4 Easy Ways to Make Fabric Softener

Fabric softener is an essential part of of most of our laundry routines. And for good reason, too—the product is an effective way to soften clothes and reduce wrinkles. While there are many commercial fabric softeners out there, making homemade fabric softener is a cost-effective alternative that gives you control over the scents and ingredients you use on your clothes. There are multiple ways to make your own fabric softener and each method is easy to prepare using ingredients you likely already have at home.

How to Make Fabric Softener With Vinegar

One of the most sustainable ways to make homemade fabric softener is with vinegar, which helps to soften clothes and reduce static cling without leaving behind any potentially harmful residue. "Vinegar also helps remove soap residue and mineral deposits from fabrics," says Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO of Aspen Clean. "By using vinegar as a fabric softener, you can restore the softness and fluffiness of your clothes."

While the cleaning agent has a strong scent, it dissipates during washing and drying, leaving behind a neutral or lightly scented result. Vinegar is generally safe for most fabrics, but you should test a small area of your clothing before using it in a full load.

Materials Needed

Make sure you have these ingredients on hand before getting started.

• Distilled white vinegar
• Essential oil (optional for fragrance)
• Empty container or bottle with lid
  

Steps

Follow these steps from Sokolowski to make fabric softener using vinegar.

1. Clean the container or bottle you plan to use for storing the fabric softener.
2. Pour 2 cups distilled white vinegar into the container or bottle bottle.
3. Add 20 to 30 drops of your preferred essential oil to the vinegar (optional).
4. Close the container tightly and shake it to thoroughly combine the vinegar and essential oil.

How to Use

Pour about 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of the fabric softener into the rinse cycle dispenser of your washing machine during the final rinse, says Sokolowski.

How to Make Fabric Softener With Conditioner

Using hair conditioner to make fabric softener can be a convenient and effective method. With that being said, conditioner may not be suitable for all fabrics. "Some fabrics, such as towels or athletic wear, may not benefit from the use of conditioner as it can reduce their absorbency or affect their performance," says Kathy Cohoon, the director of franchise operations of Two Maids. "Also, be aware that scented conditioners may leave a fragrance on your clothes, which can be either desirable or undesirable depending on your personal preference."

Materials

Make sure you have these ingredients on hand before getting started.

• Hair conditioner
• Distilled water
• Empty container or bottle with a lid
  

Steps

Follow these steps from Cohoon to make fabric softener using conditioner.

1. Clean the container or bottle you plan to use for storing the fabric softener.
2. Pour approximately 1 cup of hair conditioner into your container or bottle.
3. Add approximately 3 cups of distilled water to the conditioner.
4. Stir or whisk the mixture thoroughly to ensure that the ingredients are fully combined.
   

How to Use

Pour about 1/2 to 1 cup of the homemade fabric softener to the rinse cycle of your washing machine. "You can pour it directly into the fabric softener dispenser if your machine has one," says Cohoon.

How to Make Wool Dryer Balls

Wool is a natural fabric softener; its properties help absorb moisture, which reduces static cling and softens fabrics. "Dryer balls help reduce drying time by increasing air circulation and separating clothes in the dryer. This can lead to energy savings and lower electricity bills," says Sokolowski.

Keep in mind that the process of felting the dryer balls can take some time and may require multiple wash and dry cycles to achieve the desired density and shape, says Sokolowski. While wool is generally a hypoallergenic material, some people may have sensitivities or allergies to it. If someone in your household has a wool allergy, it's best to skip this method.

Materials

Make sure you have these ingredients on hand before getting started.

• 100 percent wool roving (avoid blends or acrylic yarn)
• Scissors
• Pantyhose or a sock (optional)
  

Steps

Follow these steps from Sokolowski to make wool dryer balls that will make your clothes softer.

1. Take the end of wool yarn and wrap it around your fingers a few times to create a small ball.
2. Slide the loop off your fingers and continue wrapping the wool tightly around the loop in different directions, forming a ball. Continue wrapping until the ball reaches your desired size.
3. Cut the wool and secure the exposed end under one of the wrapping passes.
4. Repeat the process to create more dryer balls. (Three to six balls is ideal for one load of laundry).
5. Place the dryer balls inside a pantyhose or sock, tying a knot to secure them in place. (This step is optional and helps the dryer balls maintain their shape during the felting process).
   
6. Place the dryer balls in the washing machine and run a hot water cycle.
7. Transfer the dryer balls to the dryer and run them on a high heat setting.
8. Once dry, remove the dryer balls from the pantyhose or sock if you used one.

How to Use

Once your dryer balls have been washed, dried, and formed into a dense ball, you can place them in the dryer with your clothes during your next load of laundry.

How to Make Dryer Sheets

Dryer sheets are another fabric softener option—and homemade ones allow you to customize your preferred scent while also reducing waste (they're reusable!). "It may require some experimentation to find the right combination that works best for your laundry," says Cohoon. "Additionally, if you have sensitivities or allergies, it's important to be mindful of the ingredients used, including essential oils, to avoid any adverse reactions."

Materials

Make sure you have these ingredients on hand before getting started.

• Cotton fabric or cloth squares
• DIY fabric softener (liquid)
• Essential oils (optional for fragrance)
• Small bowl
• Container with lid
  

Steps

Follow these steps from Cohoon to make homemade dryer sheets.

1. Cut the cotton fabric or cloth into squares of approximately 6 to 8 inches.
2. In a small bowl, combine a few drops of your preferred essential oils with a fabric softening liquid of your choice. (You can use the vinegar or conditioner methods outlined above).
3. Place the fabric squares into the bowl containing the softening mixture. Allow them to soak for a few minutes, ensuring they are fully saturated with the liquid but not dripping.
4. Gently squeeze out any excess liquid from each square.
5. Lay the damp fabric squares on a clean surface or drying rack to air dry completely.
6. Once dry, transfer the squares to a small, airtight container for storage.

How to Use

Take one of the homemade softening dryer sheets from the container and toss it into the dryer along with your laundry. "The fabric sheet will release the softening properties during the drying cycle, leaving your clothes feeling soft and fresh," says Cohoon. "After each use, you can reuse the dryer sheet multiple times until it no longer imparts a noticeable softening effect." Once they are no longer effective, refresh the sheets by repeating the soaking process.