Commercial fabric softeners are often full of chemicals that can lead to skin irritations and even respiratory allergies.
It may seem trivial, but it’s important to consider how long our clothes stay in contact with our skin. We also have to consider how expensive they are!
For this reason, many people are opting for more natural and economical alternatives. In this article, we’ll show you how to make a homemade fabric softener that’s kind to your skin, your pocket, and the environment.
How to make homemade fabric softener
Making your own fabric softener is simpler than it sounds and requires ingredients you probably already have at home. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how to do it:
Ingredients:
- 200 grams of baking soda
- 500 ml hot water
- 250 ml white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- Essential oil to taste (optional)
Procedure:
- Dissolve the baking soda: In a large bowl, dissolve the 200 grams of baking soda in half a liter of hot water. It is important that the water is hot so that the baking soda dissolves completely.
- Add the vinegar: Gradually add the 250 ml of white vinegar to the water with baking soda. Do this slowly to avoid too strong a reaction, as the mixture will bubble at first. This reaction is normal and is a sign that the ingredients are combining properly.
- Add the sea salt: Add a tablespoon of sea salt to the mixture and stir well. Sea salt helps to soften the water and improves the effectiveness of the softener.
- Essential oil: Although vinegar has a strong smell, it disappears once the clothes dry. If you want an extra scent, you can add 5 to 10 drops of your favorite essential oil. Not only will the essential oil bring a pleasant fragrance, but it can also have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Use:
- Dosage: Use about 1/2 cup of this homemade fabric softener in each wash load. You can add it directly to the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine or during the rinse cycle.
- Storage: Store the fabric softener in an airtight container and shake it well before each use.
Additional Benefits:
- Budget-friendly: All the ingredients are inexpensive and you probably already have them at home.
- Natural: This fabric softener does not contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin or cause respiratory problems.
- Effective: Despite being homemade, this fabric softener leaves clothes soft and smelling fresh.
Making your own homemade fabric softener is a great way to take care of your health, your finances, and the environment. Go ahead and try it and enjoy its benefits!