June 13, 2019
DIY Fabric Softener
Most conventional fabric softeners and dryer sheets are not only toxic but they also coat the fibers making clothes and towels harder to clean because they build up with 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’m right there with you – I want my laundry to smell clean and fresh. This simple DIY does just that – keeps your laundry smelling fresh and bonus, it also freshens your washing machine. I’ve known for quite a while that conventional laundry products had harmful chemicals and fragrances in them. When I started researching for my latest book, Clean Mama’s Guide to a Healthy Home, I was expecting to find more of the same information that I was already familiar with. What I found was worse than I was expecting. The most disturbing revelation? All the ingredients in laundry products are in constant contact with our skin. We can’t get away from it – it’s on our bodies, in our bedding, and in the air in our homes.
This is such a simple and inexpensive way to soften and freshen your laundry, it almost seems too simple. I encourage you to give it a try – I’m guessing its effectiveness will surprise you.
You’ll need:
- white vinegar
- container to store vinegar – I use a 16 ounce bottle with a pump to easily dispense it into the dispenser – find the bottle, pump, and label here in my shop.
- funnel if you’d like
Add 1/4 cup of white vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser or one of those fabric softener balls. I add vinegar to every load of laundry. Not only does the smell completely dissipate but it also keeps your washing machine fresh. I love this for sheets and towels – it will make your towels unexpectedly soft and fluffy.
QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE:
Will my clothes smell like a pickle? No, as long as you add it to the beginning of the cycle or in the fabric softener dispenser you won’t be able to detect even the faintest scent of vinegar.
Is vinegar safe in washing machines? Vinegar is a 2-3 on the pH scale which means that it is an acid but it’s not corrosive or toxic like bleach. Bleach is at the end of the alkaline scale which means that it’s highly corrosive. I have not found any evidence that vinegar isn’t 100% safe to use in washing machines. In fact, the appliance repairmen that have been at my house marvel at how clean my washing machine is – no gunk or build-up. When I tell them that I use vinegar to soften clothes and clean the washer, they say, ‘Keep using it!’
Why would you want to switch to vinegar as a fabric softener? Most conventional fabric softeners and dryer sheets are not only toxic (read more here from EWG.com), but they also coat fibers making clothes and towels harder to clean because they build up with fabric softener. That same fabric softener also builds up and coats the inner workings of your washing machine. 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.
Want to see my safe laundry routine? Head to this post where I share 4 simple swaps for all your laundry.
What do you think? Ready to try a different approach to softening your laundry?
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Janet Says
So you said you like the smell of dryer sheets and softener…do you just add the vinegar with the softener? Or just add the vinegar and it doesn’t smell so you then have naturally fresh smelling laundry? I’m a bit confused 😐 I do love vinegar in my laundry-especially helps with old wet towel smells and sports bag nastiness!
b r Says
Post authorThe white vinegar IS my fabric softener BUT it makes everything smell fresh!
Naomi R Chatterley Says
Do you use hot or cold water in the laundry and what would you recommend for those who live in apartment and do not have washer dryer available to them and have to laundry mat it up every week ?
b r Says
Post authorI use mostly warm and cold and hot to disinfect. If you use laundromat, take advantage of being able to wash multiple loads at the same time. It can be a good thing 🙂
Angela Says
I’m confused. You still use the fabric softener but you add vinegar to it to keep it from coating fibers? If you mean to JUST use vinegar, then how will the clothes have that “fresh laundry” smell?
b r Says
Post authorThe white vinegar IS my fabric softener BUT it makes everything smell fresh!
Samantha Says
Thanks for sharing! I switched my fabric softener to white vinegar last year and haven’t turned back! It gets the smell out of my towels, gym clothes, and I feel like my sheets feel softer without the overwhelming scent of some softeners.
hazel Says
I like to use vinegar too. Yes it smells when you put it in the washing machine (it’s vinegar, isn’t it?) but the result is worth it.
Anne Says
I’ve been following you for a few years now so consequently, I have been using White Vinegar as my fabric softener for awhile. I am not crazy about the scent of vinegar (or bleach) so I scent my vinegar with Lavender Essential Oil.
Amy Says
I made the switch to vinegar a while ago and am so happy I did. To add a bit of scented freshness, I add a few drops of essential oils to the vinegar. I like lemon and clary sage but I mix it up, so experiment to find your favorite. Just be sure to shake a bit each time before dispensing into the washer. I haven’t had any issues with our clothes or machine from using the oils. They make doing laundry more enjoyable.
Kelli Says
Putting the vinegar in a fabric softener ball, such as a Downy ball, will still work without making your clothes smell like vinegar? It will open up in time for it to get everything rinsed out? We don’t have the tray that does in the little drawer to separate softener/bleach/detergent anymore because someone threw it away thinking it wasn’t important…
b r Says
Post authorYes, it will work just fine!
Bonnie Gwilliam Says
Do you pump 2 times into your dispenser for 1/4 cup? Just wondering how accurate you need to be dispensing the vinegar into your fabric softener dispenser.
Scarlet Says
Hm! Cool trick! I hadn’t heard of this one and I love that vinegar not only softens but cleans the machine too! I will try this tomorrow when I do my laundry. Thanks.
Ann D Says
I just received your laundry soap and whitener. The instructions for use are rather straightforward, use 1 scoop or two but I don’t see what size scoop to be used. Can you be specific on what size to use for both products? Tablespoon? 1/4 cup? Thanks
b r Says
Post authorThank you Ann! Each product includes a scoop inside the bag 🙂
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Nadine Jackson Says
Two questions: Put the vinegar in the wash water or rinse water? And, I keep 6% vinegar on hand for cleaning shower/bath, etc. Use the same amount as regular white vinegar or a bit less?
Clean Mama Says
Post authorIt goes in the rinse cycle or in the rinse compartment and I use 5% vinegar but 6% should be fine!
Dawn Marie Says
Are you using cleaning vinegar or regular distilled vinegar (like the white vinegar used in food recipes)?
Clean Mama Says
Post authorJust regular white vinegar – 5% acid