I thought I’d share another Do It Yourself project I’m loving these days. A few months ago I found a recipe online and started making my own fabric softener! We do a TON of laundry around here and our endless piles are only going to grow as our family does. It kills me to spend so much money on a bottle of Downy fabric softener and I feel guilty as I fly through a bottle within just a short period of time.
This simple recipe is cheap and I have found it honestly makes no difference in the outcome of my laundry besides the fact that it’s scent is not as strong as what you get when buying store bought softener…which may not be a bad thing! After using it for several months, I had run out of the homemade fabric softener so I used some of the Downy I had left over from a while back to wash our sheets. Bret and I were both amazed when we crawled into bed that night at just how strong the scent was…almost too strong now that we were not used to it.
What you will need: 6 Cups Water, 2 Cups Hair Conditioner (I’m a sucker for the Suave Ocean Breeze Scent. You can use any brand/scent you like), 3 Cups Distilled White Vinegar, Measuring Cup, Long Spoon & 1 Empty Milk Jug (a funnel helps as well!).
Directions: In a clean milk jug, gently mix/stir together hair conditioner, water & vinegar. I’ve found using hot water helps break down the conditioner a bit better when stirring. I use the same amount of the homemade softener as I did the Downy and pour it right into the fabric softener dispenser of our HE washer. I scored the hair conditioner for under $1 (I’m sure with coupons and such you could get it even cheaper) and we all know how cheap vinegar is…not to mention it’s MANY uses and the fact that you’re just using a small portion of it with each batch you make. We’re looking at mayybe $1 for a jug of fabric softener which makes me one happy, money saving Mama!
I never have used dryer sheets. They’re so pricey and we would go through a ton way too fast. I’m a fan of the wonderful (but ridiculously smelly) Static Guard Spray on the rare occasions I have static cling. After reading online you can make you own “liquid dryer sheets” using your homemade fabric softener I thought I’d try it!
What you’ll need: A New Clean Sponge, 1 Container with Lid (that your sponge will fit in. I used an old yogurt container), Water & Homemade Fabric Softener.
Directions: Mix together one part fabric softener and three parts water. Drop in your sponge and you are good to go! Simply place your damp (not dripping) sponge into the beginning of each dryer cycle for a boost of freshness and to eliminate static cling! At the end of each cycle, your sponge goes right back into your “Liquid Dryer Sheets” container and is ready for the next use.
If you make your own fabric softener or have any tips to offer, I’d love to read about it! If you missed it, check out our Homemade Laundry Detergent & Homemade Baby Wipes/Makeup Remover Wipes!
Thanks for sharing Heather! I'm using your recipe for the laundry soap and now I'm going to try this!!! Looking forward to the savings! So proud of you for all that you are doing and the beautiful family you are raising! Love, Sis (AKA Aunt Beth)
ReplyDeleteI think I am going to try the detergent, so I might have to give these a try also...THANKS!! Not sure if you use the same detergent recipe I am planning to, but I will look for yours.
ReplyDeleteI currently use softener (liquid and sheets) from Dollar Tree and have been very happy.
ReplyDeleteI have used this recipe for the fabric softener and I loved it! I tweeked it a little bit and went on ebay bought some essential oils from TheOrgaincWitch and wow! I bought some lavender and sweet orange oil and put about 20 drops each in the final product and mixed it all up and it was wonderful! I also have some peppermint and lemon too and cannot wait to try those too. It also helps if you boil the water and while that is coming to a boil put the conditioner and vinegar in a bowl and microwave it for about a minute or so and when its done you hardly even have to stir it. I know you can buy pretty cheap fabric softener but there is nothing like people commenting on how nice you smell and you being able to tell them its because you made it. :)
ReplyDeleteRapid Sheet Dryer-We are offering rapid sheet dryer. For shortening the drying time of wet pulp or paper samples before deciding the dry weight or wet content. supplied with flat heating components.
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