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Most conventional fabric softeners and dryer sheets are not only toxic (read more here from the Environmental Working Group or EWG.com), but they also coat fibers making clothes and towels harder to clean because they build up with the fabric softener. If you love your fabric softener and dryer sheets and love that scent that’s associated with clean laundry, you probably don’t want to make the switch to something natural if it’s unscented. I have 4 natural alternatives that are not only inexpensive, they’re natural, non-toxic AND they work. Combine them to suit your needs or just use one – you’ll be a natural fabric softener user in no time.
VINEGAR (soften) – Simply add 1/4 cup of white vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser or one of those fabric softener balls. I love this for sheets and towels – it will make your towels unexpectedly soft and fluffy. If you need a little scent, feel free to add 20-30 drops of your favorite essential oil(s) to about 16 ounces of vinegar. Shake before each use because the oils will separate from the vinegar and you don’t want any oil on your laundry. I keep my white vinegar in a glass bottle (this is the same bottle that comes with my spray bottles if you’re interested.)
WOOL DRYER BALLS (reduces static and can lightly scent if you use essential oils) – Wool is naturally antibacterial making it awesome for using in the laundry. Place 3 wool dryer balls in with each load of laundry. Wool dryer balls will last up to 1,000 uses making this an inexpensive dryer sheet alternative. Put a couple drops of essential oil on each ball if you’d like a little scent.
DIY LAUNDRY SCENT BOOSTER (adds scent) – if you love those commercial scent boosters this is the recipe for you! It’s definitely more subtle but I’ll take subtle and safe any day. (You can see more instructions on this post.)
- 1-2 cups epsom salt (depending on how much you want to make)
- 20-30 drops essential oil – I love lavender and lemon for this recipe
- mason jar (available in Clean Mama Home)
Add 1 tablespoon of the Laundry Scent Booster directly to the washer and wash as usual.
DIY FLANNEL MINI DRYER SHEETS (adds scent to the dryer) – If you need to use a dryer sheet, this is the perfect alternative.
- 20 or so small pieces of flannel or cotton (I used these bamboo cotton ones – they are fabulous!)
- 20-30 drops essential oil
- mason jar (available in Clean Mama Home)
Add the ‘dryer sheets’ to a container and add essential oils. Keep the lid off until the ‘sheets’ have completely dried – at least a day or two. Add a sheet or two to each dryer cycle – wash and refill when the scent has dissipated.
I purchased the chalkboard sticker label and pen set from Amazon here if you’re interested.
FAVORITE LAUNDRY SCENT COMBINATIONS
If you love essential oils or are just getting started, here are a couple of my favorite combos – try one for your laundry, you’ll love it! Find essential oils in my shop here.
What do you think? Ready to hop on the DIY fabric softener train? I bet you’ll never look back!
More posts in this series – just click on the image to go to the post and check out my books, Simply Clean, and The Organically Clean Home:
Doris Says...
Are thes specific woolen dryer balls you use in the dryer, or do regular tennis balls work as well?
JL Says...
Woolen balls. Many brands out there. Tennis balls have toxic glue holding them together. A no-no when coupled with heat in the dryer. Yes, in a pinch when you need to thoroughly dry down comforters, etc. but imho, I would not use it daily on my clothing.
Chris Says...
Tightly wind and tie off a ball of woolen yarn if you don’t want the expense of buying the purpose made wool balls.
Anne Says...
You already know how much I love both the Laundry Scent Booster ( mine’s Lavender- childhood memories of my grandmother in England) and Lavender Scented Vinegar. Have not used the artificial stuff in 3 months. I am anxious to try the diy fabric softener squares and I have seen the wool dryer balls a number of times. I want to get the wool ones but I already have 4 of the blue rubbery ones so I keep coasting.
Truly love your ideas and recommendations. Thank you Becky/ Clean Mama
Su Says...
You can make your own dryer balls out of an old woolen sweater. Cut in strips, wind into a ball, soak in hottest water and throw in the dryer. Voila – cheap dryer balls!
Michelle Says...
Any tips for top loaders without the typical “agitator”? I have a king size top loader and I find my clothes isn’t coming out clean! If my son’s sock is inside out, I find (after a load) that that sock is still hard and crusty and smelly!! As if!
Any suggestions would be much appreciated! Thanks!!
K.s. Pierce Says...
I found the same thing when my old faithful washer kicked the bucket. I had two different brands delivered and sent them both back. I now have a front loader that I’m not in love with, but at least it gets the clothes clean most of the time. If I could have found a washer with an agitator I certainly would have bought it.
Lisa P. Says...
I just started using your laundry scent booster since you posted it. I mixed mine with peppermint and love it. I can’t wait to try these other natural alternatives, too. Thank you for sharing your endless ideas and helping me create a healthier environment for my family!
Erika Says...
When I stopped using fabric softener I found most of our clothing has a musty odor. Do you have any suggestions on getting rid of the musty odor? Thank you so much! Love all your advice!
Laura Says...
Add Vinegar to your rinse cycle and don’t let anything stay piled when damp (including a pile in the washer or dryer). I have also had really good luck with using oxy-clean odor busting powder (add to the drum before clothes). Good to get the initial smell out, then maintain with the vinegar as above.
Marge Sweigart Says...
Such an interesting article, Becky! I already use vinegar for my towels and whites, but you’ve convinced me to expand my natural laundry horizons a bit. The scented laundry booster is next. I already have the ingredients on hand, so no excuses. And I really want to try those wool dryer balls, too. I’m adding those to my Amazon wish list. Pinning this article to my laundry tips board and sharing on my Facebook page. Thanks!
Debbie D Says...
