Many preppers are switching over to homemade laundry detergents. That’s because DIY detergents offer the same cleaning power without the chemicals, toxins and artificial scents that commercial brand ones have. And the good news is the same goes for DIY fabric softener.
Homemade fabric softeners are great because they don’t add fake odors to your clothes, and don’t leave behind that weird chemical softness. In fact, all-natural fabric softeners can actually make your clothes feel softer and cleaner than commercial brands!
We’re passionate about helping you live (and prep) in the healthiest way possible. That’s why you’re about to discover…
7 All-Natural DIY Fabric Softeners
Wool Dryer Balls
This is one of the most simple and effective homemade fabric softeners. That’s because all you have to do is toss a couple wool dryer balls into your laundry (add a few drops of essential oil to them first, if you desire) and you’re done.
Better yet, they’re reusable! Each one will last you up to 1,000 loads. Can’t get much better than that!
Vinegar + Essential Oil Spray
All you need for this simple recipe is 2 cups white vinegar, 3 tsp eucalyptus essential oil, and a clean spray bottle. Combine the oil and vinegar into the bottle, screw on the lid, and shake vigorously.
To use, spray about 10 squirts directly onto the wet clothes before starting the dryer. Make sure the clothes dry completely to get rid of the vinegar smell.
NOTE: Stick to 10-15 squirts. If you go beyond that, you likely won’t be able to get rid of the vinegar smell using the dryer alone.
Baking Soda
This one’s super easy. Simply sprinkle 1/2 cup baking soda in during the rinse cycle of your washing machine.
Homemade Crystals
For super soft laundry the natural way, simply combine 4 cups Epsom Salts with 40 drops of your favorite Essential Oil. Mix them together. Store the crystals in an air-tight container. Use about 2 Tbsp of the crystals when washing your clothes.
Epsom Salt + Baking Soda
For this recipe, you’ll need:
- 2 cups Epsom Salt
- 20-30 drops Essential Oils
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- Marker
- Container with air-tight lid
First, combine the Epsom Salts with the Essential Oils. Then add 1/2 cup baking soda. Once thoroughly combined, store in the air-tight container. When ready to use, add 2-3 Tbsp of the mixture to your wet clothes before rinsing.
Vinegar
Here’s a great DIY solution. Simply splash/spray a little vinegar into the washing machine before the rinse cycle starts. Your clothes will come out soft and fluffy.
Vinegar + Baking Soda + Essential Oils
For this recipe you’ll need:
- 6 cups vinegar
- 15 drops essential oil
- 1 cup baking soda
To make, add the vinegar into a large bowl. Then add the essential oils. Next, add the baking soda and wait for the fizzing to die down. Stir thoroughly, and pour into an air-tight storage container. When it’s time to do laundry, add 1 cup of the mixture per load, right into the fabric softener dispenser in your washing machine.
Know of any more recipes for DIY fabric softeners? Share with your fellow preppers in the comments below.
