric softener.  But, for those who would still like to use some type of fabric softener, there are ways to make your own instead of spending money on products with tons of harsh, dangerous chemicals.  Here are some options.

Option 1 – Vinegar

• Add 1/2 cup of vinegar during the rinse cycle.  This will help the soap to fully rinse from the cloth.  If you are already using a washing soda/borax laundry soap, then this is your best option, since the recipe below would be redundant.

IMPORTANT: Never use vinegar with bleach.  It creates a very poisonous gas.

Option 2 – Baking Soda and Vinegar

• 1 cup baking soda
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 10-20 drops essential oil of choice (optional)

In a large container, mix baking soda and water until baking soda is pretty much dissolved (it probably won’t dissolve fully).  Add vinegar slowly because there will be a chemical reaction giving off carbon dioxide, which is harmless, and it will bubble up.  Add essential oils of choice (optional).

Add 1/3 cup to each load during rinse cycle or add to your fabric softener cup if you have one.

IMPORTANT: Never use vinegar with bleach.  It creates a very poisonous gas.

Option 3 – Hair Conditioner Method

For those of us who shy away from the chemicals in your everyday store bought hair products, this may not be an option.  On the other hand, there are a lot of you who are moving in that direction, but are looking for money saving tips right now.  As mentioned in Best to Worst Non-Organic Products for the Body there are conditioners that are better than others in terms of ingredients.   Here’s the recipe:

• 2 cups conditioner
• 3 cups vinegar
• 6 cups hot water

Mix all ingredients together.  Store in air tight container.  Use 1/2 cup per load.

IMPORTANT: Never use vinegar with bleach.  It creates a very poisonous gas.

DIY Dryer Sheets

This is my preferred method for fabric softener.  I do not buy dryer sheets.  I don’t use anything in the drier during the summer (you’d be surprised at what you actually need and don’t need).  There are usually only static problems during the winter.  Even then, I use this homemade method.

Vinegar and Baking Soda Dryer Sheets

• 1 cup baking soda
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 10-20 drops essential oil of choice (optional)

Mix above in a large container.  Be careful, the chemical reaction between the baking soda and vinegar will cause the mixture to bubble.  This is why you need a nice sized container to mix.

Use Option 1: Pour in a spray bottle.

Spray clean rag, old wash cloth, or whatever you have handy with about 20 sprays of above mixture.  OR pour a bit of mixture onto rag and throw into the drier with your laundry.

**If you hang your washing outside.  You can always bring in your wash when it is still a bit damp and throw it in the drier with the damp rag to soften – especially those towels that stand by themselves after being hung out to dry

Use Option 2: Prepared Cloths

Cut cotton cloth into 6x6in squares.  Fold and put into glass jar.  Pour mixture into jar submerging cloths.  When it’s time to put one in the dryer, take one out and squeeze excess back into the jar.  Use and reuse.

Don’t forget that you can Make your own Laundry Soap TooSave