We winter in Mesa, Arizona, where typical humidity is less than 20%, causing everything including my hair to have ferocious static. The wool dryer balls really work to prevent that static on all our laundry; towels, sheets, clothes. That alone, along with being “green” is worth the price and they last a really long time, versus 1 dryer sheet per load at any cost. Once in a while I’ll add 2-3 drops of essential oil to each ball. Hope you’ll try them and like them,
Kelly Says...
Thanks for the great tips! I’m excited to try them:) Do you use equal amounts of the essential oils for the laundry scent combinations you suggested above? For example, equal parts lavender and eucalyptus? Thanks!
Erin Says...
I too am curious how many drops of each oil to put into the mix
Meré Says...
If you use white vinegar directly in washer without oils, does the smell linger, I just got a new LG washer that has compartment for fabric softener, I’m afraid oils with stick to the tub and damage something in the long run that will void warranty.
Also do you add booster directly to sheets and towels or do you add it in compartment also.
Thanks you
Becky Says...
Post authorThe smell dissipates once the cycle has completed – the booster goes in the tub.
Jennifer Harper Says...
Hi Becky,
I have been using your book for several years (and have given copies to my friends and family), and I have only used vinegar as a fabric softener in the washing machine that I bought when we moved into the sustainable house we built in 2013. Within the last year, the enamel on the inside top of the Maytag Bravos XL has been peeling and rusting. No liquid directly touches this, though steam can reach it. I have never had this happen before, and I feel like the vinegar has done this. Is there any way to protect my machine, or is there any other organic/non-toxic fabric softener that can be used?
Thanks!
Jennifer Harper
b r Says...
Post authorHi Jennifer! I did a quick google search and it seems like this is a widespread problem with the Maytag Bravos washing machines. I would contact Maytag and see if you can get the drum replaced. I would not correlate the vinegar to this issue 🙂
Hayley Says...
Thanks for the tips, tried this recently with washing my work cloths and they smell amazing.
Nancy Blskemore Says...
Do any of the diy fabric softeners bother micro fiber cloths?
Becky Says...
Post authorI never use any softener with microfiber cloths 🙂
Lauren Says...
I was wondering why you use Epsom salt instead of baking soda? Does it work better or is better for clothes? What’s the difference between the two? Thank you!!
Becky Says...
Post authorYou can use baking soda in the laundry but for this purpose, Epsom salt is the best method – it’s just a vehicle for the scent. Baking soda will soften which you may/may not need 🙂
Carol Says...
Doesn’t the essential oils get on the clothes?
Becky Says...
Post authorNope!
Cris Says...
A question about vinegar fabric softener, if i don’t have a dispenser in my machine and we have just been pouring laundry detergent directly to clothing, should i just directly pour this softener on clothing as well? Im just beginning to make a move to all natural cleansers at home. Thank you
Candice Says...
Are these safe for baby’s/children’s clothes as well?
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tootie Says...
Hi , i wanted to no if anyone happen to no of any Room Spray/ Air Freshener Recipes made with Essential Oils
MaryJo Says...
What’s your opinion on using homemade lemon vinegar? I’ve read you store white vinegar with fresh cut lemons for a while then strain. Will the lemon vinegar harm fabric?
b r Says...
Post authorHere’s how I make lemon vinegar:
https://www.cleanmama.net/2015/12/how-to-make-scented-vinegar.html
Yes, you could use it in laundry but I prefer plain distilled in my laundry.
Liz Says...
I make my own dry laundry detergent and add commercial crystals for some scent. Can I just add your scent booster to my batch of detergent?
b r Says...
Post authorI’m not sure what’s in the crystals but I am guessing it would be ok.
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Wendy McCauley Says...
The link for the cotton pieces you use for dryer sheets comes up with nothing, I’m very interested in where to purchase those.
b r Says...
Post authorThis is where I got them from:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/207921744/20-reusable-3-facial-rounds-white?ref=shop_home_active_5&crt=1
Molly Says...
I can’t wait to try eucalyptus and lavender. How many drops of each for the spa quality?
b r Says...
Post authorIt depends on what you are wanting to use it for – if it’s the laundry freshener with the epsom salt – 10-15 drops of each.
Jen Says...
I love, love, love everything about this post!!! I can’t wait to try out some of these recipes and purchase some of your cute labels!! Thank you!!!
Stephanie Says...
I’ve been frustrated with the way my laundry has smelled for quite some time. I’ve been using natural detergents and products for years but I missed the amazing scent of the artificial stuff. Today I came across this article and immediately went out to buy the items needed. I just did laundry after adding vinegar with lavender and lemon oils and I even threw in lavender epsom salt with lemon oil for good measure – made ALL the difference. Thank you! My laundry smelled great and everything was so fluffy and soft. I can’t thank you enough for such simple techniques!
b r Says...
Post authorWonderful! I’m glad this worked so well for you Stephanie!
Suzanne Says...
Can you use the cleaning vinegar as your white vinegar to soften your towels?
Clean Mama Says...
Post authorYes!
Cat Roccaforte Says...
I use 3 wool dryer balls in my dryer and still have static. What am I doing wrong?
Clean Mama Says...
Post authorYou’re probably over-drying – try drying for less time.
Janis Says...
I added a sweet orange essential oil to my wool dryer balls, and my white towels got yellow dots all over them! ???? What essential oils do you recommend that won’t transfer to clothes? Thank you!
Clean Mama Says...
Post authorDid you let the balls dry thoroughly before adding to the dryer?
Bethzaida Perez Rodriguez Says...
So excited to try all of these fabulous recipes. My daughter go as Green as she can so I know she will is going to be so happy.
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