How do you make laundry softener?
Make your own all-natural laundry softener for an effective and affordable way to get soft clothes—without the toxic chemicals found in most commercial softeners.
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Why create a DIY laundry softener?
Basic ingredients for homemade laundry softeners
With the right laundry softener recipe, you won’t have to buy a commercial fabric softener again!
Why make laundry softener?
Store-bought fabric softeners contain harsh chemicals that leave spots on clothes, reduce towel absorbency, and interfere with fire safety in kids' pajamas. They also build up in washers and dryers, leading to mold growth or malfunctioning dryer sensors—and these are just a few of the disadvantages of store-bought fabric softeners.
An Environmental Working Group study reports that fabric softeners contain a potent combination of chemicals that harm health, damage the environment, and pollute indoor and outdoor air. Some concerning ingredients include:
- Quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), which trigger asthma and may be toxic to the reproductive system.
- Phthalates, which disperse scents.
- Synthetic musks such as galaxolide, which accumulate in the body.
- Preservatives such as methylisothiazolinone, a potent skin allergen, and glutaral, which trigger asthma and skin allergies.
- Artificial colors, some of which have been linked to cancer.
Homemade fabric softeners fix these issues—they cost less, help the environment, and protect sensitive skin.
Crafting your own laundry softener puts you in control of the ingredients. The result? Softer clothes without the drawbacks of commercial products.
Basic ingredients for homemade laundry softeners
Homemade laundry softeners can be made with just a few simple ingredients. You’ll be able to have soft and fresh smelling laundry without exposing your clothes (or family) to harmful chemicals.
With a little know-how, household items can be transformed into effective DIY softening solutions for your laundry needs.
White vinegar
White vinegar offers several benefits when used in laundry. Here is why it is great:
- Breaks down mineral deposits from hard water
- Dissolves soap residue left by commercial detergents
- Cuts through grease and grime
- Works best on sturdy fabrics like cotton, linen, and denim
- Leaves no residue, preventing dirt attraction and machine buildup
- Safe for most fabrics and sensitive skin
- Cheap, readily available, and environmentally friendly
All these properties make white vinegar an effective and natural alternative to traditional laundry additives.
Essential oils
Essential oils offer natural fragrance and antibacterial benefits for laundry, a chemical-free alternative to traditional fabric care products.
- Provide natural scent for clothes
- Work well with most fabrics, especially natural fibers like cotton and linen
- Many oils (tea tree, eucalyptus, lavender) have antimicrobial properties to combat odor-causing bacteria
- Break down naturally without leaving harmful residues on clothes or in water systems
- Can be mixed to create unique scent blends
- Some oils, such as citrus varieties, boost cleaning power and cut through grease
Note: use essential oils sparingly in laundry, as they are potent and can stain fabrics if not properly diluted.
To learn more about using essential oils in the laundry, check our in-depth guide.
Baking soda
Baking soda functions as a natural fabric softener and odor neutralizer in laundry. Its benefits include:
- Balances pH levels of wash water to soften clothes
- Neutralizes acidic odors in fabrics
- Breaks down molecules that cause unpleasant smells
- Removes dirt and grime without damage to fibers
- Improves detergent performance
- Dissolves in water without residue
- Effective on all fabric types, especially towels and workout clothes
- Inexpensive and readily available
- Environmentally friendly and non-toxic
- No contribution to water pollution
Epsom salt
Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, serves as an unexpected but effective fabric softener in laundry. Here is why:
- Relaxes fabric fibers for softer clothes
- Reduces soap scum buildup in washing machines and on clothes
- Prevents color fading by setting dyes more effectively
- Soothes skin irritations, good for sensitive skin or conditions such as eczema
- Particularly effective on synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon
- Acts as a natural water softener, improving laundry results in hard water areas
- Helps detergents work more efficiently
- Reduces mineral deposits on fabrics
- Maintains natural texture and absorbency of towels and athletic wear
Hair conditioner
A hair conditioner can double as an effective fabric softener because of its composition. Its benefits for laundry include:
- Smooths and softens fabrics, especially delicate ones like silk, wool, and fine cotton
- Moisturizing agents lubricate fabric fibers, reducing friction
- Improves softness of rough or stiff materials
- Surfactants reduce static cling, particularly in synthetic fabrics
- Transfers pleasant scents to clothes
- Provides a cost-effective way to scent laundry
- Less likely to build up on clothes or in washing machines than commercial softeners
- Works well when used sparingly
- All-natural products minimize the potential buildup
How do you make laundry softeners with white vinegar?
To create homemade laundry softener with white vinegar, you’ll need:
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Ingredients |
Tools |
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Once you have everything gathered, follow these steps:
- Mix white vinegar and water in equal parts.
- Add essential oils (if desired) for fragrance.
- Pour the mixture into a bottle or jar.
To use your homemade solution, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the mixture to your washing machine's fabric softener dispenser during the rinse cycle.
How do you make laundry softeners with baking soda?
To create homemade laundry softener with baking soda, you’ll need:
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Ingredients |
Tools |
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1 cup baking soda 6 cups warm water 10–15 drops of essential oils (optional) |
Large mixing bowl Whisk or spoon Airtight container Measuring cup |
Once you have everything gathered, follow these steps:
- Combine baking soda and warm water in a mixing bowl.
- Stir until the baking soda dissolves completely.
- If you want, add essential oil for a pleasant fragrance.
- Transfer the mixture to an airtight container.
To use your homemade solution, add 1/2 cup of the mixture to your washing machine's fabric softener dispenser during the rinse cycle.
How do you make laundry softeners with Epsom salt?
