Homemade Fabric Softener
If you've run out of fabric softener and want to make up a batch on the fly, or you are looking to replace store bought completely, this recipe is a great replacement. Conditioner and vinegar are something we probably all have in our homes at all times so you will almost always have all ingredients on hand. I pulled a bottle of conditioner from my stockpile and didn't even miss it. Choose any scent of conditioner you love, for me its lavender.
Homemade Fabric Softener Ingredients
- 2 cups (15 oz), Hair Conditioner
- 3 cups, Distilled White Vinegar
- 6 cups, Hot Water
It does not need to be boiling, but hotter than tap water. I heat mine in microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Homemade Fabric Softener Directions
- Pour hot water into your container, add your conditioner and stir, stir, stir.
- Add in vinegar and give it a few more turns with the spoon.
- Store in a lidded container with a measuring cup in your laundry area so its ready to go.
Cost Comparison
If you purchase a bottle of conditioner and vinegar, your still under $3 with lots of vinegar left over for your next several batches. You can use that vinegar in other things too. Not only does it work well as a fabric softener, here are some other benefits:
- Lint repellant.
- Dissolves alkalines.
- Loosens some stains.
- Brightens colors.
- Helps remove buildup.
- Reduces static cling.
- Removes musky smells.
Don't forget to save this on Pinterest for later!
Find MORE Household Cleaning Recipes HERE
Try this Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent Recipe to round-out your list of homemade laundry products!
Try this homemade liquid laundry detergent recipe to save even more!
Homemade Fabric Softener
Make your own Fabric Softener with this recipe. One big batch cost around 50 cents and works great!
Ingredients
- 2 cups (15 oz), Hair Conditioner
- 3 cups, Distilled White Vinegar
- 6 cups, Hot Water
Instructions
- Pour hot water into your container, add your conditioner and stir, stir, stir.
- Add in vinegar and give it a few more turns with the spoon.
- Store in a lidded container with a measuring cup in your laundry area so its ready to go.
This is great to know! How much do you put in?
Currently I’m using fabric softener mixed with water – soaking sponge pieces in it – and putting in dryer with clothes (homemade dryer sheets).
Will this work to do the same thing?
Thanks for your help.
Libby, that works too!
If you are wanting a fabric softener with No chemicals, then diluting it with water does not get rid of the chemicals.
You could mix Epsom salt with EO’S and put from 1/2 to 1 cup of it in your wash.
Also a cup of White Vingar works very well and makes your towels fluffy.
They is No smell.
I also use 3 wool balls in my dryer keeps clothes don’t also.
Chemicals don’t go away by diluting them, you need to take them out of use.
What does “EO’s” stand for and what are “wool balls”? Thank you kindly for your all natural / no chemical advice!!!
Also, what are the measurements of the Epson salt and EO?
EO = Essential Oils
My friend told me that she added essential oils to her laundry and the oils ruined her crepe blouse. Does anyone have a remedy or solution to eleminate this?
Hi. Thanks for the recipe! Can’t wait to try it.Was wondering how much you would add to a regular load of laundry? Thank you!
How Much Do You Use?
How much do you use per load?
How much do you use per load?
Hi! how much do you suggest I put in per load?
How much do you recommend using per load of laundry
I just made this and am wondering how much to use per load. Would it be the same amount as other fabric softer? Can’t wait to try this!
Hi, How much do you use per large load?
How much do I use? I have an HE washer will it still work?
How much of this homemade fabric softener do you use per load of clothes?
I’d love to make this.How much do you use for each load?
Thanks for this recipe. I just made some scented ocean spring. Did I miss where it tells how much liquid fabric softener to put in the washer?
Would this be a 1:1 with detergent?
How much of this fabric softener do you use per load?
How much do you use in each load?
Thanks for sharing….this works better than Downy!
how well does this work in HE washing machines?
How do you get the fabric softener to turn purple? Does this have a scent?
Any conditioner? Or is there any you recommend?
How much do you use in each load or how big of a measuring spoon? Thank you, Debra
How much do you use per load?
Love your tips and I’m looking forward to reading more.
Thanks
How much fabric softner to you use in a front load machine? Thank you
How much do you use per load?
How much fabric softener do I use per load? I usually do large loads.
How much of the softener do I use for each load of laundry in my high efficiency washer?
I made this for the first time to try out. But was so watery. I thought maybe it separated and shook it up, but was still the same. I guess I was thinking it would be thicker like other softeners.
How much do you recommend using in a large load?
Is this combo for softener good for HE dryers as well??
How much do you use in your wash?
Will this recipe for the homemade fabric softener act like a commercial one as far as spotting?
You say to put a measuring cup with it but not what size. I’m using a 1/4cup measure hope it’s the correct size!
I was going to try this recipe. Do I use a full cup? You just say measuring cup.
Thank you
Hi. Just made this. And first off thank you for the recipe. Will this thicken up after 24 hours? Thanks
How much do u use per load of laundry?
I made this for years, love it!
I don’t see where it says how much to use in each wash load. 1/4 cup? 1/2 cup?