Dolly's Homemade Fabric Softener
2 Materials
$.50
5 Minutes
Easy
What can you make with a little bit of hot water, white vinegar and hair conditioner? Join me today as I show you.
I use my wool dryer balls for most of my laundry as a fabric softener. They work so well, but, I need a fabric softener for use with my hand washables. I don't dry those. This is a quick and inexpensive fabric softener for those times when you don't have or use the store bought.
What You Need:
Hot Water
White Vinegar I used White House
Hair Conditioner the inexpensive kind found at the dollar store. I used Suave Naturals in Waterfall Mist scent. It is the closest to the Downy, I think.
*A quick note:
You don't need the hair conditioner and could use for scent an essential oil of your choice. I just happen to have quite a supply of these hair conditions purchased when they were all the rage in making fabric softeners and don't want to waste them.
* Actually you don't need a scent, I just hate the smell of vinegar even though it disappears with time.
I made the small mix today because that is all I need for now.
It only takes a minute to heat some water and mix these three ingredients to make a quick fabric softener.
I've included a printable mixture card. You can make several sizes to suit your laundry needs. Most of you know that I use wool dryer balls for most of my laundry, but there are times when you need a liquid softener. I use this on my hand washables that can't be put into the dryer.
You can make larger batches the choice is yours.
I made the small batch today because it is convenient for me, and stores easily.
**The small batch fits into a 1 quart container or canning jar with lid. There is enough room for shaking a little before use as well.
***You can cut the hair conditioner in half as well and it still will give a lighter softening.
Use 1/8 - 1/4 cup per load
depending on the size of the load.
Please join me over at Hibiscus House for lots of cleaning mixtures that work!
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Comments
Join the conversation
3 of 61 comments
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I always put a clean dry hand towel in with my dryer load..Clothes dry faster and come out soft...I have NEVER used fabric softner any form or fashion...lol
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Thank-you!! Gonna try!
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I wonder what the dry hand towel has in it that softens? I love the wool dryer balls it makes the laundry dry quicker. I'll give your idea a try. Thanks
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
How do you get built up soap and fabric softener out of dishtowels? I have a water saver washing machine and use fabric softner sheets. Overtime I think it builds up. I like the idea you posted and do want to try it.
Just curious...I've used a similar recipe for awhile, but it just calls for water, not hot. Any reason this needs specifically hot water?
Does it fade the clothes at all ?