Say goodbye to harsh chemicals in your laundry routine and embrace a natural alternative by crafting your own fabric softener using just two simple ingredients: white vinegar and essential oils! A few years back, I transitioned to a homemade fabric softener that not only smelled delightful but also resembled the commercial fabric softeners available in stores. Although it performed well, the ingredient list was filled with unpronounceable chemicals. This prompted me to seek a more natural solution, and I finally discovered one that I adore. Plain white distilled vinegar serves as an excellent natural fabric softener. The best part? It’s incredibly cost-effective! During the winter months, when static cling becomes a nuisance, I prefer to use a liquid fabric softener alongside wool dryer balls. These dryer balls are a fantastic, budget-friendly alternative to conventional dryer sheets. I also utilize vinegar as a versatile cleaning agent for my dishwasher, floors, and as an all-purpose cleaner.
Why Use Liquid Softener Anyway?
- Soften Fabric: Fabric softeners coat the fibers of your laundry with a thin layer of chemicals that provide a lubricating effect. This process reduces friction between the fibers, resulting in a noticeably softer and smoother feel, particularly for items like towels, sheets, and clothing that might otherwise feel stiff post-wash.
- Reduce Static Cling: Fabric softeners help minimize static electricity buildup in your clothes, which is particularly beneficial for synthetic fabrics.
- Minimize Wrinkles: The lubricating properties of fabric softeners also contribute to wrinkle reduction. Softer fibers are less prone to creasing and folding tightly.
- Fresh Scent: Many laundry softeners come with a subtle fragrance that we all love! This scent helps mask any lingering odors from washing, leaving your garments smelling fresh and clean once dried.
- Aid in Ironing: Fabrics that have been softened are generally easier to iron, as the iron glides smoothly over the material.
I Heard Vinegar Isn’t Good For the Washing Machine!
Some sources warn that excessive vinegar use can deteriorate hoses and potentially cause leaks, especially in front-loading washers (commonly referred to as high-efficiency washers). Personally, I have been using this mixture regularly without any issues. It’s also worth mentioning that some laundry experts attribute this concern to vinegar’s acidity. On the pH scale, vinegar measures around 2.4, while traditional fabric softeners (like Downy) typically measure about 3.0, depending on the scent. Considering the minimal difference, I prefer to take my chances with vinegar and avoid the additional chemicals found in conventional softeners.
Does White Vinegar Work as Good as Commercial Fabric Softeners?
White vinegar effectively softens clothes and fabric fibers by eliminating soap buildup and mineral deposits from hard water. As a result, your laundry will feel just as soft and fluffy as if you had used store-bought fabric softeners, and there won’t be any lingering vinegar odor.
Other Benefits of Using Vinegar in Laundry
- Mildew Odor: While softening your clothes, vinegar also helps eliminate unpleasant smells. The gasket around the front loader door often traps moisture and detergent residue, leading to musty odors in washing machines.
- Stain Remover: For treating stains, combine undiluted distilled white vinegar with a tablespoon of Dawn dish detergent. Apply this mixture to the stained area 30 minutes before washing. You can also create a larger batch and store it in a spray bottle in your laundry room.
- Cleaning Cycle: To deep clean your washer, ensure no garments are inside. Pour 2 cups of vinegar into the fabric softener compartment and run a hot water wash cycle. After it’s finished, wipe down the inner gasket to remove soap residue, mildew, and other build-up. For top loaders without a compartment, simply add the vinegar directly into the washer.
What You’ll Need To Make 2 Ingredient DIY Vinegar Fabric Softener
- Glass bottle: I recommend picking one up from Amazon.
- Bottle of vinegar: Use only white distilled vinegar. Apple cider vinegar won’t work for this purpose! Distilled white vinegar is free from natural plant dyes (tannins), ensuring it won’t stain your laundry.
- Essential oils: For this recipe, I chose DoTerra Serenity with Lavender, but feel free to use your favorite essential oil.
How to Make Vinegar Fabric Softener
Step 1: Measure out 4 cups of white vinegar and pour it into your glass bottle.
Step 2: Add 10 drops of your chosen essential oil.
Step 3: Shake well, and you’re ready to use it!
To use your vinegar fabric softener: Add 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup to the fabric softener compartment at the start of each wash cycle. If your machine lacks a compartment, simply add the mixture to a fabric softener dispenser.
Best Practices:
- Avoid adding the softener to the incorrect compartment.
- Never mix vinegar with chlorine bleach. This chemical reaction can produce toxic chlorine gas that is harmful to inhale.
- For garments with elastic, consider using a conventional fabric softener or a smaller amount of vinegar softener, as acetic acid can weaken the fibers over time.
- Avoid mixing with hydrogen peroxide, as this creates a corrosive substance.
- Undiluted vinegar may potentially bleach dark-colored clothes.
Common FAQs
Is vinegar and baking soda a good fabric softener? It is not recommended to use baking soda alongside vinegar or as a substitute for fabric softener, as baking soda will negate the benefits offered by the vinegar.
Is vinegar safe to use on all types of fabrics? Yes, diluted vinegar is generally safe on most fabrics, except those with a lot of elastic. However, it’s always advisable to conduct a patch test on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure there are no adverse effects.
How much vinegar should I use? A common guideline is about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of vinegar per load of laundry. Adjust the amount according to the size of your load.
Can I use vinegar fabric softener on towels? Absolutely! Vinegar fabric softener is great for towels, helping to maintain their softness and absorbency while eliminating any old, musty smells that may linger after drying.
In conclusion, using a DIY vinegar fabric softener with essential oils is an affordable, easily accessible option that is a fantastic way to replace chemical-laden cleaning products.
More Vinegar Cleaning Tips and Hacks:
- Lemon Vinegar Cleaner
- Homemade Lemon Vinegar Gel
- The Ultimate List of Vinegar Cleaning Hacks
- 10 Great Uses for Vinegar