A lot of people automatically reach for fabric softener to make their clothes soft. Regular fabric softeners contain chemicals. This can damage your clothes, be harsh on your skin, and harm the environment. We’re sharing 5 natural fabric softener alternatives to get your laundry soft again.
1. Using Dryer Balls
Dryer balls are easy and effective. These balls, made from wool, help your clothes get softer during the drying process by letting air circulate better in the dryer. This means your laundry dries faster and comes out with fewer wrinkles.
Dryer balls work by fluffing up your laundry, which can cut drying time by 10 to 25%. This not only saves energy, but also helps your clothes last longer. You'll notice your clothes stick together much less and the fibers feel softer after using dryer balls.
The big advantage is that they're reusable. And unlike disposable dryer sheets, they don't contain any chemicals, making them safer for people with sensitive skin. Just toss them in the dryer with your wet laundry and they do the rest. After using them, you'll notice right away that your clothes feel softer.
2. Vinegar as a natural fabric softener
Vinegar is also easy and affordable. It removes detergent residues, making your fabrics feel softer. You can use regular white vinegar, which you can find in almost any supermarket.
How do you use vinegar?
Add half a cup (about 120 ml) of white vinegar to the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine.
Do you have an older washing machine model without a fabric softener compartment?
Then add the vinegar during the final rinse cycle.
Vinegar also helps neutralize odors, so it's especially great for towels and sportswear. Plus, vinegar prevents limescale buildup in your washing machine, which helps your machine last longer. If you want your washing machine to last longer, then read this blog.
3. Baking Soda (Bicarbonate of Soda)
Baking soda is a simple and effective fabric softener. It acts as a water softener and neutralizes odors, so your laundry comes out not just softer, but also smelling fresh. This is especially handy if you have hard water, which can make your clothes feel stiff.
How do you use baking soda?
Add half a cup (about 100 grams) of baking soda to your washing machine, either directly in the drum or in the detergent drawer. Wash your clothes as usual. Baking soda helps neutralize minerals from hard water and makes your detergent work even better.
It prevents detergent residue from building up on your clothes, leaving your laundry cleaner and softer.
4. Epsom salt and essential oils
Epsom salt is a natural way to soften your laundry. It works by neutralizing minerals in hard water, making your clothes feel softer. Just add about 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt to your washing machine during the wash. Get 650g of Epsom salt at Kruidvat for just €4.49. That's enough for 43 loads of laundry.
Want to give your laundry an extra fresh scent? Just add a few drops of essential oil* to the Epsom salt.
* Please note: only use the essential oil in the washing machine and not in the dryer, as this could be a fire hazard.
5. Homemade Fabric Softener with Conditioner
When you make your own fabric softener, at least you know exactly what's in it. By mixing hair conditioner with vinegar and water, you get a natural way to soften your laundry.
What do you need:
- 6 cups of water
- 3 cups of white vinegar
- 2 cups of hair conditioner (pick a scent you love)
How do you make it?
- Mix the water, vinegar, and conditioner well together in a large bowl. Stir gently so it doesn't foam up too much.
- Pour the mixture into a sealable bottle or container.
How do you use it?
Add a small amount (about ¼ cup) of the mixture during your washing machine's rinse cycle, just like you would use your regular fabric softener.
Natural fabric softeners are healthier and eco-friendly. With options like dryer balls, vinegar, baking soda, and Epsom salt with essential oils, you can easily make your laundry softer without any harmful chemicals. Another option worth trying is laundry strips. Laundry strips are natural, super easy to use, and make your clothes soft—no need for a separate fabric softener. Whether you go for dryer balls or laundry strips, the most important thing is finding a method that’s better for your clothes and the planet.
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