Note that the essential oil is not necessary. The vinegar is the component responsible for softening clothes. It strips away residue on your clothes that would otherwise make them stiff, and it has properties that can break down some of the minerals found in hard water supplies. If you do decide to use essential oils, you can use any scents you want.
Do not add the fabric softener to the machine before its primary wash cycle. Pour the rest of the fabric softener into a storage container. Make sure that this fabric softener is labeled so that you do not accidentally use it for another purpose. Shake or stir well to before each use to make sure that the essential oil and vinegar have not separated as it sat.
Note that the baking soda will not dissolve, but it should be completely soaked. This homemade fabric softener is often praised by people who have hard water. Baking soda regulates the pH level in your rinse water, preventing it from becoming too acidic or too alkaline. It also cancels out mineral deposits, like those found in hard water. These mineral deposits are often responsible for making clothes stiff.
The vinegar will react with the baking soda, causing a fizzy chemical reaction. Do not pour the vinegar too quickly or you will end up with a mess. Vinegar strips soap and residue from clothing and also helps to soften hard water. Some believe that the vinegar and baking soda cancel each other out, making them ineffective. The salt that is produced from the chemical reaction acts as a buffer in the rinse cycle, however. Moreover, many of the elements that help soften clothes remain in the solution even after the reaction occurs.
If using essential oils, 25 to 30 drops should be sufficient. If using scent booster, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup (60 to 125 ml) of the crystals to your water and stir until dissolved. [1] X Research source Scent booster is usually found in the laundry aisle. It is not a natural product, so it may not be preferable from an ecological sense, but it will lend your fabric softener a pleasant scent and may save you money in the long run.
Do not add the fabric softener to the machine before its primary wash cycle. Pour the rest of the fabric softener into a storage container. Shake or stir well to combine before each use.
You can use any hair conditioner you want for this method. To make it more cost effective, choose a cheap brand. Since there are many varieties and scents of conditioner available on the market, your scent options are nearly endless. Note that this is not an “all natural” solution, but it is quite effective. The vinegar strips aways stiffening residue and the conditioner softens fibers.
Do not add the fabric softener to the machine before its primary wash cycle. Pour the rest of the fabric softener into a storage container. Shake or stir well to combine before each use.
Cotton works well because it is a natural fiber and relatively breathable. Avoid fabrics with fibers that are spaced too tightly together. Also avoid synthetic fabrics. You can use a rag or old piece of cloth for this, but make sure that the material you use is clean.
Let dry slightly. The cloth can be moist, but it should not be dripping wet by the time you add it to the dryer. The vinegar is the only element in this fabric softener formula that lends itself to actually softening your clothes. It may not be as strong as a liquid fabric softener using vinegar, but some of the effects should still remain.
The essential oil will give your clothes a pleasant yet mild fragrance. You can technically use this method without the use of essential oils, but since the softening effects are less powerful than a liquid fabric softener alternative, it would make more sense to take advantage of the deodorizing and re-scenting abilities of this method.
Each dryer sheet can be used for two or three loads, but you may need to refresh the scent by adding 3 drops or more of the essential oil before use. Refresh the softening properties by giving the sheet another quick spray of vinegar.
Stir well until all of the essential oil has been spread over and absorbed by the salt. You can use any scent of essential oil you want to use. If desired, you can even combine scents to create your own unique fragrance.
Alternatively, you could leave the baking soda out altogether and add it to your machine separately during the wash.
Only use 2 to 3 Tbsp (30 to 45 ml) of the fabric softener crystals. If you did not add baking soda to the crystals, you can add up to 1/2 cup (125 ml) of baking soda in conjunction with this fabric softener per normal load of laundry. Do not add the fabric softener crystals to the start of the washing cycle, before the washing part actually takes place. Only add it to the washing machine during the rinse cycle.
