10 Natural Recipes for a DIY Fabric Softener (2024)

I love discovering ways to create my own natural fabric softener; it’s incredibly easy and cost-effective.

Here’s how I make an all-natural fabric softener:

• I grab my favorite essential oils for a fresh scent.
• I mix a few drops of essential oils with water.
• I pour this mixture into my washing machine’s rinse compartment.
• I let my washer do its thing, naturally softening my fabrics.
• I revel in the softness and freshness of my clothes without harsh chemicals.

Let me walk you through each step to make your own fabric softener:

First, I decide on which essential oils I want to use for my laundry. Lavender or lemon are my go-to scents for a relaxing and clean fragrance. Next, I simply prepare my mixture by adding around 4-6 drops of the essential oil to some water. This varies depending on how strong I want the scent to be.

Afterward, I pour my essential oil solution directly into the rinse compartment of my washing machine, just like I would with a commercial fabric softener. Then, I start my washing machine on the desired cycle and temperature.

Finally, once the cycle is complete, I take out my clothes, and they’re not only soft but also have a subtle, natural scent. It’s delightfully simple – no extra rinsing needed, and it’s gentle on my clothes and the environment. Plus, this process is super fast and saves me a lot of money compared to buying store-bought fabric softeners!

There’s nothing like taking laundry from the dryer and enjoying the softness and fresh scent of clean clothes. It’s not necessary to rely on commercial fabric sheets or liquid softeners that you buy at the store, however. Making your own homemade natural fabric softener is easy and environmentally friendly.

Natural alternatives have no strong chemical perfumes, no harmful ingredients, and are worry-free. “In my experience, all-natural fabric softener offers the same softness with a much more inviting scent,” says Annabelle Beck, a knowledgeable professional in home improvement. All-natural fabric softener offers the same softness, is light, and has a scent that is much more inviting.

It’s inexpensive and a great alternative to costly store-bought fabric softeners. How can you create a DIY natural fabric softener with simple ingredients? It’s easier than you may have thought.

Make Your Own Fabric Softener

You can discover the surprising differences between natural cleaners vs. chemical cleaners when you make your own fabric softener from easily accessible ingredients.

Creating All-natural Fabric Softener with Essential Oil

Some simple ways to clean your clothes naturally are to add essential oil to your washing machine right after your final rinse or during the rinse cycle. Aside from leaving a delightful smell in your load of laundry, essential oil can also purify the air in your home.

Pour essential oil into your HE washer and mix it with water. Regardless of the oil you use, you can always use essential oil over commercial fabric softeners. You can now use this liquid fabric softener along with your daily laundry soap.

Use Soap Nuts as a Fabric Softener

Soap nuts or soap berries are natural plant-based products that can be used to clean and soften fabrics. Its shells are essential for making homemade laundry detergent. These nuts provide Saponin compounds that foam during the rinse cycle.

To release as much Saponin as possible, use a crusher and mash the berries first. Add the crushed berries to the water and boil for 30 minutes. Cool for a few minutes and strain the solution. You now have your homemade detergent that saves money.

Homemade Dryer Sheets

Clothes can smell fresh and clean for the longest time with dryer sheets. Homemade dryer sheets can be a great alternative to cancer-causing products such as synthetic fabrics.

Cut old fabric into squares. Spray a few drops of scented oil of your choice over them. After your machine’s final rinse, toss your clothes with the sheets until dry. Dryer sheets are great liquid softener alternatives that can last for months.

Baking Soda Freshens and Softens

Another option for commercial cleaning products is baking soda. It can make your clothing brighter, whiter, and softer while preventing bacteria at the same time.

Pour regular detergent in a pail of water and dissolve it thoroughly. Detergent can prevent hard water problems better than soap.

Add baking soda to the mixture to make your laundry fresh and help lessen the use of artificial cleaning products. Remove leftover soap residue after the rinse cycle.

Wool Dryer Balls are Natural Fabric Softeners

DIY fabric softener also includes wool dryer balls. You don’t need to use a spray bottle, scoop, or pour anything into your load of laundry.

Add the scented oil (such as lemon essential oil) to the dryer ball and wait for about 20 minutes to make your clothes smell fantastic. You can also use tennis balls. Make sure the oil is fully absorbed, then throw a couple of dryer balls into the dryer along with your laundry.

Hair Conditioner Also Conditions Clothes

Hair conditioner is great on the hair. It works terrific on fabrics, too. Avoid the tendency of static cling in your clothing by using this cheap softener substitute.

Mix hot water and conditioner with hot water to dissolve conditioner clumps. Add 1/8 cup to your washer during the wash cycle.

Creating All-natural Fabric Fragrances with White Vinegar & Essential Oil

A cup of vinegar is known for bacterial protection and is also great for whitening and brightening clothes. Essential oils soften fabric in your laundry, too.

Add essential oils to vinegar. Shake well before using. Use your favorite essential oil flavors such as lavender, lemon, or peppermint.

Epsom Salt & Baking Soda Remove Foul Odors

Epsom salts and baking soda work well together. This combination is brilliant to remove bad odor without harming fragile fabrics.

Mix Epsom salt and essential oil and then add the baking soda. Pour the mixture in an empty container. You can add 2-3 tablespoons of this homemade laundry softener to toss with your clothes before rinsing to avoid static cling.

Epsom Salt & Essential Oils Leave Clothes Smelling Fresh

An excellent substitute for commercial fabric softener is fabric softener crystals. To form your own crystals with a natural scent, you only need two ingredients.

Mix Epsom salt and essential oil together. You can try experimenting with different scents. Add to the washer’s rinse cycle.

Creating All-natural Fabric Fragrances with Vinegar, Baking Soda, & Essential Oil

This recipe utilizes three popular household ingredients. The result is shocking!

Pour vinegar and essential oil in a large bowl and dissolve them thoroughly. Add baking soda quickly. Get your storage container ready and transfer the mixture.

Add this mixture to the dispenser in the washing machine until it reaches the fill line. Your homemade natural fabric softener will be released depending on the wash cycle you have selected.

How to Make Effective Fabric Softener that Saves Money

To save you money, go natural. All natural fabric softeners are proven to save the Earth and your budget. Create excellent fabric softener with these household ingredients.

Why Make Your Own Fabric Softener?

Even if you’re not concerned about spending money on commercial fabric softeners, consider the health and safety of your family and the environment.

Take a little time to make your own fabric softener and enjoy the same softness without worrying about the potential harm it could do to you and your clothes. In an uncertain world, you can depend on a natural fabric softener that works like magic!

Recipe for Homemade Natural Fabric Softener

Homemade Natural Fabric Softener

Yield: 20 ounces

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

An organic way to eliminate static cling.

Materials

• 25 drops lavender essential oil
• 16 ounces Epsom salt or kosher salt
• 4 ounces of baking soda

Tools

• 24-ounce jar with a lid
• Measuring cup

Instructions

1. Pour the oil and salt into the jar and shake well.
2. Add baking soda and combine thoroughly.
3. Use two tablespoons in the rinse cycle of your washer.

Notes

Substitute another essential oil if preferred.

I hope you liked our content about awesome homemade fabric softener recipes. Please feel free to share these DIY fabric softener hacks with others on Pinterest, Facebook, and other social media sites.