To create homemade laundry softener with Epsom salt, gather these items:
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Ingredients |
Tools |
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2 cups Epsom salt 1/2 cup baking soda 20–30 drops of essential oils (optional) |
Measuring cups Medium bowl Mixing spoon Airtight container |
Once you have all the materials ready, follow these steps:
- Pour Epsom salt and baking soda into a large bowl.
- Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Add essential oils (if you want) to get a pleasant scent.
- Store the mixture in an airtight container.
For use, add 2–3 tablespoons of your homemade softener directly to the washing machine drum before starting a load of laundry.
How do you make laundry softeners with hair conditioner?
Creating a homemade laundry softener using a hair conditioner is simple and effective. Here's what you'll need:
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Ingredients |
Tools |
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2 cups hair conditioner (preferably unscented) 3 cups hot water 1 cup vinegar |
Large mixing bowl Whisk or stirring utensil Storage bottle Funnel (optional) |
After gathering your supplies, follow these steps:
- Combine hot water and hair conditioner in the mixing bowl.
- Whisk the mixture until it's smooth and well-blended.
- Add white vinegar and stir gently.
- Transfer the solution to a storage bottle.
To use this homemade softener, add 1/4 cup to your washing machine's fabric softener dispenser during the rinse cycle.
What are the best liquid fabric softener alternatives for dryers?
Wool dryer balls are the best option for replacing liquid fabric softener in your dryer (and dryer sheets as well). These natural, reusable wooly wonders bounce around with your clothes, creating space between them and absorbing moisture. The result is shorter drying times and softer laundry without chemicals.
Wool dryer balls offer a plethora of benefits for your laundry routine:
- Cut drying time by up to 25%
- Reduce static cling
- Soften clothes naturally
- Last for hundreds of loads
- No harsh chemicals
- Eco-friendly and biodegradable
- Good for sensitive skin
- Unscented
Wool dryer balls are a smart choice if you want softer clothes, lower energy bills, and a greener laundry routine. They're simple, effective, and better for the environment than liquid softeners.
DIY fabric softener FAQ
How many wool dryer balls should I use to soften my laundry?
The number of wool dryer balls depends on the load size.
- For small to medium loads of laundry, just throw 3–6 balls in your dryer.
- For larger loads, you can use 5–8 balls.
- For extra-large loads, you may want to go as high as 9–12 balls.
Want a nice smell? Add a couple of drops of essential oil to the balls before drying, or get Smart Sheep scenting spray in orange, lemon, and lavender fragrance.
Do you really need laundry softeners?
We need laundry softeners (or natural alternatives) if we want our clothes to be soft. But, traditional fabric softeners contain harsh chemicals, which you might want to avoid.
Instead, try a combination of wool dryer balls and natural solutions, such as adding vinegar or baking soda to your wash. This approach softens clothes, reduces static, and leaves out questionable ingredients. It's gentler on fabrics and the environment.
Are DIY fabric softeners safe?
DIY fabric softeners are generally safe when you use common household ingredients such as vinegar or baking soda. These natural alternatives don't contain harsh chemicals found in commercial products. Always test new solutions on a small, hidden area of fabric first.
How can I soften towels without fabric softener?
To soften towels without fabric softener, try these methods:
- Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle
- Use Smart Sheep wool dryer balls in the dryer
- Wash towels in hot water with a cup of baking soda
- Hang towels outside to dry in fresh air and sunlight
These methods are safe for clothes, readily available, and better for the environment.
Is fabric softener bad for the dryer?
Fabric softeners leave a waxy residue on the dryer's lint filter. This residue reduces the filter's effectiveness and damages the machine over time. The buildup also decreases the dryer's efficiency, which results in longer drying times and increased energy consumption.
What are hormone disruptors in fabric softeners?
Hormone disruptors in fabric softeners are chemicals that interfere with the endocrine system. These include phthalates and synthetic musks, which mimic or block hormones and disrupt the body's normal functions, leading to reproductive, developmental, and other health issues.
Can I use distilled water in my homemade laundry softener?
Distilled water works great in homemade laundry softeners. It lacks minerals that interact with other ingredients or leave residue on clothes. While tap water is fine, distilled water results in a purer solution, especially good for those with hard water issues.
How do I add a scent booster to my homemade laundry detergent?
To add a scent booster to homemade laundry detergent, mix in essential oils or dried herbs. Start with 10–15 drops of oil per cup of detergent for a subtle scent, or up to 30 drops for a stronger fragrance. Dried lavender or rosemary also work well for a natural boost.
What's the difference between coarse sea salt and Epsom salt in laundry products?
Coarse sea salt and Epsom salt work differently in laundry products. Sea salt softens water and maintains color. Epsom salt relaxes fabric fibers for a softer feel. Both combat hard water issues, but Epsom salt excels at softening clothes.
How do I keep my washing machine fresh with homemade solutions?
To keep your washing machine fresh, run an empty hot water cycle monthly with 2 cups of white vinegar. For extra cleaning power, add 1/2 cup of baking soda. This combo removes soap scum, neutralizes odors, and prevents mold growth, without harsh chemicals found in commercial cleaners.
Further reading
Wool dryer balls vs. dryer sheets: who wins?
A guide to eco-friendly fabric softening
Is line drying or machine drying better?
Can I use dryer sheets and wool dryer balls together?
What is the least toxic laundry detergent?
What is the best laundry detergent for sensitive skin?
Resources
Geller, S. (2022, August 16). Skip the most toxic fabric softeners. Environmental Working Group. https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2022/08/skip-most-toxic-fabric-softeners
